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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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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What a great looking pearl cage!! Looks like you guys had a great day and lots of Character sitings!! Sorry to hear that you trip is coming to an end and what you guys have to go home to but you will have those memories for along time. Love the mickey shaped cloud. You did have someone watching after you guys that day!!
Lisa, I was waaayyy behind! All caught up now though
I know it must have been difficult to write about the day you found out about you FIL, but at the same time I'm sure it was a little theraputic. I think you did the right thing not leaving early, it's times like that where you really need to have some good family time and what's a better place to do that than Disney right? You packed in a lot of fun and made some wonderful memories together in those last couple of days, I'm pretty sure that your FIL was smiling down on you the whole time, happy that you were happy.
Thanks! It was bittersweet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Great information about checking bags! Lots of character fun at MK on your last day, especially with two of my favorites, Mary Poppins and the Penguin. I am so sorry that reality had to be so hard when you all got back.
Thanks! The dance with Mr Penguin and Emily was just magical!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhToodles!
Love that Cinderella pearl carriage. Just might have to add that to my wish list!
That rainy day parade was so cute! I've never seen that before (in person or in pictures).
on what lies ahead.
Thanks! We had never seen that parade either......it was a nice treat!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
I had no idea they had a rain contingency parade! How cute!!
Great final day, and I can imagine you felt the weight of the world descending on you as you pulled away from BLT...
Thanks - yes that was a real treat with the rainy day parade!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
This day, like the whole trip is full of such extremes-- highs and lows. I love the magical moment of the penguin dance-off, your lunch looked really nice, love the unexpected Character Cavalcade, and love seeing Emily eating the blue Mickey-on-a-stick! I'd never eat anything that color. Kids! And most of all, that magical cloud. Such a tough ending to the day, boarding the plane headed home to face the reality and pain. But you followed Scott's dad's wishes and this trip will always be a bittersweet, special one in your memories.
Thanks - It absolutely was bittersweet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
What a wonderful last day you had, with some great character interaction. I loved the Mickey shaped cloud as well. All in all, it sounded like a great day to round off your vacation.
Thanks - I still look at the photo of that cloud - and just smile
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMA
You had a great final day, with so many unexpected surprises. How nice to be able to get into BoG again for lunch! And the little parade of characters was a great substitute for the parade on a rain day! Glad you got to ride all your favorites one more time before saying goodbye.
Thanks - That parade was a treat!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Glad you guys had a great last day at MK! Never seen that rainy day parade before! Great pictures! Sorry for all you're going to have to go thru once you got home!
Thanks - we had never seen that parade either - and it was a real treat!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayraLR
What a great way to spend your last day!
Thanks - it was good!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily
What wonderful character therapy you had. Perfect magic like that was much needed on that day.
Thanks! It was
Quote:
Originally Posted by melduckie
Really cool to catch that Rainy Day Parade!!
Thanks - we though so
Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
All caught up. Your pace continued these last two days of the trip. I had visions of Scott leading you and Emily around behind his new tour group flag.
This has been a remarkable trip - looking forward to reading your wrap up.
Thanks -That would have been real funny if we had a crowd of all yellow shirted people behind us!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Russi01
What a great looking pearl cage!! Looks like you guys had a great day and lots of Character sitings!! Sorry to hear that you trip is coming to an end and what you guys have to go home to but you will have those memories for along time. Love the mickey shaped cloud. You did have someone watching after you guys that day!!
Thanks! That cloud makes me smile all the time
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
Although we had devastating news while in our happy place and it has changed our lives forever, it was still overall a wonderful trip. I am sure that it is something that we will think of every time we visit our happy place ~ but in a good way ~ noticing the small things in life more often, knowing that we are blessed with the most amazing guardian angel , and he began showing us that immediately while we were still in the bubble, and continues to do so on a daily basis. There was no one ever like my father in law; he was truly an amazing man with more patience than a saint, and the grandest heart with a smile that could make even Grumpy smile! I was truly blessed to be able to call him not only my father in law, but also “Dad” in every sense. He raised an incredible son who I call my husband, my best friend.
Okay – enough sadness ~ time to get to all the experiences of this trip.
Who knew that after 10 years, and 19 trips of visiting our happy place there could still be more things to experience!
New Resorts ~ we did a split stay, for 8 nights in a studio at Animal Kingdom Lodge with a savannah view. What can I say that I haven’t already said – THIS WAS AMAZING!!! Such a relaxing peaceful way to vacation! Hind sight being 20/20, we almost wished that this would have been our second half of our stay, where we truly needed the tranquility. This resort was perfect for us. Emily and I have such a love and respect for wildlife, and to be able to have it right outside your balcony is just such an experience. The cast members here were always very pleasant and helpful. The food was great. The pool was very comfortable, we never really struggled to find a lounge chair or two. We did have a rental car, however, we also utilized the buses quite frequently and it was never an issue, service always seem reasonable.
The second half of the stay was at Bay Lake Tower in a 1 bedroom villa. While there were quite a few hiccups with the check in process and securing a room without several unwanted guests (bees), we thoroughly enjoyed the villa here. There was so much space. Having the second full bathroom was a blessing while getting ready – especially with a teen. You can’t beat the monorail transportation to the surrounding resorts for meals or just visiting. And the short walk to MK was a huge plus for us. The buses however, were time consuming as they are shared with the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. We never used the CS at the contemporary – we were so close to so many other options (in MK), never felt the use for it. The pool was great on the BLT side (we never went over to Contemporary pool); it was usually pretty quiet when we went. We did order food and beverage from the pool bar, and it was fine. I did feel like I missed that “home” feeling that we have gotten at other DVC resorts.
New Dining Experiences ~ we tried several “new to us” dining venues this trip.
· Boma was fantastic! All the ranting and raving about this place is justified!
· We also very much enjoyed Be Our Guest for dinner, with of course the highlight of meeting the Beast himself!
· La Hacienda was delicious and the service was great.
· Kona Café – we have been trying to make it here for years, and finally did for lunch, and I believe it will be a must do for lunch every trip now!
· Tusker House Character meal – they have added the characters to lunch time, and if you can snag an ADR for around 10:45ish, you can enjoy both breakfast and lunch, as they are switching over, great value ~ especially if you are using the Dining plan.
· Dine with Shamu ~ no, it’s not Disney – but we had been interested in this for quite some time, I am glad that we did it, would probably go back, the experience outweighed the cost and the food.
New to us Activities:
· Visiting Art of Animation Resort at night was a great way to see the resort and it’s beauty all lit up! Can’t wait to stay here!!!
· Utilizing Disney Florist – this was the first time I had ever used them, and I was very happy with the service and quality of product. I have actually used them again for friends that were running in the marathon, and they were staying off property – and again I was very happy with their service.
· Wild Africa Trek – although I had done this tour once before by myself, being able to experience with my daughter and seeing it through her eyes was a memorable experience!
· New Passporter Meets – meeting up with Heather to celebrate America’s birthday was great! The friendships created here in just amazing, and they are genuine friendships.
· Character Palooza – we are HUGE character fans – so being able to experience this was magical for my family – it is something that is not guaranteed and you have to have time and patience to seek it out.
· Flag Retreat – we had never taken the time to watch this ceremony, it was very touching and such a beautiful way to show the true American spirit.
· Wishes – being able to watch Wishes from the comfort of my room balcony in my pj’s was priceless.
· Monsters University Homecoming Show – although it was a limited time show, it is nice that Disney is constantly adding in new events for us veterans!
· Top of the World Lounge – although I didn’t spend much time up there, and it was very late in the evening when I did visit, it was a great place to just relax and enjoy some quiet time.
· Meeting Remy at Les Chefs de France, this was something that we had tried to experience many times before, never timing it right. So happy we finally did, as this experience is sadly no longer available.
Snacks & Adult Beverages ~ I had a mission going into this trip to be able to try new snacks and adult beverages that many others always mention in their experiences, some of those included:
· Zebra domes – Where have these been all my life???
· Milk Chocolate with Sea Salt Caramel – they were good – but I am not a huge fan of chocolate, have to be in the mood, but these were pretty darn yummy!
· Sweet potato ~ while this might sound strange to some, I was thrilled to have a “healthier” option for a light snack that wasn’t just fruit or veggies!
· Conundrum Wine ~ delicious white wine blend, would have loved to have brought a bottle back!
· Tequila Flight at La Hacienda – great way to sample tequilas you might not normally try.
· Grand Mariner Slush – really? What can I say? INCREDIBLE!!! Especially on a hot day! Could be dangerous!!
· Banana Cabana – very good, a bit sweet, but enjoyable while sitting poolside.
· Big Bamboo – good – but nothing to really write home about, typical tropical type drink.
· Malibu Macaw – this was chosen in lieu of a Lapu Lapu (due to no pineapples), it was very good (I really like Malibu) but I am still holding out for that Lapu Lapu!
Characters ~ we met 62 (unduplicated) characters during this trip, 5 of them being new to us: Ralph, Vanelope, Vidia, Phineas & Ferb.
We did have to cancel some dining ADR’s that would have been new to us: Flying Fish; Bongo’s; and Kona for breakfast………….so we will just have to add those in next time!!!
One of my goals for my next trip is to start working on my photos more…..none of the photos (with the exception of photopass) were edited in any way ~ I have photoshop (however, have not yet loaded it) and know that some of my photos would be that much better with a bit of editing and to also remember to take photos of souvenirs that we purchase along the way.
I have also started gathering a selection of photos from the last 10 years of Disney trips that I would love to share with all of you - so hopefully I can get that posted by this weekend................that is if it won't bore you?
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
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Wow, Lisa, somehow I missed this and just finished reading the whole thing! So many comments, but I can't remember them all.
I am very sorry about your FIL, but like I have said over on FB, I am glad that you were able to keep in somewhat good spirits and finish out your trip.
You have some beautiful shots from the whole trip...but there are a few that are just absolutely gorgeous of Emily. What a pretty girl. Such a combination of both you and Scott...she looks identical to neither of you...just the best parts put together!
I have been hemming and hawing over where our next trip resort. We have friends who have kindly offered points to us to use for DVC. I "thought" I wanted BLT, but honestly, lately when I see the BC.....well we want to upgrade to have a better pool, and what better place than BC! My only holding point is that I would love to be close to MK. We are there most days and to be able to walk....ugh. Decisions! I know a lot of the decision will strictly be based on what is available.
Next trip, you need to try the Grey Goose Citron Slush. It's SO good, and I like it better than the Grand Marnier. Also, make sure to get that Lapu Lapu...they are one of my favorites. My absolute fave though...Cantaloopy at the China Tea Cart. Tastes just like they stuck a straw in a cantaloupe...if you like cantaloupe. LOL! Dana says cantaloupe smells like old people. ?
I can't believe you met 62 characters! WOW!
I will have to confess...I skipped your day at SW. When I came upon that section, I had literally watched the documentary Blackfish that day. I just couldn't do it. I am however glad that you all enjoyed your time there.
Thanks for taking me on your trip...it's was a great one!
Wow, Lisa, somehow I missed this and just finished reading the whole thing! So many comments, but I can't remember them all.
I am very sorry about your FIL, but like I have said over on FB, I am glad that you were able to keep in somewhat good spirits and finish out your trip.
You have some beautiful shots from the whole trip...but there are a few that are just absolutely gorgeous of Emily. What a pretty girl. Such a combination of both you and Scott...she looks identical to neither of you...just the best parts put together!
I have been hemming and hawing over where our next trip resort. We have friends who have kindly offered points to us to use for DVC. I "thought" I wanted BLT, but honestly, lately when I see the BC.....well we want to upgrade to have a better pool, and what better place than BC! My only holding point is that I would love to be close to MK. We are there most days and to be able to walk....ugh. Decisions! I know a lot of the decision will strictly be based on what is available.
Next trip, you need to try the Grey Goose Citron Slush. It's SO good, and I like it better than the Grand Marnier. Also, make sure to get that Lapu Lapu...they are one of my favorites. My absolute fave though...Cantaloopy at the China Tea Cart. Tastes just like they stuck a straw in a cantaloupe...if you like cantaloupe. LOL! Dana says cantaloupe smells like old people. ?
I can't believe you met 62 characters! WOW!
I will have to confess...I skipped your day at SW. When I came upon that section, I had literally watched the documentary Blackfish that day. I just couldn't do it. I am however glad that you all enjoyed your time there.
Thanks for taking me on your trip...it's was a great one!
Thank you for all your kind words - especially about Emily!
I have already started my list of my have beverages for this next trip! I am a bit hesitant on the cantaloopy one though due to a slight allergy to melon But all the others sound fantastic!!!
We just recently watched Blackfish as well - it was difficult to watch - and unfortunately I am not sure that any of us will ever know the full truth
Good luck deciding where to stay for your next trip!!! It is still a tough decision for us each and every time!!
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
Thank you for all your kind words - especially about Emily!
I have already started my list of my have beverages for this next trip! I am a bit hesitant on the cantaloopy one though due to a slight allergy to melon But all the others sound fantastic!!!
We just recently watched Blackfish as well - it was difficult to watch - and unfortunately I am not sure that any of us will ever know the full truth
Good luck deciding where to stay for your next trip!!! It is still a tough decision for us each and every time!!
Oh, yw! Seriously, a few of Emily look professional...so kudos to you too!
I agree with you about not ever really knowing the truth of what happens. Unfortunately, there was enough for me that are unmistakable facts...like them getting injured in the pools and by other whales...ugh. Makes me sad.
Thanks for the luck. It's still a long while off, so I am sure I will change my mind a million times between now and then.
Loved all the detail in your wrap-up and it's given me some ideas of things to try. You three are character magnets! I'd love to see the 10-year photo retrospective. Definitely!
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Great wrap up! again for sharing your family's adventures with us.
Thank you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
Loved all the detail in your wrap-up and it's given me some ideas of things to try. You three are character magnets! I'd love to see the 10-year photo retrospective. Definitely!
Thank you! I don't think we even realized how many new things we had done until I put it all on paper! We do LOVE our character friends!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by xwewhisper
Great final thoughts! You were able to accomplish so much and try so many new things! Thank you for sharing, I truly enjoyed reading along
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thank you!
__________________
Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
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Wonderful wrap-up!
I like your review of Boma. I was on the fence about trying this restuarant, but now I'm adding it on my trip spreadsheet!!
Thanks for sharing your journey.
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Lots of character fun at MK on your last day, especially with two of my favorites, Mary Poppins and the Penguin. 
I am so sorry that reality had to be so hard when you all got back. 
on what lies ahead.
Great pictures! Sorry for all you're going to have to go thru once you got home! 
, and he began showing us that immediately while we were still in the bubble, and continues to do so on a daily basis. There was no one ever like my father in law; he was truly an amazing man with more patience than a saint, and the grandest heart with a smile that could make even Grumpy smile! I was truly blessed to be able to call him not only my father in law, but also “Dad” in every sense. He raised an incredible son who I call my husband, my best friend.
"Sparky"(My first trip.)
But all the others sound fantastic!!! 
again for sharing your family's adventures with us. 
We do LOVE our character friends!! 
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