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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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Great wrap up! Thanks for sharing your TR Darlene!
Thanks so much for reading along Jodi. I'm glad you've enjoyed it
Quote:
Originally Posted by tinker_me_happy
Well I finally got to finish reading! I love reading your Trip Reports...the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly! I think you sounded like an old Flying PRO the way you described going through security on your way home!
My husband SWORE he would NEVER go back after "the sour taste" left in his mouth after his first trip in 2008 and we are going away in just a few short weeks (just the 2 of us!! ) for his THIRD trip!
Don't worry... 2013 will be here before you know it!
Thanks Karen. You really put flying into perspective for me before we even left and with all the advice and pixies from everyone here, going through security and flying really was no where near as bad as I thought it was going to be so it really did end up not being a big deal at all. I was comfortable with everything that was going on so while I didn't feel like a pro doing it, I wasn't letting anything get to me. And I'm so happy you're hubby is willing to fly again. You must be getting so excited for your own trip. And believe it or not, after writing this TR and seeing all the good times we had and just different conversations Lenny and I have had, 2013 actually can't come soon enough . But since we have no money, I hope it doesn't come too soon
Quote:
Originally Posted by triddle67
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. I appreciated the DDP comparison to. I know we ended up wasting a bunch of snacks because we would eat the CS desserts for snacks, or not get desserts at all. My DH pretty much decided that if and when we get back to WDW we would do it with the DDP.
Thanks for reading my TR. I hope you've enjoyed it. And I'm glad my comparison is a help. I know for myself I like to read first hand accounts of how something works to help me make a decision.
Quote:
Originally Posted by aprild
Thank you so much for sharing your trip Darlene. Even with the bumps and grouchies it sounds like a nice vacation. The pictures of Abby show just how much fun she had.
Thanks April. Abby had a blast - and just like us, she's talking about going back already. We did have a nice vacation and writing this TR helped me realize how many ups we did have to make it a good vacation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by truenancy
Great report! I do love the honest TRs. I re-read mine recently, and realized that I was often irritated with DH (certainly more than I remember now). So the memories will fade to a rosy glow, but you'll be prepared with a different perspective in 2013. Write down the notes now (no mini golf!), and stick to them!
Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us - it was a joy!
Thank you Nancy. I'm so glad you read along and really enjoyed it. And isn't that the nice part of re-reading our TR's? We can go back and remember something our hubbies have done that we have since forgotten about . That's all right though - IMO it's helpful info in planning the next trip "hubby was cranky here so we'll have to do something about that"
Great wrap up. Thanks for sharing your trip! You gave such detailed accounts it feels as though I was there with you.
Very interesting break down on the ddp/oop. Your right, when not on the ddp you do order differently, therefore you save money. But like you said, had you ordered everything you would have with the plan, then it'd cost you more money. I too see it working both ways. Another thing that has me going back and forth while thinking ahead for our next trip, is my oldest is charged for an adult. Making the ddp more costly. But without it, she can order off the kids menu! That's a big difference there in cost. Anyhow, that part of the planning I love.
See you around the boards until your next tr!
Thnaks a lot Elisa. I'm glad you got to "vacation" with us and enjoyed it. Unless you know for a fact that x, y or z can and will happen, the DDP is a hard decision to make because going with it has its pros but so does going without the plan. Up until this year, going with it for us was always an easy decision because I had my days planned just so that I knew we'd be able to utilize all our meal credits and driving I knew we could use up our snack credits at the food court before we left. This year with flying and having a short vacation (made shorter due to a day at Sea World) it wasn't such an easy decision because I wasn't sure if we could or even wanted to do all the meals that the plan would have paid for. I'm still happy with the decision I made but having done that, I will admit our next trip the DDP won't be an easy decision like it used to be. Lenny recently said the DDP is too much food - there were a couple of days we got away with sharing just one CS meal - and if Abby wants to do Sea World again, that will be at least one less day to use our credits but that's not a decision I'll make until we acutally have a trip planned. And talking trips - I love your count down. I'd love to have one like that but Abby looks at my computer too much when I'm on here and I don't want her to think something WILL be happening if it might not in the long run, KWIM?
I've just finished reading, start to finish, & thoroughly enjoyed your TR! Your style of writing flows well and is easy to follow. I loved the photopass pictures, especially the pictures of Abby with Tiana & Cinderella, they were wonderful! Thank you for sharing your adventure, my family can't return to the world until 2013 due to my crazy school schedule and it's SUPER hard. I appreciate being able to live vicariously through TRs like yours!
__________________
"Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate."
Captain Jack Sparrow
I've just finished reading, start to finish, & thoroughly enjoyed your TR! Your style of writing flows well and is easy to follow. I loved the photopass pictures, especially the pictures of Abby with Tiana & Cinderella, they were wonderful! Thank you for sharing your adventure, my family can't return to the world until 2013 due to my crazy school schedule and it's SUPER hard. I appreciate being able to live vicariously through TRs like yours!
Thank you so much. I'm really glad you've enjoyed my TR. You're in good company - there's quite a few of us not able to go until 2013 so while I can't speak for anyone else, that's how I'm going to have to get my Disney fix - by reading the TR's of others. It defintiely is a fun way to get to Disney for a day.
Glad to see you posted today. I hope you guys didn't get too much damage.
Quote:
Originally Posted by goofy4clareandkeller
PS I thoroughly enjoyed your TR. I'm a reader more than a commenter, but I really like yours.
Thank you very much Kirk. We did pretty well. We didn't suffer any damage - just leaves and small branches down in the yard. A couple of trees did fall down across the street - one onto the wires but it was small enough that it stayed put and did not bring down the wires. We were without power for a few hours due to another tree coming down somewhere else in town but that was the "worst" of it. And even that wasn't too bad. Abby had her DS to play and thankfully we have a generator so at least we could plug in a couple of lights in the kitchen and the sump pump in the basement (the pump is why we have a generator - our basement would flood otherwise).
And thank you so much for reading my TR - I'm really glad you enjoyed it.
Once again Darlene your TR was great. You put so much thought and detail into each entry and it is such fun to read. It makes me feel like I am right there with your family sharing your experiences. Thank you for such an awesome TR and as always I look forward to your next one.
Darlene, i just got back from my vacation with my mum and my two girls and fell so far behind with your TR. I'm sad that it's finished, you did a really god job. I really liked all the pics too. The numbers for your DDP were interesting. I have this debate with myself everytime we go. On our last trip we paid OOP but this time we are doing the DDP. I think it just depends on your plans. I agree that you eat differently if you are paying OOP though.
Once again Darlene your TR was great. You put so much thought and detail into each entry and it is such fun to read. It makes me feel like I am right there with your family sharing your experiences. Thank you for such an awesome TR and as always I look forward to your next one.
Thanks so much Olive. I'm glad that yet again you were able to "travel" with me and that you enjoyed the trip. I'd love to say you'll have a new TR to read sooner rather than later but I don't forsee that happening right now. Who knows what the future will bring though - one can always hope
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex'sMummy
Darlene, i just got back from my vacation with my mum and my two girls and fell so far behind with your TR. I'm sad that it's finished, you did a really god job. I really liked all the pics too. The numbers for your DDP were interesting. I have this debate with myself everytime we go. On our last trip we paid OOP but this time we are doing the DDP. I think it just depends on your plans. I agree that you eat differently if you are paying OOP though.
Love all the pins that Abby managed to get too.
Rachel
Thank you Rachel. I'm glad you enjoyed my TR - I was sad to see it end too but it happens.. And I agree the DDP is always a debate - it's not always cut and dried to make it a simple yes we should or a no we shouldn't. As long as we end up happy in our decisions, that's all that matters in the end. As for Abby's pins - she had so much fun she wants me to get her more for our next trip to Disney. I think we've created a monster (and I blame PPer's too - some had a hand in helping this happen )
And talking trips - I love your count down. I'd love to have one like that but Abby looks at my computer too much when I'm on here and I don't want her to think something WILL be happening if it might not in the long run, KWIM?
I definitely KWUM! My girls don't ever see it or like you I wouldn't do it. Would hate for them to get their hopes up.
I spent this evening reading your report, Darlene. Thank you so much for sharing, and for adding the pictures. And I am sure you know - EVERY parent here has had to deal with meltdowns with kids and every spouse here has had to deal with meltdowns with their spouses !!
I spent this evening reading your report, Darlene. Thank you so much for sharing, and for adding the pictures. And I am sure you know - EVERY parent here has had to deal with meltdowns with kids and every spouse here has had to deal with meltdowns with their spouses !!
Thank you so much for reading. I'm hope you enjoyed all of it. You're right, I do know every parent/spouse goes through those moments but sometimes when you're IN the moment, it's hard to remember that, KWIM? It's only after we get home and things settle down (and my TR gets written) that things are looked at differently.
Hi, Darlene,
I don't participate as much as you but wanted you to know I just read your TR to help me pass some time, and get me ready for our upcoming trip (December). You write the best TR!! I thoroughly appreciate your honesty, your humor, and I love the little smilies that move (I'm too novice to have a clue on how you make it happen, but it makes me happy to see!) We've never bought the DDP; I just don't want to be tethered to the reservations, nor feeling like I have to order certain foods to max my benefits. I do think it's great to "pre-pay" so we use a Disney gift card that we pre-purchase to pay for our food, nnd use any leftover for souvenirs....I decide on the amount by looking at receipts from past years and current prices.....Worked great for us, last year was our first time and we liked it. I also understand having that initial "I'm not going back ever again"...after a "bad trip. WE had several really magical trips in the 90s, then had to skip "99 due to a major job change and 2000 mile move west. Then, we went in 2000, and it was just awful. The Disney CMs had little magic, and we left feeling really sad. Meanwhile, we did go to Disneyland for the original grand opening of CA (our first trip there ) and we fell back in love with Disney. Finally returned to WDW 3 years ago, and the magic is back.....
Sorry about the novel....
Hi, Darlene,
I don't participate as much as you but wanted you to know I just read your TR to help me pass some time, and get me ready for our upcoming trip (December). You write the best TR!! I thoroughly appreciate your honesty, your humor, and I love the little smilies that move (I'm too novice to have a clue on how you make it happen, but it makes me happy to see!) We've never bought the DDP; I just don't want to be tethered to the reservations, nor feeling like I have to order certain foods to max my benefits. I do think it's great to "pre-pay" so we use a Disney gift card that we pre-purchase to pay for our food, nnd use any leftover for souvenirs....I decide on the amount by looking at receipts from past years and current prices.....Worked great for us, last year was our first time and we liked it. I also understand having that initial "I'm not going back ever again"...after a "bad trip. WE had several really magical trips in the 90s, then had to skip "99 due to a major job change and 2000 mile move west. Then, we went in 2000, and it was just awful. The Disney CMs had little magic, and we left feeling really sad. Meanwhile, we did go to Disneyland for the original grand opening of CA (our first trip there ) and we fell back in love with Disney. Finally returned to WDW 3 years ago, and the magic is back.....
Sorry about the novel....
Don't apologize - you didn't write a novel. I know for me, reading the TR's of others sometimes makes me do the same thing - you read a certain thing, see a smilie, things like that and it bring back your own memories and thoughts that you want to share with others. That's what I like most about here - we can freely share whatever we want because we know others have been there, done that, know where we're coming from and there's so much comfort in that, especially if there have been bad moments in a trip. Then we really don't feel like we're alone in a "I'm not going back" moment. I'm so glad the magic is back for you going to WDW. I'm trying to make a trip to DL happen for us but I think it's going to be a really long time before that happens as right now, the money just isn't there to make it happen.
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. But since we have no money, I hope it doesn't come too soon 
. That's all right though - IMO it's helpful info in planning the next trip "hubby was cranky here so we'll have to do something about that" 
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Pixie Dust
I've just finished reading, start to finish, & thoroughly enjoyed your TR! 
Your style of writing flows well and is easy to follow. I loved 
the photopass pictures, especially the pictures of Abby with Tiana & Cinderella, they were wonderful! Thank you for sharing your adventure, my family can't return to the world until 2013 due to my crazy school schedule and it's SUPER hard. I appreciate being able to live vicariously through TRs like yours! 
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