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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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.
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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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Exciting plans. LaBrea Tar Pits is the first place (other than LAX) my kids ever went in So Cal. Of course, they spent a lot of time just rolling down the grass hills with their cousin. It was a necessary activity after flying cross country. They had a ball and I've always wanted to back but have never made it. There is so much to do in So Cal. Take lots of pictures.
I'm planning to at least take a peek. After all, I'm staying right at the Fairmont!
No way! I didn't realize you are actually staying THERE! This is my top Tiki dream experience right now, because it looks awesome AND allows minors. I have a burgeoning tikiphile 7 year old.
Please post a little review, even if you only duck in. I'm especially interested in whether the restrooms are themed. That's an often-neglected area (even at Disney Parks.)
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Wow, your whole trip sounds amazing! I would love to do an ABD someday. All of the goodies and perks sound great! Now, I know you're not a Star Wars fan, but maybe, just maybe, since you're taking a tour of Lucasfilm, you could bring yourself to watch the first movie before your trip?? It would make the tour so much more meaningful. And who knows, you might even like it!
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
Your plans sounds wonderful Sharon!!! I haven't been to Universal Studios in LA for many years now. Have they added anything new in the last few years there? I hear Harry Potter Land is going to LA in 2016.
Dinner is on my own, but I plan to meet Karen and her son Zack for dinner. I don’t know where we’ll have dinner, but it’s my dining companions that are important, so we can go to McDonalds and I’d be happy. … I sure hope it’s not McDonalds.
Oh God, please let it be McDonalds
This trip sounds pretty much awesome! My knowledge of Star Wars is pretty much on point with yours but a tour of Lucas film would get me pretty giddy. All the tours sound super cool actually. I am really looking forward to your review again on the DL Hotel as that's on our agenda for next fall.
Girl, you know how to pack maximum fun into your trips! The entire trip sounds like such a blast. I love SF - such a beautiful city. I would love to go on either this ABD or the Backstage one but it is not in my budget. I am glad you are doing a TR since Karen never seems to get thru one. Have loads of fun and enjoy the company!
Just as I'd expect, ABD fits more into a trip than you could possibly manage on your own! I can't believe all you're doing in the 3 days of the tour! Can't wait to read the TR for this one!
ABD itineraries are always packed to the gills! But I love it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
What a fantastic trip!! And love the swag so far! I really want to do an ABD trip, as they just seem spectacular.
Hope you get to see some fireworks at DL.
It's fun to get little gifts from them! I definitely think the ABDs are worth the money for a lot of reasons!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Sounds like an amazing trip! Great that you are staying at the Fairmont as I've heard so many good things about this hotel over the years! I know it's in one of the hill sections of SF, but unsure of where? My parents actually stayed there back in the late 80's or early 90's. It's funny that at the same time, they got upgraded to a suite (my father's persistence as a business man and got what he wanted as the first room wasn't great. ). They were actually on the same floor with Frank Sinatra and his posse and he actually said hello to my parents on at least one occasion!
Your excursion to Silverado Vineyards should be great as I know their wines. I visited a small vineyard back in the early 20003s called Viansa which was great and the view overlooking the Napa hills was almost as good as the wine!
Have you ever seen the movie "Sideways" Maybe a good one to see before your wine tour!
Yes, the Fairmont is atop Nob Hill, which I think is the highest hill in San Francisco. If it isn't, it certainly felt that way when I was walking up it today! Very cool your parents saw Frank Sinatra! I am going to keep an eye out for celebrities.
And I haven't seen Sideways, but I won't have the chance to see it before the tour of the winery. I'll have to check it out once I get home.
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
Sure hope you're having fun, San Francisco is beautiful! I don't remember if you said that you were going to Muir Woods, but I remember taking my daughter there about 14 years ago and enjoying it very much. Can't wait for your next installment!
Exciting plans. LaBrea Tar Pits is the first place (other than LAX) my kids ever went in So Cal. Of course, they spent a lot of time just rolling down the grass hills with their cousin. It was a necessary activity after flying cross country. They had a ball and I've always wanted to back but have never made it. There is so much to do in So Cal. Take lots of pictures.
I am definitely visiting La Brea Tar Pits, but I won't be rolling down any hills. But if it looks fun, I may be tempted! And don't worry, I'll take lots of photos!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KimmyAnn1147
No way! I didn't realize you are actually staying THERE! This is my top Tiki dream experience right now, because it looks awesome AND allows minors. I have a burgeoning tikiphile 7 year old.
Please post a little review, even if you only duck in. I'm especially interested in whether the restrooms are themed. That's an often-neglected area (even at Disney Parks.)
I certainly will!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mpwife153
You sure have some great plans for this trip! Not that you ever have lame ones, but I guess it Could happen
Never!
Quote:
Originally Posted by pamcarey
Wow, your whole trip sounds amazing! I would love to do an ABD someday. All of the goodies and perks sound great! Now, I know you're not a Star Wars fan, but maybe, just maybe, since you're taking a tour of Lucasfilm, you could bring yourself to watch the first movie before your trip?? It would make the tour so much more meaningful. And who knows, you might even like it!
Too late! But I'm still excited to go there!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindawdw
Your plans sounds wonderful Sharon!!! I haven't been to Universal Studios in LA for many years now. Have they added anything new in the last few years there? I hear Harry Potter Land is going to LA in 2016.
Since the last time I was there, there's a new Transformers ride/movie and a new Simpsons ride. I'm not sure what else is new.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Linnynad
Oh God, please let it be McDonalds
This trip sounds pretty much awesome! My knowledge of Star Wars is pretty much on point with yours but a tour of Lucas film would get me pretty giddy. All the tours sound super cool actually. I am really looking forward to your review again on the DL Hotel as that's on our agenda for next fall.
Linny, you crack me up! I'll be sure to get lots of pictures of the DLH!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcneal
Girl, you know how to pack maximum fun into your trips! The entire trip sounds like such a blast. I love SF - such a beautiful city. I would love to go on either this ABD or the Backstage one but it is not in my budget. I am glad you are doing a TR since Karen never seems to get thru one. Have loads of fun and enjoy the company!
Being back in San Francisco reminds me how much I loved it the first time! And I'm a big fan of ABD. The trips are packed with great stuff, a lot of which you can only do with ABD. If you ever get a chance to do one, I can recommend it! And perhaps Karen will chime in once I start the TR.
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
Well, the trip has begun! I meant to post another update yesterday, but after about 2 weeks of work being quiet, yesterday was very busy (and it didn’t help that I also had a meeting in the middle of the day ). Err… not that I do anything like checking the boards or writing PTRs at work.
Anyway, I’ve landed in San Francisco and have spent some time reacquainting myself with this beautiful city. My flight was uneventful, but the woman in front of me kept standing up and leaning on the seat back, which was a bit weird if I’m honest. There’s always a chance you’ll see a celebrity flying from New York to another major city, but I didn’t see any today. Probably was my 7:00 a.m. flight. From what I hear, celebrities don’t wake up until noon.
I was met at the airport by Flavio, holding a sign with my name on it. He drove me to the Fairmont where I dropped off my bags and checked in. I have a fabulous view of the city and the little rooftop garden area at the Fairmont.
I spent the early afternoon in Chinatown, which I love. I did some shopping and had some lunch. I forgot to bring the USB cable for my camera, so I can’t upload any photos until I get home. I’ll try to post some pictures from my phone later.
My itinerary for the ABD portion is pretty packed, so I don’t honestly know how much time I’ll have to post updates for the next few days, but I’ll try. I’m also going to continue to post on Instagram if you’re following me there.
Speaking of my itinerary, I know during the welcome breakfast, they’ll ask everyone to say what they’re most looking forward to. I have so many wonderful things scheduled, it’s hard to choose, but I thought about it on the plane so I’d have an answer ready. The thing I’m most looking forward to is spending time with my good friends Karen, Cheryl, and Mark. I haven’t mentioned it before (it was supposed to be in the update I didn’t post yesterday ), but I’ll also get to spend some time with Jeannie (Dlandmom2). I’ve met Jeannine before and she’s lovely, so it’ll be great to see her again!
But that’s not what ABD wants to hear. I’m most looking forward to our visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum. It wasn’t open the last time I visited San Francisco, so it’s completely new to me. As a Disney fan, I sort of feel like this is mecca. And I know our private tour will be filled with inside details and perhaps even a bit of pixie dust thrown in!
With 3 ABDs under my belt, I know that the thing I say I’m most looking forward to at the beginning is never the thing I liked best once the Adventure is over! So we’ll see if that happens again.
I’m also super excited about the road trip with Karen. It’s something that’s been on my bucket list for a while. I’m hoping Karen won’t expect me to do any driving so I can enjoy the scenery (and take pics ). We’re actually taking the scenic route. Not the scenic route my Dad takes where in actuality he’s just lost and it takes like an hour longer to get there, but the actual scenic route where there are lovely things to look at and it takes an hour longer to get there.
This one probably will surprise some of you, but I am kind of psyched about finally getting to see the La Brea Tar Pits. I’ve heard about this since I was a little kid, and it always seemed so fascinating. I’m glad that after about 5 trips to LA, it’s finally made it onto the itinerary.
There are also a bunch of new things at Disneyland that I can’t wait to experience. First and foremost, I just can’t wait to see the park all blinged out for its 60th birthday. I also really can’t wait to see the new nighttime entertainment for the 60th Anniversary. First on that list is the Paint the Night parade. I love parades, but I really love nighttime parades, and from the photos I’ve seen, this one looks amazing! I want to really see it for the first time in person, so I haven’t done too much looking at photos online so it’ll be fresh for me. Super excited about seeing it!
I also am really psyched to see the Disneyland Forever fireworks. Again, I haven’t done much online peeking, but from what I hear, it’s terrific! World of Color has a new part added for the anniversary as well. I adore the original, so I’m probably going to love this one too.
There are some attractions that have been newly refurbed as well since my last visit to Disneyland. The Matterhorn has a brand new, high-tech Yeti, which I can’t wait to see. I especially love the Matterhorn because it’s one of the few attractions that’s in one and only one Disney resort. As much fun as the Disney attractions are, I just feel like each resort should have a few attractions all to themselves, you know?
The Storybook Land Canal boats have a new section for Frozen that I’m curious to see. I found the original ride to be completely charming, and I hope they’ve introduced Frozen in a natural way. Peter Pan’s Flight also has a new nursery scene that I can’t wait to see.
Space Mountain will be closed for most of the trip to put in the Halloween overlay. I’ve read about it in years past and it’s something I’ve always wanted to experience, so naturally I’m eager to ride that, which will have to be on my final morning when it opens back up.
I’ve made a note-to-self to check out the brand new interactive windows on Main Street, too. This is a little detail that many people don’t take time out to explore, but from what I’ve seen, they are very impressive.
There are also a few other things at Disneyland and California Adventure that I want to try (most of them snack related ), but I have to leave something for the actual TR, and this is getting long! Karen is on her way into the city to meet me for dinner.
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
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Pixie Dust
I sure hope it’s not McDonalds. 
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
Have loads of fun and enjoy the company!
Mary - not enough trips!
). They were actually on the same floor with Frank Sinatra and his posse and he actually said hello to my parents on at least one occasion! 
Maybe a good one to see before your wine tour! 
But if it looks fun, I may be tempted! 
And perhaps Karen will chime in once I start the TR. 
I meant to post another update yesterday, but after about 2 weeks of work being quiet, yesterday was very busy (and it didn’t help that I also had a meeting in the middle of the day 
). Err… not that I do anything like checking the boards or writing PTRs at work. 
There’s always a chance you’ll see a celebrity flying from New York to another major city, but I didn’t see any today. Probably was my 7:00 a.m. flight. From what I hear, celebrities don’t wake up until noon. 
so I can’t upload any photos until I get home. I’ll try to post some pictures from my phone later.
It wasn’t open the last time I visited San Francisco, so it’s completely new to me. As a Disney fan, I sort of feel like this is mecca. And I know our private tour will be filled with inside details and perhaps even a bit of pixie dust thrown in! 
), but I have to leave something for the actual TR, and this is getting long! Karen is on her way into the city to meet me for dinner. 
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