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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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So totally ..... The first set of pics - the park looked a little empty.... The roses were lovely....and how sweet to receive them....The topiaries were so cute as well.... Wish you had a pic of the "hot" driver.....LOL!!!!
The pictures of the very empty park were most likely taken early in the morning the following day. I just posted them here to help break up the TR. And I wanted to ask for a picture of the driver, but with Christy and Tom there, I didn't want them thinking I was a perv or anything. I did get a shot of him loading the car, but alas, it's lost.
Quote:
Originally Posted by coffeechef
I love the castle...and how cool to be able to leave the Hotel and step into Disneylaand park. The HM looks interesting, actually that is how I think of a Haunted House to look. In your Hotel room I just love the head board and the Bed spread. IN the bathroom , were those bath cyrstals and if you stuff the toiletries in your suitcase, do you get replacements every day I have a big yellow bucket of Disney soaps, shampoos, whatevers as part of my Disney themed 1/2 bath at home,courtesy of the come back to my room and put them in my suitcase to take home
I can't wait to hear more of the DLP adventure
I definitely stocked up on the toiletries. I keep them in a basket in my bathroom at home, too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Disneybine
Well, about the train... It does stop at each station along the way all day. However, since most people do a full round, if just a few people get off at the station you're waiting at, it can take forever to get onto the train Been there...
That makes sense! We had to wait for about 4 trains to come before we finally got on one! But then we stayed on for a while, so I guess other people had to wait longer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by doccoc2002
WOW! what a great day and the parc does look very empty. Love the room! Can't wait to hear more and your fave ride...hmmm?
My favorite ride was a surprise to me, so I doubt anyone could guess (well, you could, but you know what I mean ). And the park was actually fairly crowded. There was a bank holiday in France, so a lot of French people filled the parks up.
Quote:
Originally Posted by disney_duke
Love the flowers and topiaries around the hotel, beautiful and fun! That castle is amazing. I showed my DD7 and she literally dropped her jaw! Stunned! Then she said, "that's in France?!" I guess we'll be headed there in another 5 years or so..... Beautiful room as well. Looking forward to your favorite ride!!
The park is really beautiful. Especially the castle!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dsteiny23
Yay! I've been looking forward to this part of the trip. I would LOVE to stay 'inside' a Disney park...how cool to walk out and just be there! The castle is so much more fantasyish (I am now making that a word ) And Phantom Manor looks a little bit like the Psycho house in the Universal backstage tour in California. HM is one of my very favorite rides (I dragged poor Jason on it last year) and I would love to see all of the others.
PM definitely looks like the Psycho house! I was surprised how different the ride was. I expected it to be the same with minor differences. There were a lot of the same elements (stretching room, ballroom scene, etc.) but overall, it was very different. I managed to get some good photos later in the trip, so you'll see what I mean.
Quote:
Originally Posted by iloverags2
Phantom Manor (at least from the outside) reminds me of the Bates Motel! (Maybe someone forgot to tell DLP this is Disney, not Universal!)
Oh, how I would love to stay at a hotel INSIDE the park! Way cool!
Were those chocolates on your bed? Seriously, I think you are taking pictures such as this to entice your mom into going!
It does look like the Bates Motel! I kept watching the curtains to see if someone would peek out! And in London, Paris and at DLP, every night I got turndown service. I loved the chocolates on the pillow, but they also included a little card that told the next day's weather forecast, which was great.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LLaffinPlace
Marvelous start. I am always fascinated to hear about the similarities and differences between the parks (and the hotels). Your room looks lovely and reminds me a bit of the pictures of the Cinderella Castle suite at WDW.
Hm, Heather, maybe a Passporter meet at DLP?
Looking forward to your next update!
If y'all are going to DLP, I wanna come too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovedisney247
Sounds like a great idea Larry! Have you seen the thread about Tokyo?
Larry, you really need to think about it! I'll try to convince you (and Bob) in person in a couple of weeks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pamcarey
Great start! How cool that you got VIP fastpasses! Did you get to see the dragon in the castle? That sounds so cool to me. Can't wait to hear about your favorite attraction!
I did get to see the dragon, but I lost the pictures, and forgot to go back and take more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caldercup
I just spent an enjoyable hour catching up with this TR. (I know... bad BFF, bad, bad, bad!!)
It's all been delightful and I've laughed out loud so many times. You, dearheart, are a wonder of energy and stamina!
Can't wait for more.
Eileen
Good to see ya, buddy!
Quote:
Originally Posted by LLaffinPlace
By the way, Sharon, I love the title!
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
Quote:
Originally Posted by LLaffinPlace Marvelous start. I am always fascinated to hear about the similarities and differences between the parks (and the hotels). Your room looks lovely and reminds me a bit of the pictures of the Cinderella Castle suite at WDW.
Hm, Heather, maybe a Passporter meet at DLP?
Looking forward to your next update!
If y'all are going to DLP, I wanna come too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovedisney247 Sounds like a great idea Larry! Have you seen the thread about Tokyo?
Larry, you really need to think about it! I'll try to convince you (and Bob) in person in a couple of weeks.
Please do try and convince both of them about Tokyo Disney - it would be so good if you guys could join us and if there's any chance of something at Disneyland Paris, then we'll be in for that as well.
Day Seven, Part Two My favorite attraction at Disneyland Parc. You’ll never believe it!
I returned to the park and found Christy and Tom waiting for me right at the beginning of Main Street. I wanted popcorn, so I went off to find a vendor. I did find one, but he had a bicycle type cart and needed to leave to clear the parade route, so I had to watch the parade without my popcorn. What a hardship.
After defending our spot from pushy latecomers, the Wonderful World of Disney parade started. It was sort of a composite of a few of the American parades. At one point, the parade stops and there’s sort of a show, which I guess is a trend. Here are some of the photos I got when I watched it the next day.
And here is concrete proof that the French have a more casual attitude about PDAs. Buzz and Jessie are totally making out!
I’d say something about French kissing, but this is a family board.
There was a big crowd once the parade ended, so I got the brilliant idea () of using one of the two arcades that run along Main Street U.S.A. to get to the hub. Unfortunately, we had to fight huge crowds to get there. Luckily, once we made it inside, we could move more comfortably.
We headed to Adventureland, hoping to be able to ride Pirates of the Caribbean. The wait was about 30 minutes, but we did get to ride it.
The attraction is similar to those in the States (without the Captain Jack Sparrow/Davy Jones elements). The coolest part, I think, was the sword-fighting audio-animatronic pirates, which I’d heard so much about. I really liked that. The ride was closer to Disneyland’s version than WDW’s. Out of the three, I’d still call the Disneyland (Captain Jack ) version my favorite.
Once we’d finished that, Tom and Christy needed to leave for their dinner reservation. They were eating at the Blue Lagoon, which is inside the POTC attraction, similar to the Blue Bayou at Disneyland. I said goodnight to them and then decided to head over to Discoveryland (Tomorrowland) to see what was up there.
I wanted to ride Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, but the FP wasn’t on that day, so I couldn’t use my VIP FP. I headed over to Space Mountain instead. I noticed a show with Stitch going on (some kind of dance party, but not at all like the short-lived Stitch show at WDW).
As with many of the rides at DLP, Space Mountain is a lot more intense than here in the States. It goes upside down! And part of the ride (the launch) can be seen from outside. Also, it’s gold.
I showed my VIP FP and was boarding the ride in just a few minutes. It was really cool, nice and dark, and really bumpy. I had a slight headache when I got off, so I decided not to ride it again for a while.
I was ready for dinner, so I decided since Café Hyperion was right there, that was good enough for me. I got a cheeseburger. I spoke to the CM in French (all CMs speak English and French at least). He was quite friendly and we had a little chat while I waited for my food. The CM bringing the food to the counter brought my burger out and wanted to speak to me in French, but my new friend wanted him to practice his English on me.
I found a table (which was more difficult than I’d have liked – most of the tables were kind of dirty). While I ate, I was able to watch cartoons on the big screen. I was happy to enjoy classic Mickey cartoons (Lonesome Ghosts and The Camping Trip). Other than the difficulty in finding a clean table, I really enjoyed Café Hyperion and would eat there again.
After dinner, I felt like it was late enough in the day to venture into Fantasyland. I took the back way, so the first attraction I encountered was it’s a small world.
I thought it was really pretty. I preferred the colors to the white and gold façade at Disneyland. The line was quite short, so I decided to try it out.
I didn’t take pictures the first time through, so I was able to take it all in. I don’t know if it was because the ceilings were low, which made you focus on everything more or that it seemed shorter so they had to pack everything in, but I felt like there was more stuff to look at.
And here it is: I. Loved. it’s a small world. Seriously. I lurved it! It wasn’t too different from the attractions in the States, but something about it made me love it way more. I only do iasw at the U.S. parks out of duty. At DLP, I would ride it willingly every day.
I loved how much there was to see, as I previously stated. Also, it seemed like rather than just rooms with dolls from different nations, there were actual vignettes of different nations. I heart it’s a small world. Here are photos I took another day (because I rode it every day )
The Canadian scene, which surprisingly, was my favorite (no offense to the Canadians out there – clearly I’ve seen the error of my ways and now recognize the awesomeness of your country )
Now some of you may be waiting with bated breath to hear about the bagpiper in the white room. I say to you, “ Eileen!” For everyone else here’s the scoop. There is a bagpiper in the white room, and even though some poster named Caldercup insists that he’s playing out of tune, I’ve always maintained that he wasn’t. Actually, I’ve always maintained that bagpipe music always sounds out of tune, but whatevs. So how does he sound in DLP? Out of tune. More specifically, he sounds exactly like he does in the U.S. parks. You know how they say crazy people always insist that everyone else is crazy and they’re the only sane ones? And they insist that you’re just not understanding? And then they obsess over it, trying to find someone, anyone to agree? Ahem. Love ya, LeeNee
I wanted to check out Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, but it was closed for the day. I walked over to Peter Pan’s Flight and found the wait to be manageable, so I hopped in the queue. While I was waiting, I heard someone calling my name. It was Christy!
Peter Pan’s Flight was a lot like the American versions. So, classic! Once the ride was over, I found Christy and Tom and we decided to hang together. They told me how much they’d enjoyed their dinner at the Blue Lagoon.
We decided to do Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey, which was the same as the Disneyland attraction. We decided to visit the dragon in her lair. An incredible castle needs a dragon to protect it, you know. It was really cool! Maleficent (of course it’s Maleficent, it is Sleeping Beauty’s castle after all) was asleep, but it seemed like if anyone got too close, she’d wake up and growl. So !
I took photos, but they were lost and I forgot to retake them. I asked Christy to share some of her photos from that day, so I’ll be able to have replacements. By this time, the park had closed, so we strolled down Main Street. When we reached the train station, we were treated to a great surprise. Mickey! And he was waving goodbye to everyone. I lost the photos I took, but the good news is that’s the last of the photos that are lost!
After the short walk to our hotel, Christy and Tom decided to call it a night. I wanted to visit the Disney Village (their version of Downtown Disney). I returned to my room to get rid of the stuff I was carrying and then headed right back out with just my camera.
Disneyland Paris is similar to Disneyland in California – everything is within walking distance. It was a 5-minute stroll to Disney Village. I enjoyed checking out the shops and restaurants.
I didn’t find anything to buy until I reached the Disney Store.
Like the World of Disney stores in the U.S., this was the biggest Disney store on property. Also like its U.S. counterparts, it was the busiest store on property! I found a few items to buy, but I’d seen them in other stores in the park, so I decided not to wait on the long lines and get them later. I could always come back if I needed to.
I’d had my fill of shopping, so I decided to call it a night. On the way back, I snapped a photo of the Walt Disney Studios, where I would be spending the next day.
And I got some photos of the Disneyland Hotel, so you can see how pretty it is!
I decided to explore the hotel a bit, and I ended up in the resort gift shop. I purchased a few items. Usually I buy a resort magnet to hang up at work. Lately, I’ve been having trouble finding resort magnets, but I had an epiphany. I bought a resort pin instead. I have a magnetic board and a cork (or something) board that are right next to each other, so I can hang either.
The windows in the shop had lovely topiary type displays (which were very common).
Back in the room, I turned on the television and was happy to find a Top 10 show, which I watched for a while before finally going to sleep.
Up Next: Move over, it’s a small world. I’ve got a new fav!
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
What great updates! The vignettes in IASW do look very charming. A much more complete realization of the "we're all different, we're all the same" theme. I'd love to see it. And the hotel is beautiful. Almost as beautiful as the castle!
Wow! Wow! What wonderful updates....where to start?
The parade floats are gorgeous! I cracked up at Buzz and Jessie and then Woody's face looks so perfect. He really looks like he's in shock by the two of them.
I think the pirate picture with Captain Hook is funny because all his "lackies" are floating in the air.
SM looks pretty cool in gold. I didn't know what that was until you mentioned it. I'm glad you enjoyed your lunch, but what was up with the dirty tables? Were they that busy that they didn't have time to clean them?
iasw looks fabulous! I see a little of what you mean from your pictures. I think it's hilarious that they have a football player eating popcorn representing America. Too funny! The Canadian scene really is pretty, and I love the colorful facade.
The hotel is stunning! Wow! How beautiful.
Thanks for the updates. They are wonderful. I'm anxiously awaiting your next installment.
Thanks for all this - it's getting me nicely in the mood for my trip there next week (Yay). DLP trip reports are a bit of a rarity on the Boards so it's great to get to read one so soon before I go. Wonder if this means I am off the hook for doing one of my own now.......
Looking forward to your visit to the Studios, they have changed a lot since I was there.
Me too - when I first went I wasn't impressed really, the Studio's seemed so bare. By last year they were miles better - they actually had a bit of atmosphere and were much easier on the eye. Nemo and ToT have made a big difference.
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..... The first set of pics - the park looked a little empty.... The roses were lovely....and how sweet to receive them....The topiaries were so cute as well.... Wish you had a pic of the "hot" driver.....LOL!!!!
I did get a shot of him loading the car, but alas, it's lost. 
Been there...
). And the park was actually fairly crowded. There was a bank holiday in France, so a lot of French people filled the parks up.
Stunned! Then she said, "that's in France?!" I guess we'll be headed there in another 5 years or so..... Beautiful room as well. Looking forward to your favorite ride!!
) And Phantom Manor looks a little bit like the Psycho house in the Universal backstage tour in California. HM is one of my very favorite rides (I dragged poor Jason on it last year) and I would love to see all of the others.
Deb
PassPorter Guide Author
) version my favorite.
Ahem. Love ya, LeeNee 
I lost the photos I took, but the good news is that’s the last of the photos that are lost! 
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