Four Days Off . . . TR Completed 12/2 - Page 4 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel 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
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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.
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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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My day started very early this morning, I got up at about 6:30 this morning after just a few hours sleep, showered grabbed my backpack and my purse and headed out the door. I drove myself to the USParkNET at the New Orleans airport and found a spot quickly. I hopped on their shuttle bus and was at the airport printing my boarding pass in less than 10 minutes. I grabbed a breakfast sandwich at Subway and proceeded to gate B4. I ate my mostly tasteless breakfast and we were boarding almost as soon as I finished.
I fully expected to be stuck in a middle seat due to my abysmal boarding number:B47. I managed to find an empty aisle seat about 2/3 back. The flight was uneventful although I have to give props to the comedian SWA flight attendant who kept most of the plane groaning through the safety instructions, takeoff, and landing. He was actually quite funny.
I quickly proceeded to floor 1 on the B side and got my DME boarding slip from the desk--there wasn't time to have them mailed. The woman at the desk was surprised when I told her I didn't have any luggage at all. Almost immediately I was on a bus! Yeah! I was also the last stop . . . Boo! I must say that we arrived at the Contemporary in record time, but maybe I didn't notice how long it took because I was reading on my iPhone.
I waited forever in the check in line, even though there was only one woman checking in in front of me. She had a bazillion questions. Folks, if you need to ask tons of questions--don't do online check in. Once she was finished I had my packet in a matter of seconds and was off to my READY room--even though it was only about 12:45.
I must say that in spite of all my doubts I love the Contemporary and I love my room. I'm in the South Garden wing on the second floor. The rooms have all been redone, and mine is lovely. I particularly like the square sinks in the bathroom. I'll have to remember to take a picture. The best part of my room is the view and the fake balcony. I've got a balcony sliding door that opens onto the waterway between Bay Lake and the 7 Seas Lagoon. There, however, is no balcony, just a railing preventing you from falling out the window! Love it--I imagine it would bother lots of people that there isn't a real balcony, but I can open the door and hear the running water and I love it--its very peaceful.
After my OL delivery I decided it was time for lunch and a park. I headed back to the main building and started towards the Contempo Cafe, as I had heard good things. On my way there I decided I didn't want a sandwich or a flat bread--what I wanted was a hot dog from Casey's--and there was no one to argue with about it.
I was already on the 4th floor so instead of walking, which I know would have been faster, I hopped on the monorail for almost a full circuit. I got off, went through bag check and entered the most magical, albeit jam packed place on earth. Wow, I don't think I've ever seen the MK so busy. Didn't bother me one bit though, I wasn't in any hurry.
I grabbed my lunch and stopped at the fixins bar for sourkraut, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. The first two were for my dog and the second two for my fries. There was not a table anywhere in sight--so I improvised . . . I ate my lunch standing up at a garbage can. Oh well. I've also been known to use garbage cans at the MK as trippods, bag holders, and tired person props.
Lunch was good, but honestly the whole wheat buns are lacking. I'm already eating a hot dog, can a please have a nice squishy white bread bun to go with it? Or at least a whole wheat bun that doesn't fall apart?
Now it was time to hit the ride . . . okay not so much. I had a list of things to accomplish and I managed all but one and added in an extra. I headed first to Tomorrowland to knock out my first two activities. I managed to get stuck on the Peoplemover twice . . . apparently someone refused to stay seated! I walked right on to the Carousel of Progress immediately after exiting the TTA.
I walked to Fantasyland, where I though about heading through Toon Town before its closure, but FL was jammed with people. There was not, however, any wait at all for Prince Charming's Carousel --so I rode two carousels in a row! This wasn't on the list, but who am I to turn down a no wait ride on a day listed above 9 on the crowd calendar? I headed over to Mickey's Philharmagic next and was loaded almost immediately into the next show. The theater was completely full, but all I had to wait through was the loading process. Upon exiting Philharmagic, which I just love, Fantasyland had gotten so busy that little 5'2" was having problems not getting swallowed up by frustrated parents with run away strollers . . . isn't that ride in Frontierland?
I checked out the new facade on The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the new store. They did a great job with the outside. I love it,but I wasn't about to wait 50 minutes for a ride. The store has lots of plush, some Pooh items, and a plethora of Tigger stuff. Sadly the Donkey is very under represented. The lines for Snow White, Peter Pan and IASW were bursting out of the queue areas. The return time for PPF was something like 9:30pm--so I passed on that all together. I headed towards Liberty Square and the last two things on my to do list.
It started to rain just as I crossed under the Columbia Harbor House. I put my iPhone in its zip lock bag and kept going towards the Haunted Mansion, where they had literally created additional queue space using the ropes they use for parades. Uh oh. The wait was over an hour and the new queue area was out in the open, with more people joining every second. I passed and walked into the nice, dry Hall of Presidents loading area. I was told it was about 10 minutes until the next show. I ended up in the next to last row, but right smack in the middle of the theater, which was completely full. By this point there were a ton of wet, unhappy children in the theater, but I didn't notice them once the show started. I'm a super history geek--so I love HoP!
It was raining a little harder when we exited so I just plowed through the crowd stopped at the door. What's a little water? I almost started to nod off during HoP, so I knew it was time for a break. I stopped and got ice cream from the Plaza ice cream parlor on my way out to the front. I window shopped at the jewelry store and continued on through. I stopped in the Exposition Hall to see if there were any characters hiding, but that area has been walled off . . .
Just a little pet peeve--that you will probably see reoccur several times during this trip, as I've already noticed it three times. In the store that used to have a ton a Disney related art on Mainstreet--the floor is now dominated by Vinylmation, same is true in the Kodak shop in Exposition Hall. AHH! STOP THIS NOW! Shopping is no fun if every store sells the same items!
I finished my ice cream and walked back to the Contemporary. I stopped in the gift shop to pick up a bottle of wine for later (which I am drinking now). I headed back up to the room to change out of my wet clothes and shower for dinner.
Once I had on dry clothes I headed down to The Wave for my first sit down meal. I have pictures of this to post when I get home. I sat for awhile before being greeted, but other than that, my server Jordan (girl Jordan) did a great job. I really like this restaurant. The menu items are interesting--even if they follow the chicken, pork, beef, seafood pasta mantra. (One of each)
The chef came out to discuss my nut allergies and informed me that the only thing I couldn't have was the blue cheese and almond salad, but they would be happy to omit the almonds if I wanted.
I almost never order an altered dish. I feel like the chef includes ingredients for a reason--if they aren't there then I'm missing out on something. So while the salad sounded good--I went with the other option instead. I ordered a glass of Pine Ridge Viognier/Chenin Blanc blend to drink. I started out with lovely crusty multigrain bread and butter, which was garnished with purple rock salt. I opted for the avacado and citrus salad, which was just lovely. Nice tang from the grapefuit, spiciness from the mixed greens, and that soft pleasant taste of avacado.
I would have tried the soup of the day as well--but it was corn and bacon, which sounded too close to what follows:
As my entree, I actually ordered the pan seared scallop appetizer. I have to say I found this a little on the sweet side. It was served with a corn cream and applewood smoked bacon. Scallops are a sweet shellfish and corn is very sweet as well. There wasn't enough of the bacon or the micro greeens this was topped with to cut the sweetness. The scallops could have been a little less done as well, but they were still edible. Now that I've been super critical--I have to stay that it wasn't bad, I just could have done with more of the savory and less of the sweet. I might even order it again. I'm still finding my way with scallops.
I didn't find anything on the dessert menu that screamed at me so I ordered a cup of Earl Grey with Lavender tea instead, while my bill was dealt with--TiW can take a minute.
After TiW discount and included tip my bill was $30 and change. Not bad at all!
I have to say I really like the menu at the Wave. It changes seasonally and is based on what is available that is local/sustainable! I'm definitely going to try this again--in fact maybe for breakfast one of these days!
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Just a little pet peeve--that you will probably see reoccur several times during this trip, as I've already noticed it three times. In the store that used to have a ton a Disney related art on Mainstreet--the floor is now dominated by Vinylmation, same is true in the Kodak shop in Exposition Hall. AHH! STOP THIS NOW! Shopping is no fun if every store sells the same items!
I agree!!
Oh, goody--live updates! Sounds like you're having a great day and enjoying the freedom of solo travel. Eat and do what you want when you want.
I headed out to the bus stop directly from dinner. I got a little nervous because everyone else waiting was wearing long sleeves. I ended up being okay in my T shirt. I waited about 10 minutes for a bus to DHS. Tonight's goal was to see the Osbourne Lights.
I did a little browsing of the shops first. Here's my second Vinylmation rant--Villains in Vogue no longer has any villain gear at all! Its full of Nightmare Before Christmas stuff (and I certainly don't consider Jack a "villain" at all) and tons of Vinylmation stuff. I know the villain stuff is out there--I saw a great sweatshirt on Susnest Blvd and an awesome Maleficent shirt in the GF gift shop on my last trip. My question is: Why isn't all of it available in the shop that is supposed to be exclusively villain oriented? They tend to be my favorite characters. I guess when you consider that my theme song is Ain't No Rest for the Wicked . . . I actually got a bunch of complements on my Evil Queen T shirt today--everyone wanted to know where I bought it--sadly it was at the Disney Store about 3 years ago. I also have one I got at Hot Topic about the same time--I get the same questions about that shirt when I wear it at the World.
I decided to grab dessert on my way in and stopped at the Writer's Stop, where I got a hot chocolate and a carrot cake cookie. The carrot cake cookie is really more like two muffin tops sandwiching a cream cheese frosting. It was yummy but a little too big, I'm still full.
I stood a watched the lights dance and got a little choked up. My last two visits to the lights have been with wonderful friends and I missed them standing by myself watching the wonderful spectacle and listening to the music. I then walked all the way through the lights looking for the Black Cat. If you don't know the story behind the cat: when the Osbourne Family lights were packed up in Arkansas they accidentally included one of their Halloween decorations: a "black" cat. (It's really purple.) The team of Disney decorators makes a game out of "hiding" the cat somewhere in the Christmas lights every year. I found it--you can see the photo on my Facebook account! Usually someone else points it out to me--but this year I found it on my own--without even asking a cast member. I'm not going to spoil the surprise!
After viewing the lights I headed over to see Mupppets 3-D, which I haven't done in awhile. I know its been at least 4 trips and I just love the Disney 3-D shows because I can actually see them. I have trouble seeing blue/red 3-D. (Long story) I wandered around the preshow area reading all the boxes while I waited--about 10 minutes I would guess. Then I had a Disney first. Instead of the usual spiel to move all the way to the end of the row filling in all seats--the cast member running the show said: "This theater is designed to seat 500 people . . . when the doors open you guys can sit where ever you want."
When the doors opened I picked a row and sat down in the middle--close to the rear of the theater (There was only one family behind me with a wheelchair group) No one else sat in the row--I had it all to myself. I would guess that there were maybe 75 people in the room for the show. It was comical, as always . . . although I'm ready for Muppets 2.0-perhaps when they finish with Star Tours.
After Muppets I debated about what to do. I started walking in the direction of ToT, which was listed as having a 15 minute wait--then I decided I was getting to the point of silly tired and didn't want to be falling asleep on the bus. I'm traveling by myself-I didn't want to end up at the GF having missed my stop. So I headed out for the night. I waited a little bit for a bus, but it was obvious that the people near the front of the line had been waiting for a fair bit of time. Most of them had pulled up some concrete and were waiting on the ground in various positions!
And that folks is the end of my first solo day at Disney. AK opens tomorrow at 8am. I can almost tell you for certain that I won't be at rope drop. Nothing I want to do is that pressing. I have my wake up call set for 8:30, which should give me plenty of time to see Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Flights of Wonder before dinner time!
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It's a shame to hear my beloved donkey boy is now under-represented at the Winnie the Pooh shop. Not on! : And I so hear you about the shops - I like to see a different range everywhere I go.
Sounds like it was a delightful day despite the crowds. I was checking the Lines app thinking about you. Your dinner at the Wave sounded good! I came close to booking it for my upcoming trip but changed my mind. Have fun at AK.
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
Sounded like a great first day of your solo trip.
I can't believe Villians in Vogue doesn't have any villians merch! I was really looking forward to purchasing another Maleficent shirt! Thanks for the heads up.
I am assuming you are already up and at it.
Have another great day today!
Great first day! I know what you mean about the online check in people. I've used it twice, and twice I've been behind people who don't have a clue about the resort they booked. Just a wee bit frustrating!!! Anyway, your room sounds lovely. And isn't it nice to leisurely wander around and change your mind about what to eat, where to go, and nobody gives you any grief about it!!! solo trips!! Hope you're having fun at AK!!
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Tanya
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I'm a little late to the party but I love the PTR / TR (wow, talk about fast planning!!) I'm loving that you're there RIGHT NOW!!
Thanks for the black cat story. We're considering going down next Nov to see the Osborne lights and if we do, I'm definitely looking for that cat! I love that story!
Great update! Sounds like you're having fun despite the crowds!
We really enjoyed The Wave also - - I had forgotten about that yummy bread and butter. My only complaint about it is the decor. We were seated in the back room and it seemed too much like a bland convention center room. I didn't really get a chance to see too much of the front room, so maybe it's better.
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.
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: And I so hear you about the shops - I like to see a different range everywhere I go.
Liz 
I've used it twice, and twice I've been behind people who don't have a clue about the resort they booked. Just a wee bit frustrating!!! Anyway, your room sounds lovely. And isn't it nice to leisurely wander around and change your mind about what to eat, where to go, and nobody gives you any grief about it!!! 
solo trips!! Hope you're having fun at AK!!
Susan
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