Forums Closed
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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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!
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Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.
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05-05-2005, 02:01 AM
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#46
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PassPorter Message Board Manager PassPorter Guide Author
Community Rank: Legend VIP
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Maidstone, Kent, UK
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 190,285
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
I love those photos Tina - how you managed to keep it a surprise for so long is amazing, but worth it when you saw the looks on their faces!
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05-05-2005, 11:06 AM
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#47
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Faith, Trust, Pixie Dust
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 34,171
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
Tina! What beautiful pictures of the boy's faces (and yours too). I would have been crying also!
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05-05-2005, 12:40 PM
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#48
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New York
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 7,960
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
What a great way to surprise the boys! I love the looks on their faces. It's like you got the picture the exact second that they "got it." I'm looking forward to more!
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05-05-2005, 02:20 PM
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#49
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Community Rank: Globetrotter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Corona, New York
Posts: 3,436
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think it's hilarious that they think you guys just hopped a plane to spend the night in Kansas City (and had to have a layover first). Is something you guys do normally?
Can't wait to hear about the big reveal!!
[/ QUOTE ]
Well at first they did wonder if we were going to meet some Passporters I didn't think Jalen would catch on, but I thought for sure Kylor would...but he didn't. But, no, it's not something we would normally do
[/ QUOTE ]
<font color="purple"> I thought that was pretty funny too!
Let's hop a plane for the night!
I those pics of the boys after you told them!
And the one of you is terrific!
Can't wait for more! </font>
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05-05-2005, 04:40 PM
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#50
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: NC
Posts: 12,270
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
How cute that Kylor was worried about school!! Thataboy!!!
I wish they'd have a Stitch breakfast at WDW!!
Can't wait for more!! Those boys are adorable!
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05-05-2005, 07:01 PM
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#51
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Community Rank: Jetsetter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Mateo, CA
Posts: 2,490
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
Tina,
I'm loving reading about your wonderful surprise! You have such adorable, sweet boys; and you're quite the cutie-pie too! Can't wait to hear about your time at Disneyland.
Karen
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05-05-2005, 09:09 PM
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#52
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Community Rank: Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Posts: 27,691
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
Tues. April 26th cont'd
We quickly check in at the Jolly Roger. The guy working the desk was SOOO friendly. It was really nice b/c I had read some things about how the front desk staff at this hotel was super rude!! They had a room ready and I asked if it was on the top floor. After staying on several 1st floor rooms with noisy people above me, I try to request a top floor room whenever possible. It was, so we head up. I unpack a little bit, we all change, I pack up my handy dandy Passporter LL Bean bag and we start the jaunt to DLR. I had bought an Anaheim bus pass for $9, and only ended up using it twice (b/c I felt I HAD to) They don't run from like noon-2 for 'lunch'.
We had a nice walk as the weather was so beautiful. I asked the kids after we got through bag search which park they wanted to go to. They picked California Adventure. We got through the turnstiles very quickly and are serenaded with 'California Girls' Love it. We walked over by the sun fountain and I asked Jalen which ride he wanted to go on first - California Screamin' or Tower of Terror. He was terrified on Tower of Terror at WDW last year, but he says he is a big boy and brave now. But he still picks California Screamin' first. It is about 2:30 and the standby line is 50 minutes. We grab some fast passes with a return time of 4:35. We quickly measured Jalen and he just skimmed the bottom of the 48" marker. He had to suck in his breath and stand REALLY straight.
Right next to CS is King Triton's Carousel, so we hopped in line for that. We were on quickly and Jalen ran to a sea otter. Some girls were walking around complaining how all the little kids just ran and grabbed all the animals so now they had nothing to ride There were plenty of open animals. Anyway...I love this ride. It's so cute.
After that, we meandered along the boardwalk deciding where to go next. The boys have no desire to go on the Sun Wheel ("boring") and Kylor doesn't want to go on the Maliboomer (where they shoot you up really fast) without me (Jalen isn't tall enough) Next ride we see is the Orange Stinger (swings) The height requirement is 48" here, too, so again Jalen sucks in the breath and is granted access to the line I asked if I had to go with him and the CM said 'yes' Ick. I hate those small seats. Then she asked if Kylor was his brother, I said 'yes' and she said 'OH, he can just go with him' COOL! I went out by the exit and watched them. I tried to get a good picture, but all I got was Jalen's dangling legs
We are feeling pretty hungry by now so we try to find someplace for a quick lunch. Pizza sounded so good, so we head to Pizza Oom Mow Mow. I got a piece of pepperoni, Kylor got a piece of cheese, and Jalen got the peanut butter and jelly combo (came with Mickey shaped corn chips and a small soda) Kylor and I also shared a root beer. When Jalen got his lunch, he was so excited, b/c it was one of those Smuckers Uncrustrables, which he adores. The pizza was ick - it was almost black and tasted icky. But I was so hungry I ate it, anyway.
After our lunch we headed over the the little water areas. The boat was closed today but the other areas were open. The boys spent some time firing a water cannon at a dinghy and trying to get it to move. It was a nice cool down area.
We started walking to the far end of Paradise Pier and I saw the California Dreams movie was just about to start. I've always wanted to see this, but thought it might be boring for the kids. Today I said too bad. We got in line and the doors opened shortly thereafter. We sat in our plush seats and the show began. The CM was brand new and kept flubbing up his opening lines. At the end he said 'Sorry, I'm new' Everyone laughed and I think that was a great way for him to handle it. There are 2 statues on either side of the screen. The lights died down and 1 statues face came to life. It was Whoopi Goldberg. The eyes moved and it was all holographic. Very cool. The curtains opened and the movie began. I really really enjoyed this attraction. Whoopi Goldberg also narrates the movie. It tellls you about the history of California. I thought it was nicely done.
It was only 3:30 - another hour until our FP is available so we headed over to a Bug's Land. Jalen wanted to ride in the bumper cars, so we got in the looong line. Kylor waited by the exit as last time we did this ride he got stuck and was sitting there crying b/c he was so frustrated. So he waited for us. While we are in line the guy in front of us complained about DL for about 5 minutes. He just kept going on and on and his wife/gfriend was just ignoring him "I'm really beginning to regret coming here. It might actually be fun if there weren't lines for everything. There's too many people here." and my favorite "You can have this much fun in the airport - waiting in the line for security" Whatever, buddy. I felt so bad for his kids. I'm sure they were having lots of fun listening to him complain all day
Anyway, after our short, slow ride on the bumper cars we still had about 20 minutes until our FP time. There's a little water area by the bumper cars where you can run under the water. Well guess who comes over? The kids of the complainer. And boy, oh boy, did they get a reaming for going under that water and getting wet! Loser. My boys quickly ran under a few times and decided that was enough for them, anyway. We headed over by the Caterpillar equipment and Jalen sat in the cab of one. We then looked longingly at all the beautiful, plump red strawberries they were growing there. Man, would I have loved to pick a bunch of those. We also noticed all the beautiful lemon trees. Love it.
About time for our FP so we walk slowly over to Paradise Pier again, taking many pit stops along the way by the lake so the boys can count ducks. This became a recurring theme on this trip and they kept a running tally of how many ducks they'd seen Right after this photo, Jalen got his shirt stuck on the fence rail and ripped the entire back of his shirt
We got in the FP line for California Screamin' and were the last people let through before she closed the FP line and let the general line go through So we were onboard in less than 5 minutes. I don't think Jalen was nervous, just super duper excited. I really never thought he would be brave enough to do this ride after his wimpiness last year We headed down to the 'waiting' area where they do the countdown 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.... 0-55 in less than 5 seconds. Upon our first initial drop I hear Jalen say "I can't control my stomach" but he's also laughing when he says it, so I figure he's not going to throw up, just is feeling the tickle belly feelings. He said this about 2-3 more times on the ride. I warned him when we were about to go upside down and he kept saying "I couldn't even tell when we went upside down" It was so hilarious. When we got off the ride he was literally jumping up and down with excitement and kept giving me high 5's. This is Kylor's favorite ride and he was excited Jalen liked it, too
Coming up: The 50th flags get changed, our evening dinner and bedtime
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05-06-2005, 01:13 AM
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#53
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Dopey's biggest fan!
Join Date: May 2004
Location: China Spring, TX
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 26,975
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
That story about Jalen on CA Screamin' was too funny!!! He's one brave little man, though . . . won't see me on that thing!!! No way, no how!!! I am a certified coaster weenie!!!
Great update and pictures!!! (Especially the one of Jalen's dangling legs )
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05-06-2005, 03:34 AM
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#54
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Community Rank: Trailblazer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: South East London
Posts: 5,164
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
Sounds like you're having an excellent time so far Love the photos you took of the boys when you revealed your surprise Looking forward to more!
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05-06-2005, 08:50 AM
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#55
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 7,569
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
What a great story about the CA Screamin' good for Jalen. I bet the complainer's kids didn't have as good a time.
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05-06-2005, 09:19 AM
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#56
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Community Rank: Jetsetter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 2,734
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
What great pics! Can't wait to read more...
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05-06-2005, 09:42 AM
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#57
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PassPorter Message Board Manager PassPorter Guide Author
Community Rank: Legend VIP
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Maidstone, Kent, UK
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 190,285
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
I'm glad to hear Jalen enjoyed California Screamin' - what a great reaction he had to it!
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05-06-2005, 12:52 PM
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#58
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RED SOX NATION!!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
What a great update Tina Glad you made it to Disney, and are having a great afternoon! More please
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05-06-2005, 06:28 PM
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#59
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Living Seas wannabe
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 31,940
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
I COMPLETELY understand what Jalen meant about controlling his stomach on California Screamin - I am right there with him..... I had tummy issues too... but it is a GREAT ride.
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05-06-2005, 06:39 PM
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#60
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Magic Happens!
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: E. Stroudsburg, PA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 29,184
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Re: Kylor & Jalen\'s SURPRISE Disneyland vacation
What a great report!! I can't believe you kept it a secret! And the pictures are priceless. Can't wait to read more!
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