Taggin' Along Compliments of Disney! - Page 42 - 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
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Moving on with the current of the years.
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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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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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I've never tried Earl of Sandwich - I keep meaning to and then we never get over there. Your pictures looked good, especially after you figured out the flash thing. I've asked for a new camera for Christmas b/c mine sucks, especially the flash!! Sounds like you had a good end to the day besides the bus trip. I know what you mean about being tired and just wanting to get home.
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What a great way to end the day! I think you are making quite a few people fall in love with BC! I know I can not wait to stay there especially after just reading your TR!
Well, I certainly fell in love with it! It was so easy to do!
Quote:
Originally Posted by belleandmaddysmom
NO! NO! NO! And I knew you would take it that way! LOL!!!! I should say that it reminded me of your trip report with Hope's little butt hanging out.
Sorry Melissa!!!
I knew what you meant but I couldn't resist saying that. I was actually laughing out loud when I read it and giggling when I replied.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Sounds like you enjoyed yourselves at DTD. Glad to hear you are getting the hang of your new camera. And what a great way to end your day, getting to see the fireworks from your hotel.
The camera is a work in progress. And the fireworks were a wonderful bonus.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sc507
The picture your mom took was adorable! You had a ton of great pictures in this update - I think my absolute favourite was the one of the balloon reflecting in the water. I forget if you mentioned what kind of camera you got??
The balloon was my mom's idea. She saw the reflection and told me to try to get it...her eye my camera. Oh, and it's a Nikon D3000.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayraLR
Love this photo!!! What a great evening! The sandwich and those candy apples looked delish!
Thanks so much! I was pretty impressed with that picture too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PamelaK
Great update. It looks like you are really starting to get the hang of using your new camera. The photo of the Characters in Flight balloon reflecting in the water is absolutely gorgeous! Hope is just adorable. I can't wait to read about how she does with the characters.
I'm getting there, it's just a lot to remember. You forget to do certain things every time you pick it up. But soon I'll be a semi-pro!
Quote:
Originally Posted by debrabrown
Nice pics. I dread learning a new camera as well.
I wish I could just pick it up and...presto, know what the heck I was doing. Wouldn't that be nice?!?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Great end to your first day! I love the second picture of you and Hope at BC. I think you are doing well with your new camera. I started out the same way with mine and there is still so much I have to learn about it still.
That picture was my keeper. Thanks for the encouragement...I think it's going to be a very long time before I can remember every little button.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lexiemom
Hope's outfit in this update is adorable!
Glad you were able to figure out a bit more about your camera, I think your photos look great.
Thanks! I got it at Kohl's...so not only is it cute, but it's cheap!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Great end to the day - and I love the photo you got at the Beach Club!
Thanks so much!
Quote:
Originally Posted by islandgirl
What a great first day!!! I'm glad you are figuring out the camera along the way~ I love all the pictures you got~especially the one of you & Hope! I your TR & get so excited when I see you've posted a new update!! Can't wait to try EoS-sounds yummy! Love the picture of the balloon & the beach shots (we checked those chairs out while waiting for our CMC ADR .) How awesome to end your day on the balcony, watching the fireworks!!! Can't wait for more!
Well, hopefully you'll get excited again soon cause I plan on updating in the next few days. Definitely try EoS...you will love it! You'll have lots of firsts on this trip...EoS and the BC! Yay!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Linnynad
I think that second shot of you and Hope is PERFECT!!! I have some shots from the PP people and they don't even look that nice. It's a keeper for the frame, I think!!
All of your test shots seem to be coming out nicely too. Looks like you can figure this camera out no problem!!!!
We just tried EoS for the first time............and it will not be our last!!! DELISH!!!!! There were sooooo many sandwhiches I wanted to try, but trying to stay away from too much deli meats, I had the caprese with mozzarella, tomato, basil and balsmic!!! OH, I want one right now.
Sounds like you had a perfect day!!!!
None of my PP shots ever look that great. Maybe it's just us, but I'm never really happy with them. I actually did use that photo for my frame...it's on my dresser right now. I haven't tried that sandwich yet, but it sounds YUMMY! Oh, how I wish there was one around here. I'd be so poor though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by disneydreamer33
What a great ending to a magical day!
I love the two night shots you got of the balloon and the fountain. Glad you found the adjustment to your flash.
It was the perfect ending to the day...couldn't have asked for a better one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrDolphin
Sounds like a yummy evening at EoS and I am glad you figured out your camera - the photo of the balloon was great!!
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
I think you're definitely figuring out that camera! And Hope is just the cutest thing! I love her smile! And now all I can think about is Earl of Sandwich.
Thanks so much! I think she's a cutie, but then again, I'm a bit partial. Yeah, I've got Earl on the brain now too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhToodles!
I think you got great pictures for apparently not knowing what you were doing.
What a nice bus driver you had - you're right about that being why we all go back!
That bus driver helped make the drive so much better. He really went above and beyond.
Quote:
Originally Posted by countrykid
O Melissa I just love reading your trip report!! You make me feel like I am there again...it reminds me of my trip soooo much!! All of your pictures are great!! My camera made me mad the whole time! I will need to get a better one or learn how to use mine before I take another trip. I have a fun picture of myself next to the same Cinderella as your mom & I am doing sort of the same thing sooo fun & cute! We seen people all painted up acting like statues while we were there. When people went up to them to pose for pictures they would move & do funny stuff for the pictures. We went to Earl of sandwich 2 times...loved it!! My son got a carmel apple from the place you took pictures of...he wished he would have gotten a different one he didn't see all the cool ones till he already had his. It sounds like you had a wonderful time...I can't wait to read more!!
I guess everyone likes to take silly pictures with Cinderella. As soon as I saw that pic I was like, OMG, she did the same exact thing...pose and everything! Too funny! I've always wanted to buy one of those apples, but I don't think I'd ever be able to eat it all!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcc0313
Loved the pictures of you and Hope outside the BC. Glad that you were able to finally figure out the flash, some of the cameras just have so many gadgets, I think it took me months to finally figure out ours
Sounds like a great evening at DTD, a perfect way to end the day. Loved your dinner choice, we love the EOS and like you we only got to enjoy it at WDW, however there is a new billboard in Times Sqaure stating the Earl is coming in 2011 so I am getting excited to have it at home as well.
Can't wait to hear more....
I'm so jealous you're getting an Earl!!! That's now a new reason to visit NYC again!
Quote:
Originally Posted by JandBmom
What great pictures!!! I really like the 2nd picture of you and Hope. I am sorry the bus ride was bad. Was it like that for the other parks as well?
The bus ride wasn't too bad, it was just long. The bus driver made it worth it though. Not sure about all of the other parks because you can walk to Epcot and HS, but MK wasn't like that. You only stop at the YC before the BC.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephanie P.
I've never tried Earl of Sandwich - I keep meaning to and then we never get over there. Your pictures looked good, especially after you figured out the flash thing. I've asked for a new camera for Christmas b/c mine sucks, especially the flash!! Sounds like you had a good end to the day besides the bus trip. I know what you mean about being tired and just wanting to get home.
You should definitely try EoS next time you visit...it's so worth it! I kept asking for a new camera and this is what I got, and while I love it, it's such a pain in the butt! But I'm going to stick with it and figure it out.
Hey Melissa - all caught up. So glad to hear you are learning the camera. I just bought my second new one as the first new one was just not working out for me. So I'm in the process of learning a new camera too. Your day sounds just so wonderful and you all look like you are having a great time. can't wait to hear more.
My son (Brandon) didn't get to finish that apple...he kept looking way over the edge of the bridge going to Pleasure Island & accidentally dropped it over...lol we just laughed because I told him to quit & he didn't listen. I am not happy about the littering but he learned to listen to me more. I can't say if he would have finished it but it was his money so I let him buy it to see if he could.....I guess we'll never know!
Hey Melissa - all caught up. So glad to hear you are learning the camera. I just bought my second new one as the first new one was just not working out for me. So I'm in the process of learning a new camera too. Your day sounds just so wonderful and you all look like you are having a great time. can't wait to hear more.
This will be my one and only camera for a while. First of all, I can't afford another one, and second of all, I swear on all things good that I will learn this darn thing. I just don't know how long that's gonna take.
Quote:
Originally Posted by countrykid
My son (Brandon) didn't get to finish that apple...he kept looking way over the edge of the bridge going to Pleasure Island & accidentally dropped it over...lol we just laughed because I told him to quit & he didn't listen. I am not happy about the littering but he learned to listen to me more. I can't say if he would have finished it but it was his money so I let him buy it to see if he could.....I guess we'll never know!
Poor guy! I can't believe that happened. I can only imagine the look on his face when he watched it drop. I couldn't help but laugh, but I feel bad for him.
Mini Non-Disney Update
I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween. This was Hope's second Halloween but her first time trick-or-treating and she did fantastic! At first I was a little worried because she was being a little grump, but as soon as I put that costume on her, she was all smiles.
Over the weekend Hope was officially asked to be the flower girl in her godmother's wedding. So far we know it will be in May 2012, so that kind of puts a damper on when we were going to go for our family vacation. I don't want to be worrying about having a good time while working around a wedding.
So we've decided to try and go in November 2011 for Thanksgiving. Now, I know the crowds can be horrible at that time of year, but since we don't have to rush around to try and see everything, we can take our time at each park and just enjoy what we're able too. We were originally going to try to book AKL club level for our trip, but ever since we went to the BCV and fell in with it, I'm not sure what to do. We also wanted to try the dining plan for the first time ever, but if we do club level we really wouldn't need the dining plan. So we need to make some decisions. Either we try for AKL club level, and depending on whether or not we get it, go from there. Or we just skip trying to get AKL club level all together and try for BCV right away. I guess we'll see what happens when we hit the 11 month window...my mom's home resort is AKL!
A new TR update will be coming in the next day or two...I promise!
OMG....Hope is adorable!!! I always loved dressing the boys up in their costumes & taking them trick-or-treating. I know I say this alot, but they grow up so fast!! I know how much you are enjoying each stage with Hope!!
The wedding will be so much fun! She will be getting to a great age by then. And, as for your next family vacation....I think either choice sounds awesome!! It's great to hear that BC was a top choice! Good luck deciding & planning....as you know, the planning is part of the fun!! Can't wait to read more.....I'm waiting for those matching shirts to turn up!
I must say that Thanksgiving 2011 will be a GREAT time to go to WDW. We will be arriving for our birthday celebrations on Nov 23 (after a 3 day cruise on the Dream) and will leave on Nov 26. Maybe we will see you there. OH! And we will be at AKL Club level. It would be awesome to visit with a Passporter while we are there.
Hope looks adorable in her Halloween costume. Glad she enjoyed it.
Good luck with your vacation plans for next year and the whole DDP Vs. Club Level. We too have been talking about those two issues and we have decided on doing CL at the GF. We have done the DDP the past 2 years and while I'm sure it's a great savings for some familes, we just aren't into the restrictions of it. Swapping out "desserts" and grabbing waters instead, not being able to get an appetizer...yadda, yadda. The day we were leaving on this past trip, we went over to GF and told them we were interested in doing CL on our next visit. A CM took us up and showed us the lounge and also gave us a price list. We were sold! Now it's just figuring out when we want to go back.
Hope just looks so adorable all dressed up for Halloween. Glad she had a great first time trick-or-treating. May is such a nice time for a wedding, sorry that it but a change in plans regarding your family trip but a Thanksgiving trip sounds perfect, getting to enjoy all the holiday decorations and then you still have the wedding to look forward too...
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And I knew you would take it that way! LOL!!!! 
I should say that it reminded me of your trip report with Hope's little butt hanging out.
Thanks for the encouragement...I think it's going to be a very long time before I can remember every little button.
your TR & get so excited when I see you've posted a new update!! Can't wait to try EoS-sounds yummy! Love the picture of the balloon & the beach shots (we checked those chairs out while waiting for our CMC ADR 
.) How awesome to end your day on the balcony, watching the fireworks!!! 
Holly: 
& accidentally dropped it over
...lol 
This was Hope's second Halloween but her first time trick-or-treating and she did fantastic! At first I was a little worried because she was being a little grump, but as soon as I put that costume on her, she was all smiles. 
So far we know it will be in May 2012, so that kind of puts a damper on when we were going to go for our family vacation. I don't want to be worrying about having a good time while working around a wedding. 
I guess we'll see what happens when we hit the 11 month window...my mom's home resort is AKL!
Susan
Liz 
for making decisions about the next trip!
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