Everything is Subject to Change Updated 7/6 - Page 45 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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Sorry about the dissappointing meal at Via Napoli, I have wanted to try it but it hasn't made it to the list as of yet, Tutto Italia however is another story, your lunches there always make my mouth water reminding me that we really enjoyed our meal there.
So glad that they were able to fit you in for your Mermaid transformation, I will they would extend this as I kno Angel would have loved it.
Just getting caught up...all of your food pics look scrumptious! That is kinda funny about Prime Time cafe. We have been there about three times and I think that their food is always dry. I keep going back hoping that the food will improve because I really love the atmosphere and the *idea* of the whole mom's kitchen comfort food step back in time concept. But it continues to disappoint. And I continue to go back. It is a vicious cycle. I clearly have a problem!
I will definitely be adding Tutto to my dining list for December. It looks amazing!
Thanks for all those pics at the Pirates League, it looks awesome inside!
What a bummer to hear about Via Napoli. Again. It seems it's hit or miss for most folks. I think I'm still gonna give it a try just for fun anyway. The margarita looked good!
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Bummer on the recent meals. And we have both planned for September - we'll be that large party at both places too.
I've added to be at the Animation building at 10am for characters for September too - I think the boys will love meeting so many characters at once.
The Pirates League looks like fun! You don't get a mermaid name? Not fair. Sorry you were less than impressed with Via Napoli. In my opinion, though, you got the best thing on the menu.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovedisney247
I have to admit, I didn't enjoy my second visit to VN as much as my first, so I won't be rushing back (because I can get the Italian margarita at the kiosk outside). I like Tutto Italia, but I do think it's a bit overpriced, but that's probably because in my neck of the woods, I can throw a rock and hit a place with good cheap Italian food. I'm not the best person to ask about that. When you go to Universal next year, you should try Mama Della's at the Portofino. That's the best Italian food I've had in Orlando. In fact, that has more to do with my upcoming trip to Universal than wanting to go to the parks.
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
First, I ate immediately before reading your posts. Unfortunately, your experiences were sub par. I was really upset at 50sPT for letting you down. I love it there (I do ask for Aunt Claire and if she's working, I'm waiting). I really enjoy the bartenders. I'm a sucker for the milkshakes and always have a rip roaring time in there. Food, I agree, is lackluster but I'm going to reminisce about the days of sitting at Grandma's kitchen table and enjoy a good ribbing from the servers.
I ventured in Via Napoli last October, took pics of the ovens and walked out. I've yet to have Italian fare in WDW and that's due to working at Italian restaurants and cooking Italian food. I will stop for an Italian Margarita at the kiosk.
Thank you for the pics of the Pirate's League. Do you have pics of your Mermaid look? I was tossing around the idea of having them do my makeup for MNSSHP but have since changed my mind and will be doing the "Cannibal" Jack look instead.
Yet another note in my journal courtesy of Heather: Animation Characters @ 10am - go thru back door. Thank you in advance. Eeyore is on my list since I have yet to meet him.
This is my fear of going to an Italian or seafood restaurant at Disney. My husband used to work in the Northend in Boston and now he works within a 5 minute walk of it. It would be difficult to find better Italian food or better seafood anywhere other than the Northend. He suggested we try an Italian place, but I kind of veered him off in the other direction to avoid his disappointment.
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I'm really sorry to hear that Via Napoli didn't measure up. I'm booked for my first meal there in November, but may opt to go back to Tutto, which I love. Was Pirate League fun?
The Pirate League was TONS of fun! I really enjoyed it and for $30 I thought it was a bargin because it included the makeover, which was super cool, a full bottle of OPI Mermaid Tears nail polish, a sampler of the other colors, pirate tats, and eye patches.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Great pictures from the Pirate League! Sorry your dinner wasn't that great.
Ahh, bad meals are par for the course occasionally.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nimros
Excellent photos of the Pirate's League!!! I've wanted to do that since it first came out! But we need to see a photo of your Mermaid transformation.
Sorry your meal at Via Napoli did not live up to your expectations. I was so excited when I saw the melon and prosciutto pizza; my little chef Kelley has a recipe for that (minus the pizza) that she has been wanting to try. But no burnt crust for me, either.
I hope the Meet for Lorie and Glenn went well. I haven't read about it from anyone else (yes, I am still a bit sad over it) so I will hear it from you first.
The photo of my transformation is on my phone. I think there is one of me on Facebook that Wendy posted.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
I am so sorry your dinner was so poor, especially as we adored our meal at Via Napoli.
I'm glad somebody likes it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dlandmom2
Bummer about the not so great meal. I love calamari, and one of my fave summer snacks is asian pear slices wrapped with prosciutto! It's a shame they burned the pizza. I don't blame you for taking it off your list, but I think I'd still like to try Via Napoli. I tried Tutto Italia when we were there last, but I found it to be just average, mostly because it was at the end of a very tiring evening when I didn't even have the energy to form an appetite! Still, I want to give it another shot, hopefully when I'm super hungry!
Tutto is one of our favorites! Different strokes for different folks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Sorry that your dinner at Via Napoli did not redeem this restaurant for you!
Me Too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcc0313
Sorry about the dissappointing meal at Via Napoli, I have wanted to try it but it hasn't made it to the list as of yet, Tutto Italia however is another story, your lunches there always make my mouth water reminding me that we really enjoyed our meal there.
So glad that they were able to fit you in for your Mermaid transformation, I will they would extend this as I kno Angel would have loved it.
I hope they extend it as well--I think it has been super popular!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MosyBliss
Just getting caught up...all of your food pics look scrumptious! That is kinda funny about Prime Time cafe. We have been there about three times and I think that their food is always dry. I keep going back hoping that the food will improve because I really love the atmosphere and the *idea* of the whole mom's kitchen comfort food step back in time concept. But it continues to disappoint. And I continue to go back. It is a vicious cycle. I clearly have a problem!
I will definitely be adding Tutto to my dining list for December. It looks amazing!
Do you know the definition of insanity? Just kidding!
Quote:
Originally Posted by disney_duke
Thanks for all those pics at the Pirates League, it looks awesome inside!
What a bummer to hear about Via Napoli. Again. It seems it's hit or miss for most folks. I think I'm still gonna give it a try just for fun anyway. The margarita looked good!
The margarita was good, but I could have gotten one outside!
Quote:
Originally Posted by goofysdtr
Sorry you had two not so fabulous dining experiences in one day. Hopefully you have at least one more great meal before you have to leave!
Geez . . . I don't even remember what I ate on my last day. Going to have to go back to the photos when it comes time!
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhToodles!
Bummer on the recent meals. And we have both planned for September - we'll be that large party at both places too.
I've added to be at the Animation building at 10am for characters for September too - I think the boys will love meeting so many characters at once.
Absolutely hit the Animation building when they open! So much fun!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lazanya
Sorry your last two meals weren't so great. I enjoyed the pics from the Pirates League. My DD Bri wants to try it out on our next trip for June 2012.
I plan on a return trip to the Pirates League soon!
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
The Pirates League looks like fun! You don't get a mermaid name? Not fair. Sorry you were less than impressed with Via Napoli. In my opinion, though, you got the best thing on the menu.
I have to admit, I didn't enjoy my second visit to VN as much as my first, so I won't be rushing back (because I can get the Italian margarita at the kiosk outside). I like Tutto Italia, but I do think it's a bit overpriced, but that's probably because in my neck of the woods, I can throw a rock and hit a place with good cheap Italian food. I'm not the best person to ask about that. When you go to Universal next year, you should try Mama Della's at the Portofino. That's the best Italian food I've had in Orlando. In fact, that has more to do with my upcoming trip to Universal than wanting to go to the parks.
I have noted Mama Della's at Portofino for our US/IOA trip! You are more than welcome to join us! We have a 2 bedroom suite at the World Center!
I've been calling myself Priscilla Saltwater since the trip! J/K
Quote:
Originally Posted by jennie622
Wow, so much info in a few posts!!
First, I ate immediately before reading your posts. Unfortunately, your experiences were sub par. I was really upset at 50sPT for letting you down. I love it there (I do ask for Aunt Claire and if she's working, I'm waiting). I really enjoy the bartenders. I'm a sucker for the milkshakes and always have a rip roaring time in there. Food, I agree, is lackluster but I'm going to reminisce about the days of sitting at Grandma's kitchen table and enjoy a good ribbing from the servers.
I ventured in Via Napoli last October, took pics of the ovens and walked out. I've yet to have Italian fare in WDW and that's due to working at Italian restaurants and cooking Italian food. I will stop for an Italian Margarita at the kiosk.
Thank you for the pics of the Pirate's League. Do you have pics of your Mermaid look? I was tossing around the idea of having them do my makeup for MNSSHP but have since changed my mind and will be doing the "Cannibal" Jack look instead.
Yet another note in my journal courtesy of Heather: Animation Characters @ 10am - go thru back door. Thank you in advance. Eeyore is on my list since I have yet to meet him.
Glad I could be of some help. The Animation Building is kind of a hidden gem at opening--most people are still in the TSMM line.
Quote:
Originally Posted by emvenable77
All caught up! Your time alone seemed very productive and relaxed. I loved all of your character interactions at DHS.
I had great fun with the characters AND the CMs who were forced to take my photo over and over and over again! Tigger was a blast!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jbd
This is my fear of going to an Italian or seafood restaurant at Disney. My husband used to work in the Northend in Boston and now he works within a 5 minute walk of it. It would be difficult to find better Italian food or better seafood anywhere other than the Northend. He suggested we try an Italian place, but I kind of veered him off in the other direction to avoid his disappointment.
Hopefully things picked up on the dining front.
I've had a good meal at Mama Melrose and great meals at Tutto and I love Italian food!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dsteiny23
Sorry about your VN dinner. We were planning on eating there and changed our plans. I guess we won't be missing much.
Would love to see mermaid pics! My boys, Solomon Singeskull and Jack Sailmonger, Loved PL when we took them 2 years ago!!
I'm glad your boys liked it as much as I did! No, I don't think you'll be missing much by skipping Via Napoli!
I left the Italy Pavilion and went to find Wendy and Betty, who were already outside and staking out spots. Shortly after I arrived, and gave them both big hugs, we were told by a CM that the area we were standing in is used for reserved viewing for the tour groups. We headed around the little area where they do dessert viewings and took up residence on the other side--still in Italy.
Lots of other people started appearing. Wendy was passing out pins. I was passing out Angel Ducks. I'm not sure what the final count was, but I know that I ran out of ducks before everyone had one, and I had 30 to begin with. Come to think of it--I don't have one.
Sheri and her husband were there, Terri made time to visit with us, Grey got special dispensation to join us--even though she was out on medical leave. Matt showed up and Maria was there as well. Bill was furiously taking photos of the group, Karen and Jill joined the group as well. Amy and her Mom took time out to join us. There were several people there that I didn't know who were also friends of Lorie. We had some visitors from the DIS boards as well! It was great to see everyone and share a special moment.
I was too busy chatting to take too many photos of the group--oh and cleaning up my arm after "someone" dumped some wine down it--don't worry--I'm not going to give away the light weight's identity.
I got myself an Italian Margarita from the kiosk and we gathered together to honor Lorie and Glenn before the start of Illuminations. I managed not to cry while speaking that evening. It was both a solemn event and a wonderful meet at the same time. I wore my Minnie Mouse Ears during Illuminations as a tribute to MinnieLor and many other attendees were sporting Minnie Mouse gear.
Thank you so much to Wendy for organizing this get together. I was just so glad I could extend my vacation to attend. We have been incredibly lucky to have such a strong community of friends. You are all my friends, even if I haven't met you! I also want to say thanks to Jennifer and Dave for providing such a wonderful space.
Finally, it was time for Illuminations. I took a lot of photos, but I have only a few to post because I was experimenting with High Density Resolution photography. I rather wish I had a tripod with me. When my camera takes an HDR photo it takes 3 photos: one underexposed, one regular exposure, and one overexposed. If you are shooting a still subject you must be extremely still (Think tripod and shutter release). It creates almost a 3D shot--much more depth than a regular, correctly exposed shot. However, I was shooting fireworks, which are constantly changing. It basically superimposed one image over the next. I took a mix of regular shots and HDR shots.
Those are all regular exposure shots.
Those are all HDR shots--you can see that some of the effects look lighter and others look darker
Back to regular shots!
We all started walking back to the front of the park, scattering in different directions after hugs and goodbyes. I know I'll see you all again sometime soon, hopefully it will be for happier reasons. I chatted with Bill on the way out to the front of the park--it was nice to have someone to talk with on the way out. We parted ways at Mousegears and I stopped to smoke a cigarette and call home. I needed to make sure the boys were doing okay.
I headed back to All Star Sports and packed up my stuff. I went outside with my glass of wine and my Michael Connolly book and read for a little while. It was a good day, but I was very tired and called it a night pretty early.
Back Be Darned . . . can I walk after the ride? Coming up next, my last morning.
I am so very glad that the memorial meet went so well! I was there in spirit with you all that night. This whole situation has made me realize just how much all PPers are my friends, whether I've met them or not. We are a wonderful community! for speaking on our behave to honor two of our friends. Your HDR shots are neat! The next installment sounds a bit foreboding.
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. And I continue to go back. It is a vicious cycle. I clearly have a problem! 
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Disney Magic - Oct 2015
When you go to Universal next year, you should try Mama Della's at the Portofino. That's the best Italian food I've had in Orlando. 
In fact, that has more to do with my upcoming trip to Universal than wanting to go to the parks. 
My boys, Solomon Singeskull and Jack Sailmonger, Loved PL when we took them 2 years ago!!
I was there in spirit with you all that night. This whole situation has made me realize just how much all PPers are my friends, whether I've met them or not. We are a wonderful community! 
for speaking on our behave to honor two of our friends. Your HDR shots are neat! 
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