A DREAM is a wish your heart makes – a First-time Cruise pre-trip report complete On the cruise ! - Page 5 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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!
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.
The Pooh meal (ooh, that doesn't sound nice!) is adorable. You've been busy with all kinds of fun expeditions! Lukas is looking like a little boy now, and Dylan's off to kindergarten--- say it isn't so!
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.
I came through Springfield Saturday! Love all the pictures!I think my daughter would have liked to have been at that concert, she used to LOVE NKOTB! Probably the others, too, but I remember her obsession with NKOTB.
Missed you by this <> much again Kenny! That was the 4th concert Becki (SiL) & I have been to.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
The Pooh meal (ooh, that doesn't sound nice!) is adorable. You've been busy with all kinds of fun expeditions! Lukas is looking like a little boy now, and Dylan's off to kindergarten--- say it isn't so!
I know! On both accounts! We went school supply shopping last night as Toys R Us was having some sales - got almost everything on his list. He picked out an Avengers backpack with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle lunchbox and Turtle headphones (they use them in the computer lab) plsu we got the usual kindergarten supplies - crayons, glue sticks, scissors, markers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by goofyboysmama
Good times! I love all the pics, but the "Clean Remote" really caught my attention!
Me too! That's why I took a picture.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Love the Winnie the Pooh meal - your ideas are so creative. Looks like you had a great time away.
Thanks Cheryl! I'm having a tough time this week though, but I still have a few days to come up with something.
How did I miss that you started this? I've been hoping you'd write a PTR/TR for your cruise as Cameron and Mallory will be about the same age as your boys when we cruise for the first time. And we've never cruised before so we'll be first timers as well. I'm looking forward to hearing what you end up doing with the kids and how they handle the open seas! That way I'll know what to do (or maybe not to do) when we actually cruise.
Such a cute ideas with the movie nights. Very creative with the menus. I'm having a hard enough time coming up with cute food names for Cameron's birthday party I can't imagine coming up with creative weekly menus.
This trip will be here before you know it. And Dylan starting Kindergarten? When did that happen? Growing up way too fast. I'm ignoring the fact that Cam will be 3 next week and starting pre-school in September. Maybe then he can just stay my baby for a little longer.
How did I miss that you started this? I've been hoping you'd write a PTR/TR for your cruise as Cameron and Mallory will be about the same age as your boys when we cruise for the first time. And we've never cruised before so we'll be first timers as well. I'm looking forward to hearing what you end up doing with the kids and how they handle the open seas! That way I'll know what to do (or maybe not to do) when we actually cruise.
Such a cute ideas with the movie nights. Very creative with the menus. I'm having a hard enough time coming up with cute food names for Cameron's birthday party I can't imagine coming up with creative weekly menus.
This trip will be here before you know it. And Dylan starting Kindergarten? When did that happen? Growing up way too fast. I'm ignoring the fact that Cam will be 3 next week and starting pre-school in September. Maybe then he can just stay my baby for a little longer.
It hasn't been too hard on the menus. I usually do a few weeks at a time or early in the week so if I need anything special I still have time to get it.
I can't believe it's time for school either. He'll be 6 the week before the cruise and Lukas will be 3 2 weeks before that! We're working on the potty training because I really want him to be able to go to the kid's club with Dylan (and Hope).
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
Another great countdown meal! Looks like a great time away in Springfield!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Russi01
Another great meal idea!!!
Thank you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
I find myself looking forward to each week's menu now!
What's the movie for this week?
Me too! Although it's hard to come up with stuff sometimes. This week is Toy Story 3 (Dylan had his pick of all, but wants to watch 3). I don't know if we'll have Pizza (Planet) or if I'll try to think of stuff themed to that movie.
Quote:
Originally Posted by num1DVCfan
Donnie I always get excited when they come through DC in concert!
To Excursion or not to excursion, that is the question.
We’re not sure if we want to do a port adventure in Nassau or not. I know the ship will be less crowded that day with lots of other people heading off, especially to Atlantis, and we could do a ton of stuff on the Dream, like the AquaDuck. On the other hand, feel like we should get off and explore a little bit as none of us have ever been to Nassau before.
With that, we are thinking of a few port adventures that we, along with the boys, would enjoy. Please feel free to let me know any opinions you have about any of these.
Ardastra Gardens and City Tour –
Take a 15-minute narrated drive in an air-conditioned bus to Ardastra Gardens, located just outside Nassau's city centre. Along the way, see the House of Parliament, Supreme Court and other historical buildings. Continue on towards Government House and, Graycliff Restaurant and Hotel, rich in history, having housed such guests as the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor, various Lords & Ladies, and Winston Churchill.
Spend approximately 105 minutes exploring the 4-and-half-acre gardens which are home to lush tropical gardens and over 200 birds, reptiles and mammals. The Ardastra Gardens is home to a collection of endangered land animals and features the Bahamas national bird, the beautiful and exotic Caribbean Flamingo. Here you will participate in the "Flamingo Experience", a unique show of the glory and antics of these incredible creatures together with an excellent narration of their story.
You will also hand-feed the colourful and playful South Pacific Lory Parrots and have numerous photographic opportunities with "Toby" the Cockatoo, "Jackie" the Snake and "Freddy" the Peacock. While walking the Gardens, staff will answer questions while two-legged feathered friends will freely entertain.
Enjoy an approximate 45-minute narrated tour around the city of Nassau. Along your tour, pass such places as Arawak Cay, where Guests will have a perfect opportunity to take photographs of the natural beauty of the Bahamas, the Pompey Museum, Nassau's Straw Market and Rawson Square.
After completing your tour, it is just a short 10-minute walk back to the ship.
We think the boys would enjoy seeing the animals.
Discover Atlantis –
Take a narrated 25-minute drive (approximate) through historic Nassau, as you make your way to the world-renowned Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island.
Recalling the mythic lost island city in breathtaking detail, Atlantis is home to the world's largest open-air marine habitat, where 14 fascinating exhibits and 13 sparkling lagoons brim with more than 50,000 sea creatures representing 250 species.
Enjoy an approximate 45-minute guided tour of the "ruins" of ancient Atlantis at The Dig, which is an elaborate replica of an archeological site. Explore a labyrinth of underground passageways where age-old hieroglyphs mingle with large viewing windows filled with exotic marine life - from docile sea lions and manta rays to fierce-looking piranha and gigantic lobsters.
Stroll through Predator Lagoon, where you can get an up-close look at such fearsome fish as sharks and barracudas from the safety of an underwater tunnel and learn about the habits of these creatures of the deep from your friendly guide.
After the tour, feel free to enjoy the rest of the afternoon as you desire: Try your luck at slots, blackjack or craps. Spend some time shopping in the Marina Village, or simply wander through the impressive lobby of the Royal Towers.
After your visit, make your way back to the designated pick-up point and begin the approximate 15-minute drive back to the pier. Note: Return transport runs every half hour from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.. Guests choose their own return time.
We know the boys would love the sea life here.
Nassau Forts And Junkanoo Discovery
Take a 15-minute walk and board an air-conditioned van for the short drive to nearby Fort Fincastle. Built in 1793, Fort Fincastle was designed in the shape of a paddle-wheel steamer to ward off possible raiders. From this fort, enjoy the sweeping views of the Caribbean Ocean in the distance.
Continue on to the 18th-century Queen's Staircase. Built of solid limestone in honor of Queen Victoria, Queen's Staircase is comprised of 65 steps and stands an impressive 100- feet high. Snap a picture of the city from the panoramic perch and have the option of descending the Queen's Staircase where your driver will rendezvous with you at the bottom.
Next, continue on to the highlight of your tour, an informative visit to a Junkanoo exhibit. Here, you will learn the history and different components that create this spectacular yearly National Cultural Festival of the Bahamas. Your host will demonstrate costumes, pictures and the pulsating music made from goat skin drums, cow bells and horns.
Following your visit, continue your drive past historic Parliament Square, the Governor's Mansion and Gregory's Arch on your way to your final destination, Fort Charlotte. Built in the Napoleonic Era by Lord Dunmore between 1787 1789, Fort Charlotte is the largest fort in Nassau and features a dry moat, draw-bridge, ramparts and dungeons.
Finally, unwind during the short drive back to the pier, or have the option of being dropped off at the nearby straw market for some souvenir shopping.
This is the one we may throw out first as it may be a little boring for the kids.
Another option is just to do the walking tour Passporter lines out in the Cruise Guide, but I’m afraid the boys will think that’s boring too.
So let me know what you’ve done in Nassau. We’re not ready to hit the waterpark/pool at Atlantis just yet – Lukas is too small to get much out of it and therefore Mike or I won’t either.
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
Whatever you do - do not go to the pirate museum. My company owns condos\hotel on Paradise Island -- so I've been there a couple of times. The RIU sits between Atlantis and my work's property. Anyway (I digress)... a group of friends came down with me, and the girls thought it'd be fun to explore Nassau...and the Pirate Museum... Um NO NO NO... it was a waste, and unclean would be an understatement of the century. Not at all what we were thinking (POTC spoiled me I guess )
I haven't done any crusies, so I am unfamiliar with the excursions.... Atlantis is insanely huge. Nassua has some great historical sites, but I am not sure if younger kids would appreciate that stuff. The aquarioum might be your best bet with kiddos
__________________
~ Jenn **Disney is REAL LIFE Magic, so much more than optical illusions **
I think we did the Discover Atlantis tour (it was nearly 10 years ago now ) and if it was that one, we enjoyed that and seeing Atlantis. I do hear you about staying on board though, as that's what we did when we returned there in 2011.
Can't help you much on this one, as I've stayed on-board and have never been to Nassau. I agree with you that the last one doesn't seem to be right for the boys at this age. I'm wondering, too, if the Atlantis one might not be so great-- will the boys see all the pools and then beg and plead to go there? I'm not sure how it's set up and if you can see the aquarium areas without seeing the alluring pool! Knowing how much they love the zoo, the first one sounds good-- maybe they'd nap during the boring bus ride part!
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
PassPorter Guide Author
Looks like you had a great time away.
Love all the pictures!I think my daughter would have liked to have been at that concert, she used to LOVE NKOTB! Probably the others, too, but I remember her obsession with NKOTB. 
On both accounts! We went school supply shopping last night as Toys R Us was having some sales - got almost everything on his list. He picked out an Avengers backpack with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle lunchbox and Turtle headphones (they use them in the computer lab) plsu we got the usual kindergarten supplies - crayons, glue sticks, scissors, markers.
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
Deb
Donnie 
) 
~ Jenn 
) and if it was that one, we enjoyed that and seeing Atlantis. I do hear you about staying on board though, as that's what we did when we returned there in 2011.
Linear Mode
