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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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
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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.
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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How fun....a bunch of updates at once!
We discovered Wolfgang Puck (the Westside version) in December and liked it so much, we went back again a couple days later. It's a REALLY good deal with the meal plans.
I hate that you had a scary choking moment, Larry. And to have hot coffee go everywhere at the same time.....double-y scary...... Glad you are OK.
I eventually got up and tended to my morning ablutions and then wandered down to The Mara for a nosh. I found a table over by the wall so I could sit on the padded bench. I took the top off of my refillable mug and added the sweetener to my coffee. Then I took a bite of my breakfast croissant. I must have inhaled when I took the bite because a small piece of egg decided to fly down my windpipe. I started coughing, whereupon I managed to dump a full-to-the-brim mug of coffee all over the table and the chair across from me. A very helpful CM came over with towels and mopped up my mess. I apologized profusely, and she assured me that this happened a lot and not to worry about it.
I told Bob when I met up with him in the afternoon that he had managed to avoid a very scary thing. Had he been there he would have been sitting across from me at ground zero and would have been scalded at a minimum and likely would have required medical attention. Catastrophe avoided!
Glad you were ok, and glad that Bob wasn't there to be possibly scalded! Whew!
I was sure I uploaded some PP pics of Jill, Karen and Eileen at AK, but I guess I didn't. I'll add those in tonight after work.
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
I drove over to the MK and parked at the TTC. I decided I’d take the ferry instead of the monorail over, which allowed me to get a few pictures on the way over. It was my favorite time of the day to take photos, so I was glad to take advantage of that.
I had to check in with the D23 folks at a little area they’d set up next to the Sleepy Hollow restaurant. When I checked in, they informed me that they were running a little bit late, so I hung out in the area, enjoying the MK again.
That window is the Suite
A longer shot, for perspective
Since I had a little time, I figured I’d turn in my MVMCP ticket just in case, so I got a wristband at the rose garden. Some of the next group had arrived before they were ready for us (I believe they had groups scheduled ½ hour apart, but they told people to get there 15 minutes early, so I waited about half an hour, but we were running about 15 minutes behind). A CM came for us and lined us up in the Castle breezeway behind a special rope.
Only special people allowed inside the rope
The door to the castle suite
And as I said before, I never once felt like a geek for taking photos of ordinary stuff. You see the above photo? A door? Well, after I took that picture, everyone else in my group did the same! My people! I didn’t mention it before, but they broke us up into groups of 10 for the tour.
Then, it was time to go in! I’m actually getting excited all over just thinking about it!
When you first enter, there’s a little reception area, where a CM is on duty if you’re staying in the suite. It’s sort of like the concierge desk for the castle suite. Of course it sets the stage very well.
Loved the mice on the columns!
This clock is always just about to strike midnight
After the CM told us a bit about what would happen if we were actually guests at the suite (trivia – when you’re a guest at the Castle Suite, you are actually checked into the Contemporary Resort ), we all squeezed into the elevator. And I do mean squeezed! The elevator was pretty, and I wanted to get a photo, but this was the best I could do. You can sort of see the detail.
The doors of the elevator open up to a lovely foyer, where Cinderella stores some of her stuff. There’s also a gorgeous mosaic on the floor.
They wouldn’t let me try it on!
They wouldn’t let me try this on either!
Then we went inside the suite and it’s absolutely beautiful. But small! If you had six people staying in there, it would be a bit crowded, if you ask me! You enter the suite in the Royal Bedchamber.
The guest book
An old-fashioned looking phone, but it works just like a regular phone
The CM there (it was a different CM, but I didn’t write either CM’s name down ) told us about how they worked very hard to design the room and how they needed to use antique fixtures but still provide guests with the modern technologies they expected (you can get internet service in the castle suite ). The portrait of Cinderella that hangs above the fireplace magically transforms!
Cinderella
transforms into…
A television
There were wonderful details everywhere, and fantastic artwork, too. I especially loved the light fixtures.
A light fixture fit for a princess
The bathroom was a design challenge, since they wanted to make everything accurate to the Cinderella period, but people didn’t have bathrooms in their homes then! So they designed it as though you’re bathing outdoors. It’s lovely!
I have to admit I was a little bit askeered of the shower!
I never got a picture of the lovely tub, but I did get a picture of the ceiling over the tub.
I’ve heard there’s a Hidden Mickey in there, but I didn’t find it
These panels surround the tub
I wonder how many guests “accidentally” take the towels
There’s a little sitting room, with an antique sofa that they chopped up and made into a sofabed!
The extra pillows and stuff for the sofabed
This is the window from the photo I posted above!
A Hidden Princess
The signs on the beds say “Show Ready”
The ceiling in the sitting room is gorgeous. I tried to get a photo of it.
And some reading material, in case you get tired of looking out the window.
I asked the CM there to take my photo (and he did a great job ).
I opened up a can of worms! Once I got my photo, all the groups wanted their photos done! They were mostly couples, though, so he only had to take about 4 or 5 pictures total.
When it was time for us to leave, they presented us with a super-special surprise. A key to the castle suite!
Actually, it was a blank, but I printed out the writing and barcode on a clear label to look just like a key I had at home. I think it came out pretty good for someone with my Photoshop skills. Except where I smudged it right when I took it out of the printer.
As the CM was handing the keys out, she almost gave me a second one (she started with me). I automatically refused it, then realized that I could’ve given it to one of my BFFs (and Eileen was a little miffed that I didn’t - sweetie, I’m just too honest I guess ).
I’d planned to meet my friends again (one of them was giving me her tickets, because at the time I was planning to bring my nephew for his 10th birthday the following month) and we’d agreed to meet at the little reception area they set up for us at the Liberty Belle. It was still early, and I did have those FPs burning a hole in my pocket, so I walked over to Frontierland for a spin on BTMRR.
I still had time after that, so I decided to ride Peter Pan’s Flight next. I only ever ride that very early or very late, because the line gets crazy and I’d rather use my FP for something else, so it was nice to be able to walk right on while the park was still busy. I also had a little mission to complete. I’d seen Jill’s really cute mug (with soup! For a snack credit!) and decided I needed to have one, so I walked over and got one! Woohoo!
It was still a little early for the reception area, but my friends were there waiting, so we hung out for a few minutes waiting to get in. A bunch of people asked me about the mug! I told them about it, and that you could use a snack credit, but because I wasn’t hungry, I didn’t try the soup, so I didn’t add how tasty it was like Jill did.
After a few minutes, they opened up. The reception area was really nice (we had the entire Liberty Belle to ourselves) and was available for the entire party. In addition to the MVMCP snacks, they provided extra goodies.
Since I was there I had to have something! I took a rice krispy snowman and some cookies or something (hey, I was too full for soup, but cookies and junk are dessert, so I had room for that! ) My friend gave me her tickets and then we said our goodbyes. I was leaving the party, but neither of my friends were planning to meet for the parade (there was a special viewing area set up). I think they were both pretty tired, so I doubt either of them stayed at the party very long.
As I walked down Main Street, I was very happy to be leaving. The park was crowded. Insanely crowded! I’ve been to sold out parties before, but this was bad. It was like everyone at the party was on Main Street at the same time. Bleh!
Can you see the sea of humanity there?
I got the monorail back to the parking lot and drove over to DHS. I arrived just as the ornament exchange meet was ending. It was great to see so many familiar faces (it’s been two months, so I can’t list everyone who was there – check out other TRs for pics) and to get to meet a few people I’d been wanting to meet, like Kelly (OToodles). I enjoyed talking to her and Dylan, who is just as cute in person as he is in pictures. He also loved my Goofy ears.
Before long, the rest of the gang showed up and we gave out our little light-up cocktail glasses to the attendees. The meet was lots of fun, but instead of taking photos, I spent most of my time yakking away.
We moved in to check out the lights, and posed for a group photo, but it didn’t end up on our PP card. We did get a picture of the five of us that turned out very good.
I did remember to take a picture of Molly (wvugrrrl) with Heather.
Then I obviously started talking again, since that’s the last of my photos. I didn’t even bother taking pics of the lights, since I’d gotten some good ones the night before. After a while, someone suggested we go in search of FABs, so a bunch of us walked over to the Tune In Lounge. I passed (as did Eileen), but the others bellied up to the bar. I guess there was a problem with the service, but since Eileen and I weren’t there, I don’t know what happened. When Sheri (skateycat) showed up, we chatted with her for a bit (and I took a picture).
After everyone had gotten their supplies, we found seats outside Hollywood & Vine. Our group (the usual suspects) was joined by Molly, Joey and their friend, Maria (Starla4436) and Ben and Sheri and her DH. It was fun sitting there talking and joking with them. It was the first time I’ve met Sheri’s DH, and he’s a hoot! Just like Sheri! Oh yes! Yvonne (TinkerBelz) was there for a while, too!
My notes say we rode TSM after that, but I have absolutely no recollection of that! And you’ll notice I wasn’t drinking! Maybe we walked over there and the standby was too long?
Anyway! We drove back to AKL (Eileen made sure to be the first one to the car). We’d decided that today was going to be our Christmas, so we stayed up opening all our gifts (lots of wonderful goodies! again, ladies). When I got home, I took a photo of all my loot.
And while I’m posting loot pics, here’s the stuff I got from Joanie at the Cali Grill. again, JoanW (<-- I totally pronounce it Joan-wuh now )!
And the adorable ornament from Bob & Larry (made from Alabama cotton). again, guys!
We may or may not have had FABs, I don’t recall (I know I didn’t, which makes me wonder why the heck I don’t remember). I have to say it was wonderful to just hang out with the ladies at the end of the day. Those were some of my favorite moments of the trip! I’m sure y’all are getting sick of hearing how much we lurve each other, so I won’t say it again.
Up Next: Our Final Day (well except for Heather, that stinker! )
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
Was that the night we arrived a minute too late to grab something at the Mara? Which caused me to pay an arm and a leg for a plate of cheese and some grapes through room service?
I think it was... and I'm still burned about that.
<<and I won't even mention the total an appalling lack of that spare Cinderella Suite key card.>>
Was that the night we arrived a minute too late to grab something at the Mara? Which caused me to pay an arm and a leg for a plate of cheese and some grapes through room service?
I think it was... and I'm still burned about that.
<<and I won't even mention the total an appalling lack of that spare Cinderella Suite key card.>>
<<I won't>>
Eileen
I think it was. I'm pretty sure that was the night when none of us had an actual dinner (except Heather) right? Or at least I didn't. I think we ended up munching on the snacks in our room.
And I'm not even going to acknowledge the key card thing. Wait...
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
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I have been anxiously awaiting this update, so I could see your pictures of the Castle Room. Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking so many pictures. I feel like I was actually there. Stefanie would love the mice in the column and in the stained glass. Jaq and Gus are her favorites after Cinderella herself. She always checks on them when we are at Disney. Looks like your Christmas haul was very nice, too!
I the pics from the Cinderella Suite! There were many different things that I hadn't seen in other's pics! I never would have know the YOU had printed all the info on your key to the suite...Great job!
I’d seen Jill’s really cute mug (with soup! For a snack credit!) and decided I needed to have one, so I walked over and got one! Woohoo!
Is someone going to post a pic of this mug? I'm dying to see what it looks like.
Quote:
I got the monorail back to the parking lot and drove over to DHS. I arrived just as the ornament exchange meet was ending. It was great to see so many familiar faces (it’s been two months, so I can’t list everyone who was there – check out other TRs for pics) and to get to meet a few people I’d been wanting to meet, like Kelly (OToodles). I enjoyed talking to her and Dylan, who is just as cute in person as he is in pictures. He also loved my Goofy ears.
Yeah me! And it was a pleasure to finally meet you too! And yes, Dylan loved those Goofy ears - he kept reaching for them.
Quote:
After everyone had gotten their supplies, we found seats outside Hollywood & Vine. Our group (the usual suspects) was joined by Molly, Joey and their friend, Maria (Starla4436) and Ben and Sheri and her DH. It was fun sitting there talking and joking with them. It was the first time I’ve met Sheri’s DH, and he’s a hoot! Just like Sheri! Oh yes! Yvonne (TinkerBelz) was there for a while, too!
I think we passed all of you while you were sitting out there enjoying yourselves.
Quote:
We’d decided that today was going to be our Christmas, so we stayed up opening all our gifts (lots of wonderful goodies! again, ladies). When I got home, I took a photo of all my loot. And while I’m posting loot pics, here’s the stuff I got from Joanie at the Cali Grill. again, JoanW (<-- I totally pronounce it Joan-wuh now )! And the adorable ornament from Bob & Larry (made from Alabama cotton). again, guys!
Great 'loot' from everyone!
Quote:
Up Next: Our Final Day (well except for Heather, that stinker! )
I think your key card looks wonderful! The smudge is just proof of the many times you've used it. Right? Thanks for letting us in on the D23 event. That was awesome!
It was lovely to see old friends again, to meet people (like Wendy) who I've wanted to meet for ages, and to get to know Kelly (OhToodles!) and her husband.
It was so good to finally get to meet the other part of the CLQ!!! I had already met Sharon in May(and missed you that day!!!).
I still can't help but giggle at all of the emotion that was displayed during Illuminations.............by all of you!
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got up and tended to my morning ablutions and then wandered down to The Mara for a nosh. I found a table over by the wall so I could sit on the padded bench. I took the top off of my refillable mug and added the sweetener to my coffee. Then I took a bite of my breakfast croissant. I must have inhaled when I took the bite because a small piece of egg decided to fly down my windpipe. I started coughing, whereupon I managed to dump a full-to-the-brim mug of coffee all over the table and the chair across from me. A very helpful CM came over with towels and mopped up my mess. I apologized profusely, and she assured me that this happened a lot and not to worry about it.
Glad you were ok, and glad that Bob wasn't there to be possibly scalded! Whew! 
You see the above photo? A door? Well, after I took that picture, everyone else in my group did the same! 
My people! 
I didn’t mention it before, but they broke us up into groups of 10 for the tour.
The elevator was pretty, and I wanted to get a photo, but this was the best I could do. You can sort of see the detail.
) told us about how they worked very hard to design the room and how they needed to use antique fixtures but still provide guests with the modern technologies they expected (you can get internet service in the castle suite 
).
sweetie, I’m just too honest I guess 
we found seats outside Hollywood & Vine. Our group (the usual suspects) was joined by Molly, Joey and their friend, Maria (Starla4436) and Ben and Sheri and her DH. It was fun sitting there talking and joking with them. It was the first time I’ve met Sheri’s DH, and he’s a hoot! Just like Sheri! 
Oh yes! Yvonne (TinkerBelz) was there for a while, too!
We’d decided that today was going to be our Christmas, so we stayed up opening all our gifts (lots of wonderful goodies! 
again, ladies). When I got home, I took a photo of all my loot.
)
the pics from the Cinderella Suite! There were many different things that I hadn't seen in other's pics! 
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
Susan
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