Saving the Magic (with Cam and Luke plus Morgan) COMPLETED - Page 51 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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Love all the pictures!
I understand that funk that comes on. My dad and I went through it when my mom passed away 3 years ago. We both had our good days and bad days after my mom's passing.
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Cam... my thoughts and prayers are with you and Luke as you try to get through these tougher times. I hope that your trip report helps you with healing. I wish that there were more we could all say or do, to help to ease the pain.
I know that Stefanie is always there with you and always will be. The care and thoughtfulness that you experienced with several of the characters, I think was Stefanie being there with you.
__________________
Aug,1978- LBV;Apr,1987-Disneyland;March,1993-offsite;Jan,1997-offsite;Aug,1999- CBR;Sept,2000- ASMo;Aug,2001- ASSP;Aug,2002- ASMU/AKL;Jan & July 2003-POR;June,December 2004- PC;January 2005- ASMU; Aug 2005-PC;Dec 2005-AKL;Jan 2006-CBR ; July/Aug-Saratoga springs; Dec. PC;April 2007- Disneyland;Aug 2007-Disneyland & So Cal;Dec 2007-POFQ; Aug2008-POFQ & Nov 2008 PC,Y&B May 2009 ASmu, June 2009 PC ; Nov 2009 WL & POFQ;Jan 2010 BW & WL; June 2010 POFQ ; Aug 2010 Poly ;Oct 2010 WL; Jan 2011 PC
Fabulous pictures Cam! Glad you finally got that CD!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
What fantastic photos! Looks like Morgan really got into the character meets. The one with Aurora looks so sweet and she's having the best time with Goofy. The ride photos all came out great, too. Morgan's so serious about getting the targets and I love the one of you and Heather.
She was very intense and competitive on the ride/games.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolfy6688
The PP pictures look great! Ours of recent years were disappointing but yours really are nice. Sorry you had to wait so long for them though!
Happy belated birthday, too - I saw it on Facebook but forgot to post. Sorry!
I was very pleased with almost all of our pictures.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lura008
I am really enjoying your TR. I am always amazed at the people who are chosen as characters. Mary Poppins was just what you needed My DD1 has a high school friend that is now a CM character at WDW, she is one of the most kind and loving young ladies you would ever meet. That special Disney "magic" is always there to place the right people where they are needed
It's that special Disney magic that keeps us going back for more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
What great Photopass pics!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie97
Pictures came out nice Cam, I really liked how Morgan came out with Aurora....she seems to have enjoyed herself.
The meet and greet with Aurora was very sweet!
Quote:
Originally Posted by kangelop
You finally got your passporter CD. That is great news! And I agree with you, the photo of Morgan that you noted was one of your favorites was great (though they all were really good).
Take your time with the trip report. We all understand that this is an emotional journey for you. We will be here when you are ready to post.
I know everyone here is understanding and that is helping me each day as I keep moving forward.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tabitha34
So glad you got your photopass cd in!! The pictures are all great!
Quote:
Originally Posted by disney fan 46
Good pics!
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Originally Posted by roaminggnome
What great pics. Morgan looks so cute w/ Mickey and his pals. Thank you for sharing.
Great pictures! And don't you worry about your updates. you take your time and we will all be here when you feel up to posting!
I'm beginning to feel that this trip make take me through the end of the year.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HollyH
Great Photopass Pictures!
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneLittleSpark
Great pics Cam!
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Originally Posted by jlhill4444
Great photos!
ladies!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lfredsbo
GREAT photos Cam!!!! I am LOVING the new borders for photopass!!!!
And no such thing as overwhelming me with pics!!!
I was very pleased to discover new borders! Great additions by Disney!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfirst
the photopass pictures! Sorry you've had a rough couple of days again! Did you enjoy your birthday and anniversary?
I did enjoy my birthday/anniversary, though I broke down and cried right before bed because I missed all the joy Stefanie would have brought to this day, from waking me up with a "Happy Birthday!" to telling me she loved me at bedtime.
Quote:
Originally Posted by taylan1
Love, love, love all you photopass pictures!! The one of you and Heather is so great, the two of you look like you are having such a blast!! Morgan looks like she is having so much fun meeting all the characters. I particularly love the ones with her and Aurora. It looks like the same Aurora that we met when we were there recently. She had the nicest little conversation with my son, even though I had to answer for him (he is nonverbal). She spoke directly too him and never took her eyes off of him, I thought is was so wonderful!! Looking forward to your next update, but take your time and post when you are ready.
How sweet of Aurora to talk with your DS!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MontiMouse
Beautiful pictures! Looks like you are creating some great memories. I love that the characters are able to comfort you.
Judging from your new countdown, I think our trips will overlap next summer. We arrive on May 30th.
An overlap of our trips would be so wonderful as it's been forever since we've seen each other.
Quote:
Originally Posted by honeybee723
First, I wanted to share something similar that Chad's grandmother is going through right now. As you know, Chad's grandfather passed away in March, and his grandparents had been married for 64 years, not including the time they knew each other before they got married. That is an incredibly long time to be with someone, and when he passed, all I kept thinking was how strong and brave she was being. Hardly any tears had fallen and she seemed solid as a rock for all of the friends and family around her.
In my heart I knew that when everything died down and it got quiet, she would start to really be able to feel the full weight of the sadness, and that's exactly what happened. My MIL was talking to me the other day and said that she seems to be getting worse instead of better, and that she's just been in a very bad funk the past few weeks. To me this wasn't surprising, and I told her that she needs her time to grieve. For goodess sake, she was with the man for over 64 years, and now he's gone, and she's by herself in that house without her best friend. It's going to take time, and there will be days, weeks and even months where she may not smile, may not want to see anyone, may not want to do anything, and we just have to be understanding and supportive.
If you weren't having those days then you wouldn't be human, and even though time heals, you will never be the same person you were before. Still thinking of you and will be here patiently waiting if more funky days keep you from the boards.
As for the pictures, they all came out great and I can't wait to see more.
, Melissa! Your wise words were perfect for me tonight as I have a few friends who, I know out of concern for me, are worried that I have spells where I'm just not happy. I didn't attend a school picnic tonight because of the heat and the fact that I'd have to be sociable. I don't mind being with people, but large crowds, like many of my co-workers and their families, overwhelms me at times and reminds me that my own kiddo isn't here with me. Again a huge for your wisdom! Many for Chad's grandmother!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenny
Pictures came out nice! All of them are great, but I especially like the ones with Pluto. He has always been my fab because I got a plush of him when I was in the hospital at 3 years old. It looked like Morgan really liked Goofy, though!
Morgan enjoyed them all, but I just realized I never asked her at the end of the trip which were her favorites.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JKnott17
Beautiful pictures, Cam! I'm so glad you finally got your CD, and I love all of the new photopass borders!! Take your time with your next update, we'll all be here patiently waiting.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily
I'm glad you got the Photo pass CD. The pics are wonderful! I can't wait to hear why Pluto is your new hero.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2princessmom
Love the pictures! I love all the backgrounds!
Hang in there and take all the time you need. Sending pixies.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roxie2006
All of your PP pictures are wonderful. Morgan with her amazing Aunt and Uncle made some great memories together. So glad to see Pluto being a good sport. I really like the pics in the Rose Garden. Getting ideas for our September Trip.!!!! Looking forward to more....
We've always gotten great pictures with the castle at the Rose Garden.
Great pictures! I love how happy Morgan is to see all the characters. She is super blessed to have such a wonderful Aunt and Uncle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MickeyD
Love all the pictures! Super cool new borders.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kmurburg
Your PP pics are great! That Morgan is such a cutie! She is sure enjoying herself and it looks like she's having a great time with the characters! It's so nice that even though she is at "that age" she is not too cool to have a good time!
I was very pleased that she didn't find most things to uncool.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeL
Photopass pics were definately worth the wait. Happy to see smile on your faces So happy that young Morgan is enjoying herself
Quote:
Originally Posted by stardust190
Glad you finally got your PhotoPass CDs. Looks like you got some great pictures!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mileese
What great pictures. and great Character interaction!
Quote:
Originally Posted by wishes
Great pix! I'm so glad your CD finally came. And Pluto is my all-time fav, too! Sending you &
Quote:
Originally Posted by BelmontBelle
Love all the PP pics, you can really see what a great time Morgan is having!
Sending and for you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhToodles!
Awesome PP pics Cam! I even see a new border from the Epcot ones than when I got mine.
Now that is interesting since our trips overlapped. Wonder if there will be new ones when you all go again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shnewell
So glad your CD finally arrived! I loved all the photos, but the one of Donald goofing around with Morgan's Minnie ears made me chuckle. And she really did seem to be having a magical time with Aurora.
It looked like everyone had a blast on Buzz Lightyear. Heather is cracking me up -- she looks very determined!
Heather beat us all by a long shot!
Quote:
Originally Posted by DisneyLuv
Beautiful, beautiful pics! You've just convinced me that I NEED and MUST get the photopass CD for our next trip!
We've gotten one for every trip for quite sometime now and always love it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Laurast
Another of my favorites, my new hero, Pluto (though I didn't know it yet).
Did I miss the part of your TR where you talked about your special encounter with Pluto? Love your pics!
The special encounter with Pluto won't happen for several days, which means it's quite a few updates down the road.
Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzspal2
Great pictures Cam, I want to hear all about Pluto the hero.
Pluto's story will come along eventually.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BJ Wanlund
All caught up again, finally. PP pics are great! A few of those borders were VERY intriguing, including the old-school Donald Duck look from his early cartoon appearances!
And please, take your time in posting more in your TR.
Your photopass pics are wonderful. Thank you for sharing. I cannot imagine how difficult times can be. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jandsdennis
Loved all the pictures. Makes me so excited for our trip in Oct.
Quote:
Originally Posted by davishomeschool
Great Pics! Sorry you're having a bad couple of days. I will continue to pray for you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NanaTink
Wonderful photos, Cam! Morgan certainly looks like she's concentrating on the targets in Buzz!
I'm sorry you are having a bit of a rough spell...they will come and go. You take the time you need and take care of YOU!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Glad you're photopass CD finally arrived!! Love the pictures you posted. And I'm loving some of the new borders on the pictures.
Quote:
Originally Posted by omd
Great pictures! Looking forward to more on your trip.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lazanya
Love all the pictures!
I understand that funk that comes on. My dad and I went through it when my mom passed away 3 years ago. We both had our good days and bad days after my mom's passing.
It helps to remember that others have been through this, too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mousestruck
Wonderful pics, Cam! Some very happy faces... so good to see!
I hope your heavy heart lifts a bit soon. We're all here when you're ready for your next update!
Today was less sad!
Quote:
Originally Posted by coffeechef
Cam... my thoughts and prayers are with you and Luke as you try to get through these tougher times. I hope that your trip report helps you with healing. I wish that there were more we could all say or do, to help to ease the pain.
I know that Stefanie is always there with you and always will be. The care and thoughtfulness that you experienced with several of the characters, I think was Stefanie being there with you.
I have to agree with you! Stefanie was there guiding us all!
Quote:
Originally Posted by valegirl5292
What great pictures and beautiful smiles on everyone. Looking forward to more when you feel ready again, we will be here waiting.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CountryTink
Such wonderful pictures! Sorry you are having some struggles.
At the International Gateway bag check, the CM felt neglected as there was no present for him. Soon I could see Morgan and Luke and Kelly and Lukas at the Rose and Crown. Hugs were exchanged and then we chatted and waited for Mike and Dylan to join us.
Once they arrived, Kelly checked us in, and before long, we were seated on the patio in a perfect spot for viewing Illuminations. Luke chose the Fish ‘n Chips as did Kelly and the boys. I picked the Pork Duo while Morgan had the Meaty Macaroni. Mike had curry chicken, I think. Service was slow, but we were too busy talking for it to be much of a problem. Dylan became infatuated with Morgan, loving on her, and she was such a sweetheart, playing games with him.
Gifts were exchanged. Morgan was surprised that she’d gotten a gift, too. Our food was delicious, and I’ll probably get the Pork Duo on another visit to the Rose and Crown. Illuminations was as beautiful as always! Missed my girl sharing it with me!
After the fireworks, while waiting for the receipt, Morgan and Dylan played a high 5 game. Lukas got brave enough to join his brother, but was still shy when Morgan would talk to him. Kelly and Mike for dinner! Eventually, it was time to part ways. Poor Dylan shed quite a few tears as Morgan left. She looked at Luke and me and said, “I think he liked me.” And he did! I was proud of how patient and caring Morgan was with him. My sister is raising one great kid!
We leisurely walked back to BWI. Then Luke and Morgan headed to the restrooms while I went into the General Store. I immediately picked up a park must have Dark Chocolate Almonds and then just wandered the store. Luke and Morgan eventually joined me. Morgan found two sets of princess figures that included them all. I asked her if she’d like them and I got a big ! I attempted to buy a pretty Skagen watch, but it had not SKU and no box, but the young college CM was sweet to talk with. Hopefully, I’d have better luck next time I found it. Luke added White Chocolate pretzels and Chocolate Peanuts to get our Visa discount. I also picked up a Mickey noodle spatula. Next stop was the front desk to get me a new room key and to request an extra blanket, so I wouldn’t freeze another night. Then we headed back to the room where we gawked at our pretty nighttime view from the balcony. We also discovered a couple more gifts. A Tinker Bell necklace.
And a lovely floral arrangement from my DSiL’s co-workers.
The glass slipper and the tiara from the arrangement now sit in our entertainment center next to two photographs of Stefanie, and the ribbons and pins are in a glass bowl candle holder along with some pixie dust.
We got ready for bed and then I cuddled up to write notes until I was too sleepy to continue. This night I slept all cozy and warm. Thus ends day 2.
Next: Really? Where did all these people come from?