My first solo adventure - Disney style!! - Page 6 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World Its 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.
Your food pics from the F&WF make me wish we were going back this fall, but no such luck. I had thought when I booked our dessert party for this past June that I would take next year off, but if it's offered again, I'm pretty sure we'll do it again. We all love pigging out on the desserts and the different view of the fireworks. What an awesome arrangement from your DH!
I'm just catching up with your tr! How wonderful that you can have some "me" time and do exactly what you want to do when you want to do it! I'm loving it!
Oh how much fun you are having! I would love a solo trip, well not necessarily a solo trip but a trip without my girls. I don't think that will happen until they are a little older. Right now they love it so much I couldn't have a good time if I left them. I am leaving them for my 40th bday trip with my sis.
The KTTK tour sounds like so much fun and the pics from the dessert party are making me hungry.
I think it is typical of us moms to not know what to do when we are alone. I am glad you got to do some things you don't normally get to do.
Thanks for sharing your solo trip and I can't wait for more.
I guess I need to go make lunch now because your food pics have me starving! Great update and way to go DH on the flowers.
It really was fun to eat so many foods that I normally wouldn't do with the family. Cute flowers, right?!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by wayneava81
That dessert buffet looks delicious!
And what a nice flower arrangement!
The best part of the flowers is that is a Donald mug that they were inside of! So I got to take home an extra little souvenir!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
I really want to try that dessert party!!!
What a nice surprise to find in your room!!
I personally think the dessert party is worth it - mostly cuz of my huge sweet tooth!! But it would be expensive for the whole family. Something to consider!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MickeyMAC
What a sweet husband. Your flowers were beautiful. We're going to have to do the wishes dessert party, your pictures made me hungry.
If you plan it correctly to actually be HUNGRY at dessert time, it's a great way to have dinner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pinkyt177
What an awesome day/night, you are hving an awesome trip!
It really was an amazing trip!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Your food pics from the F&WF make me wish we were going back this fall, but no such luck. I had thought when I booked our dessert party for this past June that I would take next year off, but if it's offered again, I'm pretty sure we'll do it again. We all love pigging out on the desserts and the different view of the fireworks. What an awesome arrangement from your DH!
What a bummer you can't make it back for this fall. It really is an amazing experience at Epcot. Yes, those desserts were absolutely delicious.... every last bite! I'm glad you enjoyed it too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovedisney247
I wish all of that dessert wouldn't make me ill--I just can't handle that much sugar at once! It looks delish!
I guess I'm just lucky that I can handle that much sugar. My DH would have a hard time with it! Now if it was a chips/salsa and beef jerky dessert party, sign him up!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jillybean
I'm just catching up with your tr! How wonderful that you can have some "me" time and do exactly what you want to do when you want to do it! I'm loving it!
Jill
Yep, "me" time is not something us moms get on our WDW trips very often! So this truly was a special trip.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Oh wow, those photos of the dessert party are making me hungry!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great flowers! Great pics too! The dessert party looks delish!
They make me hungry too -- probably more so because I rememeber just how yummy they were!
Quote:
Originally Posted by disneydreamer33
Oh how much fun you are having! I would love a solo trip, well not necessarily a solo trip but a trip without my girls. I don't think that will happen until they are a little older. Right now they love it so much I couldn't have a good time if I left them. I am leaving them for my 40th bday trip with my sis.
The KTTK tour sounds like so much fun and the pics from the dessert party are making me hungry.
I think it is typical of us moms to not know what to do when we are alone. I am glad you got to do some things you don't normally get to do.
Thanks for sharing your solo trip and I can't wait for more.
I thought I would miss my kids like crazy. And I did in the beginning, and again after watching the Nemo musical. I was blotting with Kleenex after that!! But overall, I found that I kept myself focused on other things so I didn't think about them too too much. I picked up a few things for them while shopping so I knew that would make them extra happy upon my return!
__________________
Tanya
Every click helps feed .6 bowls of food to rescued animals. Give a quick click every day and help animals in shelters! www.theanimalrescuesite.com
Day Four, Tuesday November 3, part 1 a little birthday fun!
I awoke early with a change of plans to my spreadsheet. I originally was going to open MK this morning since I have never seen that opening show. And I couldnt think of a better start to my birthday! But since I hadnt gotten to go on Toy Story the other day, I decided to go to DHS instead. I love that ride!! I also decided I had better put on my Keds and hopefully my feet and hips would feel a little better man, even though I turned 35 that day it sure felt like I had turned 65!
I grabbed a quick bite of a croissant at OPR and drove over to DHS.
Celebrate Today - appropriate for today!
I had plans for some more appetizer-type sampling at F&WF for early lunch and a late lunch at Chefs de France later on so I didnt want a big breakfast. After arriving at DHS, I headed over with the crowd to Toy Story. After stopping to get my FP, I waited in line for only about 20 minutes for my first spin. I was going to test a theory of accuracy vs. frequency.
The first ride I tried for accuracy and did well on that, but the score was really low (as usual for me!). While waiting for my FP to ripen, I wandered aimlessly around and really started to enjoy being. Just being. The solo trip was really starting to sink in now and I enjoyed myself by sitting on a bench and truly noticing the finer details in the parks. Ahhh, yes. That was nice!
Time for the frequency theory on Toy Story, I was paired with another solo traveler this time who told me to just pull that string willy nilly and that is definitely the way to score on this ride.
She was right!!! But I must say, pulling that little string a thousand times is not good for a bad shoulder! Oh, was my shoulder hurting. Not to mention my feet!! (Im sorry for babbling on about my sore feet and hips, but I had the Princess Half Marathon coming up in a few months so I didnt need any injuries or soreness!) I wanted to get to F&WF to start eating around the world, so I headed out. But first stopped at Will Call/Guest Services to get my Birthday Fun Card!!
I never did wear the button!
Well, you know with that card burning a hole in my pocket, I headed straight for DtD!! There was virtually nobody there at 10:15 AM so that made shopping soooo much easier! I decided to get that black jacket I had mentioned earlier, and a classic Walt Disney World T shirt with Mickey on it, and some cute earrings. Im sure I picked up a few more things, likely things for the kids! But after shopping, my feet were killing me. Particularly my left one. Ive had an issue with that arch my whole life and every once in awhile it really acts up. The old Keds just werent cutting it and I didnt enjoy the prospect of putting on sandals again either. I had time to either go swimming at the hotel, or go buy some worthwhile sneakers.
I had a last minute ditch effort idea though I wondered if the gift shop at the hotel sold some Dr. Scholls inserts and maybe that would help. I headed back to CBR, dropped off my purchases in my room, and drove over to OPR (needed some caffeine too, so I filled up on that). No inserts to be had. My BFF called at this time to wish me a happy birthday and I explained what I was doing and she thought it was pretty funny going to Wal-Mart on my birthday for some new sneakers? She called me an old maid! She was right though, this was kinda funny! A birthday to remember. I wondered how many other people have had to do this on vacation?
So, yes, I broke the cardinal rule never EVER wear brand new sneakers to Walt Disney World. Well, I didnt have much of a choice!!! I headed over to the closest Wal-Mart I could remember and bought some nice, bright white, brand-spanking new $30 sneakers. And socks too! Changed my shoes right there in the car and headed over to Epcot. Theres something you dont do every day! But man, did my feet feel better with some more support. Its not easy getting older, is it??!!!
Coming up: eating around the World
__________________
Tanya
Every click helps feed .6 bowls of food to rescued animals. Give a quick click every day and help animals in shelters! www.theanimalrescuesite.com
I turned 36 this year and I feel 60, with all my knee, back and arthitis pains. I totally understand where you are coming from. Glad you were able to get some new sneakers to try and subdue some of that pain.
Loving your trip report. Hopefully your new shoes made all the difference for your poor feet! How sweet that your husband got you that arrangement for your room! I am thinking, after looking at your dessert party pictures, that tickets to this event are somewhere in my future...
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
Cassie
I'm loving it!
PassPorter Guide Author
Great pics too! The dessert party looks delish! 
Liz 
But since I hadnt gotten to go on Toy Story the other day, I decided to go to DHS instead. I love that ride!! I also decided I had better put on my Keds and hopefully my feet and hips would feel a little better man, even though I turned 35 that day it sure felt like I had turned 65! 
(Im sorry for babbling on about my sore feet and hips, but I had the Princess Half Marathon coming up in a few months so I didnt need any injuries or soreness!
) I wanted to get to F&WF to start eating around the world, so I headed out. But first stopped at Will Call/Guest Services to get my Birthday Fun Card!! 
I decided to get that black jacket I had mentioned earlier, and a classic Walt Disney World T shirt with Mickey on it, and some cute earrings. Im sure I picked up a few more things, likely things for the kids! But after shopping, my feet were killing me. Particularly my left one. Ive had an issue with that arch my whole life and every once in awhile it really acts up. The old Keds just werent cutting it and I didnt enjoy the prospect of putting on sandals again either. 
I had time to either go swimming at the hotel, or go buy some worthwhile sneakers. 
and I explained what I was doing and she thought it was pretty funny going to Wal-Mart on my birthday for some new sneakers? She called me an old maid! She was right though, this was kinda funny! A birthday to remember. I wondered how many other people have had to do this on vacation?
Well, I didnt have much of a choice!!! I headed over to the closest Wal-Mart I could remember and bought some nice, bright white, brand-spanking new $30 sneakers. And socks too! 
Changed my shoes right there in the car and headed over to Epcot. Theres something you dont do every day! But man, did my feet feel better with some more support. Its not easy getting older, is it??!!! 
Linear Mode
