The Promise of Spring: Flower & Garden Festival 4.0 -- A Cam and Luke TR COMPLETED 8/27 - Page 63 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
I really love the frames that you put your new prints in and they look perfect in your bathroom!!! It's so nice to see how you placed all your purchases throughout your lovely home Cam. You can tell how much you enjoy Disney through all the subtle touches. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks! Part of the fun for me when we get home is figuring out exactly where to put all our purchases, though even as I'm buying them I am plotting.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roxie2006
You did an awesome job matching the Art work to the frames. They are beautiful. I do like all of your giraffes too. You really made some great purchases.
Thanks! I'm pretty certain that I don't need another giraffe figure or print, but I'm also pretty certain that won't stop me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pris
I love those Larry Dotson prints. Your safari themed bathroom is awesome.
Thanks! Luke swears I come home after each trip with some new idea for our own home. Our master bath has faucets similar to the ones I fell in love with at VWL/Boulder Ridge a few years back.
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.
With the chocolate cake at The Smokehouse, Luke and I were finished with this year’s Flower & Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchens. We didn’t want to spoil our supper plans for later. I made a FastPass for Test Track, but the time for it was a little way off so we could enjoy strolling back through the World Showcase. When we reached Germany, we stopped to take in the trains that were now running through the layout. There was quite a bit of activity on the tracks today.
From the World Showcase we took the walkway that comes out near Test Track. Of course, I stopped once again to photograph the floating flowers in the water that make this area so lovely in the spring.
We walked a little further and decided to take advantage of the restrooms here, which we’ve found to typically be underused. They were quite again today with no one else sharing them with us.
Eventually, we made it to Test Track, and created a funky yelllow SUV with lots of star decals and double spoilers. We won two of the categories, but I can’t remember which ones.
When we had entered the FastPass queue for Test Track, I opened the MDE app and got us another FastPass for Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival. So we traveled over to the Magic Eye theater next. We had a little wait in the preshow and then we moved into the theater. I love these little films and can’t wait to see the two new ones that have since replaced a couple that we saw.
Since it was nearby, we headed to Imagination to take advantage of the DVC member lounge for some free drinks and some cushy seats in the air conditioning. I think we both refilled our drinks several times, and at one point, a CM came around with a snack cart. We selected some cookies and chips that I stashed in my bag and the next day we ate these on our plane trip home. I attempted another photo of Spaceship Earth from here, but I should have asked Luke to take it because I’m short and couldn’t really center it as I had hoped.
When it was time to leave the DVC lounge and the park in order to make our dinner ADR, we gathered up our stuff and took the elevator down. At the bus stops we caught a bus to Disney Springs. Due to the construction around DS right now, it seems bus rides to or from DS take longer than usual. Thankfully, we’d allowed ourselves plenty of time. Once at Disney Springs, we made our way over to Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming. We were happy to see restrooms right across from the restaurant, so we used those before checking in.
We were told at check in that it might be a little while, but it was only about 10 minutes before our pager buzzed.
I’m a Southern girl raised on Southern homestyle comfort food, and I was really hoping this place was going to live up to my expectations for that type of cuisine. In fact, I already knew exactly what I would be ordering months before we even arrived at WDW. So once our server had our drink orders, I ordered the Church Lady Deviled Eggs. Every church potluck I attended growing up along with many family feasts featured deviled eggs. So how did these measure up to my Mom’s, my Granny’s, and every church lady I’ve ever known? Perfect, exactly like I expect a good deviled egg to be. Luke and I split these, each getting three, and my three were devoured before he finished his second one. I’m pretty sure I’d have had not problem eating all six myself.
For my entrée, I chose Art’s Famous Fried Chicken creamy mashed potatoes and cheddar drop biscuits. The chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. Delicious! Just like I remember my Mom’s fried chicken, which we had several times a month, sort of a weekly/bi-weekly standard growing up. The creamy mashed potatoes were creamy for sure. I didn’t like my Mom’s mashed potatoes, and it wouldn’t be until college when a friend’s mom made some that I realized mashed potatoes could be creamy and quite tasty. The cheddar drop biscuit was okay. I think it needed to bake just a few more minutes, but that didn’t stop me from finishing mine.
Luke selected the Country Club, a grilled chicken topped with white cheddar, pecan-smoked bacon, red jalapeño jelly, lettuce, and tomato on a brioche bun and served with house-made barbecue chips drizzled with icebox dressing. He highly approved of his meal, too.
The view from my seat was toward the kitchen so I could see every plate and dish as it came up to be sent to the tables. I became very fascinated with the desserts as the servings were exceptionally generous. In the end I chose Auntie’s Chocolate Cake, which was so moist and chocolatey. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a shot of it. For me, this was the BEST meal of the entire trip, though Sanaa was nearly as good, but then I’ve grown used to it being exemplarily.
We had a bit of time before our last event of the evening. It had been more pleasant again today weather-wise, and as the sun was going down it was getting slightly chilly. I was hoping to buy a pair of jeans as I was afraid I was going to get uncomfortably cold. I usually pack at least one pair of jeans, just in case they are needed. Totally forgot this trip. In fact, when I checked my packing list on the computer, they weren’t even listed. Don’t know how they got deleted. But jeans at Disney Springs come at a steep price, one I wasn’t willing to pay. Without a new pair of jeans, we made our way back to the bus stop and caught a ride to the Magic Kingdom. Tonight would be our final chance to catch Wishes. Once at MK, we walked up Main Street via the Emporium as I thought maybe I could find either a blanket or a pair of sweatpants. But this late in the vacation, I was shopped out and nothing was appealing or in my price range. We made our way into the Hub, finally settling on a spot near a railing. The area right along the wall was already stacked out by several families, but a mom, grandmother, and three kids welcomed us to stand right behind them. I took a shot of the castle with my iPhone to post to Facebook. I hadn’t been this excited for Wishes in years.
As we waited the families along the wall and those of standing right behind them conversed about our memories of Wishes, especially memories with our kids. The grandmother told us that the kids had been so upset when they learned that Wishes was ending that her daughter surprised them all with this trip. The grandmother had also held their spot on the wall since around 4:30 this afternoon to be sure they had a good spot. The mom marveled that Luke enjoyed WDW as much as I do because her husband approved their trip as long as he didn’t have to come. At one point the dad in another family took their three kids to the restrooms. While he was gone and the mom was looking forward, a family appeared suddenly pushing their kids into those spots. Teacher mode kicked in and I let the parents know this was not acceptable as another family had been in that area for hours now. The parents kept saying they just wanted their kids to have a good view. By now several of us, including the mom were defending their spots. Truly if they’d asked nicely and not shoved the kids in over the top of several of us, someone probably would have given the kids some room. But since the parents behaved so poorly, the family ended up moving on. Now as to the weather getting chilly (it was now in the low 60s), by the time it got dark, the crowd had packed in around us and I was insulated for the duration of the fireworks. When it was announced that the show would begin in five minutes, I took one more selfie of Luke and me to post to Facebook. Then the phone was put away because I needed to absorb this final time seeing Wishes.
When the fireworks ended, the crowds behind us dispersed rather quickly, allowing lots of cool air to reach me. Brrr! But so pleasant after the first part of our trip. I suppose we could have stayed longer and enjoyed the castle show or some rides. My heart though said it was time to go. We bid the Magic Kingdom farewell for the final time this trip and made our way to the bus stop for a ride home. Back at Jambo House, I finished packing all I could until we got ready the next day, and then it was bedtime.
Final Stats for Day 10 Saturday, May 6: Fitbit Data: 21,776 steps/8.97 miles/2,369 calories/10 floors/8 hours 36 minutes sleep Temperature: 81 degrees for the high; 57 degrees for the low Worst Part of the Day: Knowing it was our last full day Best Part of the Day: Dinner at Chef Art Smith’s followed by Wishes
NEXT: Farewell to Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge
Quite the day from Epcot to Disney Springs and to the Magic Kingdom! Great photos at Epcot and especially of the flower beds and lucky that you got some of the monorail! Glad you were able to get a few attraction in before heading to Disney Springs. Your meal at The Homecoming looked very good and that's on my list of places to try, but there are just so many now! Nice end to your day with the last time you'd see Wishes! That one family pushing their kids into the spots were definitely out of line. Glad they moved on.
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Quite the day from Epcot to Disney Springs and to the Magic Kingdom! Great photos at Epcot and especially of the flower beds and lucky that you got some of the monorail! Glad you were able to get a few attraction in before heading to Disney Springs. Your meal at The Homecoming looked very good and that's on my list of places to try, but there are just so many now! Nice end to your day with the last time you'd see Wishes! That one family pushing their kids into the spots were definitely out of line. Glad they moved on.
We did a bit of traveling this day, but most of it was at the end. I loved Homecoming so much it's back on our ADR list for November.
What a wonderful trip! It was perfect to end your last full day with Wishes.
I ate exactly what you ate at Homecomin' and loved it! Deviled eggs and the fried chicken with creamy mashed potatoes! I sat at the table right behind where Luke sat. Loved it!
__________________
Huge Disney Fan...Always Have Been...Always Will Be!
Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration TR here!
2013 WDW trip here!
2011 trip to Hawaii here!
PassPorter Guide Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ballston Lake, NY
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 46,162
Post Thanks / Like
Likes (Given): 94
Likes (Received): 241
Thanks (Given): 0
Thanks (Received): 139
Pixie Dust (Given): 3
Pixie Dust (Received): 4
Sounds like you had a wonderful final day! Epcot was beautiful with all the flowers and the food choices were delicious. Your dinner at Art Smith's looked delicious too. Glad you got to try that restaurant out. And getting to see Wishes for the final time was a great way to end your trip!
What a great day! How nice that you got to spend some time at the DVC lounge and that you got a final FP for Test Track. Dinner looked delicious! I'm very happy to have made that our DS choice for January. Your spot for Wishes was perfect and I'm glad that pushy family eventually moved on.
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.
Isn't it funny how many rave reviews I've read of Homecoming, but it just doesn't do anything for me? I look at the menu and it doesn't grab me at all, I guess because I haven't grown up with that type of food. I really want to go, but I can't bring myself to, not with so many other amazing restaurants opening up around Disney.
Good for all of you defending that family's spots for Wishes!
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.
What an exciting day. The food review was great, may have to give Homecomin'a try on our next trip. What a perfect ending to another awesome Disney Trip.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
The frames are well suited for them, and your bathroom is just, well, beautiful! 
So once our server had our drink orders, I ordered the Church Lady Deviled Eggs. Every church potluck I attended growing up along with many family feasts featured deviled eggs. So how did these measure up to my Mom’s, my Granny’s, and every church lady I’ve ever known? Perfect, exactly like I expect a good deviled egg to be. Luke and I split these, each getting three, and my three were devoured before he finished his second one. I’m pretty sure I’d have had not problem eating all six myself. 
He highly approved of his meal, too. 
For me, this was the BEST meal of the entire trip, though Sanaa was nearly as good, but then I’ve grown used to it being exemplarily. 
At one point the dad in another family took their three kids to the restrooms. While he was gone and the mom was looking forward, a family appeared suddenly pushing their kids into those spots. Teacher mode kicked in and I let the parents know this was not acceptable as another family had been in that area for hours now. The parents kept saying they just wanted their kids to have a good view. By now several of us, including the mom were defending their spots. Truly if they’d asked nicely and not shoved the kids in over the top of several of us, someone probably would have given the kids some room. But since the parents behaved so poorly, the family ended up moving on. Now as to the weather getting chilly (it was now in the low 60s), by the time it got dark, the crowd had packed in around us and I was insulated for the duration of the fireworks. When it was announced that the show would begin in five minutes, I took one more selfie of Luke and me to post to Facebook. Then the phone was put away because I needed to absorb this final time seeing Wishes. 
Nice end to your day with the last time you'd see Wishes! 
Glad they moved on.
PassPorter Guide Author
Linear Mode
