Living the dream and remembering the Bagman UPDATED 3/21 - Page 69 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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 can't wait to see how the whole magic bands saga ends up. We had problems with our MBs a few years ago, and my Dh ended up having to go back to the desk at least 3-4 times to sort it out. Ours wouldn't open our door at ASMu, and of course we were alllll the way at the back of the resort.
My normally chill hubby was not so chill that day.
I loved all the photos of BC and Japan! That kimono section in the store is where my dd parks it for a while to practice her Japanese with the workers. It's usually very quiet in there with most people just browsing so hopefully she's not in anyone's way. The employees always seem thrilled to help her try out her conversational Japanese.
I can't wait to see how the whole magic bands saga ends up. We had problems with our MBs a few years ago, and my Dh ended up having to go back to the desk at least 3-4 times to sort it out. Ours wouldn't open our door at ASMu, and of course we were alllll the way at the back of the resort.
Ah well, let's just say something similar to you may have also happened to us during this vacation....
Quote:
My normally chill hubby was not so chill that day.
I don't blame him!
Quote:
I loved all the photos of BC and Japan! That kimono section in the store is where my dd parks it for a while to practice her Japanese with the workers. It's usually very quiet in there with most people just browsing so hopefully she's not in anyone's way. The employees always seem thrilled to help her try out her conversational Japanese.
The is quite bizarre with Epcot clearing out like that with no more crowds! Nice shots of Morocco and France at night. So cool you were able to get a spot for Illuminations up front as that is next to impossible, just before the show! That's never happened to me before. I always give myself plenty of time to have a good place for viewing. I have the Illuminations cd and is one of my favorites!
__________________
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!
The is quite bizarre with Epcot clearing out like that with no more crowds! Nice shots of Morocco and France at night. So cool you were able to get a spot for Illuminations up front as that is next to impossible, just before the show! That's never happened to me before. I always give myself plenty of time to have a good place for viewing. I have the Illuminations cd and is one of my favorites!
Me too, except I can never listen to it without crying.... x
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.
Your night time photos are just stunning. It truly captures exactly what it looks like at night, it's beautiful! The camera continues to amaze. Lovely that the crowds disappeared for you!
__________________
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
Your night time photos are just stunning. It truly captures exactly what it looks like at night, it's beautiful! The camera continues to amaze. Lovely that the crowds disappeared for you!
Hopefully the new camera will amaze just as much...
Morocco is my favorite pavilion and I just love your nighttime photos !
I'm impressed you scared the crowds away [emoji6]. I suspect many head toward the front of the park to be able to exit quickly after the show. Now you've got me wanting to return to Tokyo Dining. We had a great time there. Problem is we're going during F&WF and there's only so much we can eat ... between booths and restaurants- we're forced to make some tough choices. First World Problems.
I actually flip-flopped a little with the logistics of our upcoming sept trip, but ended up planning on AK for our Saturday. You've got me feeling better about that decision- missing the Epcot crowds.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
Don't let your heart be filled with sorrow, for all you know, tomorrow, the dream that you wish will come true.
Morocco is my favorite pavilion and I just love your nighttime photos !
Quote:
I'm impressed you scared the crowds away [emoji6].
Yes, we did well with that!
Quote:
I suspect many head toward the front of the park to be able to exit quickly after the show.
True...
Quote:
Now you've got me wanting to return to Tokyo Dining. We had a great time there. Problem is we're going during F&WF and there's only so much we can eat ... between booths and restaurants- we're forced to make some tough choices. First World Problems.
Oh tell me about it - making dining choices at Disney is getting tougher and tougher.
Quote:
I actually flip-flopped a little with the logistics of our upcoming sept trip, but ended up planning on AK for our Saturday. You've got me feeling better about that decision- missing the Epcot crowds.
Right, we're back from our latest Disney vacation, so it's time to head back into this trip report... and here we go:
Sunday 25 September – part one: I want to see a manager…
I just about died when I eventually woke up (I lay there for some time trying not to ) and asked Mark what the time was. His reply? 8:35am. Oh wow, I guess we needed the sleep, considering we went to bed at 11:00pm.
I got up, and checked what the temperature was like outside, expecting it to be unbearable by this time, like every other day. it was actually quite pleasant out. Nice and warm, but not stiflingly hot. We headed down to the pool, or should I say I did. Mark said he’d follow, but by the time he finally arrived, I was done. I just did 10 lengths, and I reckon the way I was swimming the quiet pool, it was a good 20 metres. I was beat, and didn’t want to kill myself. I wanted a relaxing morning before our brunch at the California Grill, so I was out before he arrived.
I headed back to the room to get showered and wash my hair, and just as I was done, I heard a knocking. Now his MagicBand wouldn’t work for our room! This is getting really stupid. As he said, what would he have done if it had been the other way around, and I was the one still at the pool?
I went into the kitchen to make tea, and discovered there now only seems to be one pan – a casserole one, so you can’t even easily boil water in a pan. Ugh! Not a good change. There was no way I was going to attempt to rinse out the coffee maker goodness knows how many times before having a cup of tea.
We went down to get breakfast and use up our snack credits…
Thank goodness those worked at least, then we made our way over to check-in. I’d already told Mark that was it, I wanted to see a manager, and we saw someone who looked like she was. She came over to us, and my first words were “are you a manager?” I think her heart must’ve sunk at those words.
We explained what had happened, and how we’d stood for an hour trying to get the MagicBands sorted yesterday, and we’d been late for lunch and dinner, and we’d had enough, as this was digging into our Disney time. Immediately, it was basically a case of how can we sort this for you as quickly as possible, which was very welcome.
They decided, after making a couple of checks that the easiest way to do it was to check the second MagicBand I’d been given to see if it would charge in the gift shop. It did! The manager then asked what our plans were for the day, and we explained we were off to the Studios later, and she said they’d give us some extra Fastpasses.
Now this was great, but really I’d have preferred some extra for Epcot in the morning… not to be greedy… but…
Then the guy who the manager had got walked us over to our room, and I mentioned this to him. He immediately said he’d add on some for the morning in Epcot as well! We chatted all the way back to the room, and thankfully both our MagicBands finally worked on the door. Yay! Then you could’ve knocked us both down with a feather. We both looked at each other when we got inside the room, and at the same time said “did you hear that as well?” as the guy had said he’d add $250 credit on to our room… We really were blown away by that. Ok, bottle of wine with dinner tonight, me thinks…
We chilled in the room for a bit, well the best we could, given we’d decided to put the washing on. Oh my goodness, the washer sounded like it was going to take off! We both said perhaps we should’ve put it on just as we were leaving, so we didn’t have to listen to it…
Eventually, we made our way out…
When we checked in at the security gate at the Contemporary, the guy told us we had complimentary valet parking as we were having brunch. Wow! I was really impressed with this. We were later told what I’d already suspected, they are still trying to promote the brunch and get it off the brunch, and that’s why they’re offering this as an incentive, as we checked, and you wouldn’t get this for dinner.
We got a message just as we arrived at the Contemporary to say that Deb and Linda had arrived, but because the reservation was in our name, they were on a hold list. We messaged back to say we were on our way up.
About This Page: 
PassPorter Guide Author
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
Nice shots of Morocco and France at night. So cool you were able to get a spot for Illuminations up front as that is next to impossible, just before the show! 
I always give myself plenty of time to have a good place for viewing. I have the Illuminations cd and is one of my favorites! 
it was actually quite pleasant out. Nice and warm, but not stiflingly hot. We headed down to the pool, or should I say I did. Mark said he’d follow, but by the time he finally arrived, I was done. I just did 10 lengths, and I reckon the way I was swimming the quiet pool, it was a good 20 metres. I was beat, and didn’t want to kill myself. I wanted a relaxing morning before our brunch at the California Grill, so I was out before he arrived. 
The manager then asked what our plans were for the day, and we explained we were off to the Studios later, and she said they’d give us some extra Fastpasses. 
We chatted all the way back to the room, and thankfully both our MagicBands finally worked on the door. Yay! Then you could’ve knocked us both down with a feather. We both looked at each other when we got inside the room, and at the same time said “did you hear that as well?” as the guy had said he’d add $250 credit on to our room… 
We really were blown away by that. Ok, bottle of wine with dinner tonight, me thinks… 
We messaged back to say we were on our way up. 
Linear Mode
