10 Nights of Magic in The Orlando Trifecta-TR - COMPLETE!! 12/10 - Page 7 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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 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.
Wow, that was a great start to your trip - arriving ahead of schedule and some amazing views on the way as well!
Yes it was and always great when arriving early! Loved the views and especially the sunrise and Manhattan!
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMA
Wat a great start to your trip! Your photos from the plane are beautiful! Love the sunrise!
Way to start it as went well with the flight. Glad you enjoyed the photos and the sunrise was spectacular!
__________________
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!
What a wonderful coworker! I don’t think any of my coworkers would come get me and take me to the airport at 4:30 am. She sounds like a special person.
The way to start my trip with no flight problems. Sharon is great but it's not a free trip to the airport, but very reasonable. She does a lot of this for some extra cash for firnds and other coworkers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by patclairesmom
Great start! So glad you had a safe flight that even came in ahead of schedule.
That was a big bonus and the way to begin my trip!
__________________
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!
Great start to your trip, love the pictures of the sunrise.
A nice beginning and glad you enjoyed the photos!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great pictures from the plane!
Glad you enjoyed them as I covered this well!
__________________
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!
Great start and what a beautiful sunrise! Gotta love when your flight arrives early! Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures!
Nice start with a flight that arrives early! Very cool to see a sunrise during a flight! I think you will enjoy this TR with so much to cover!
__________________
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!
Oh my goodness, those sunrise photos from the plane are gorgeous!! Your trip sounds like it is off to a great start!!!
The sunrise was amazing and just spectacular to see happening from your window! Glad I captured it well! No flight problems and arriving early is the best you can expect and even more!
__________________
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!
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.
Yes it was and especially arriving in Orlando far ahead of schedule!
Quote:
Originally Posted by kcamozzi67
What a great start of your trip...and some awesome pics too!
I was very happy with this and glad you enjoy the photos of my flight!
__________________
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!
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.
Wednesday, October 4th (Part II) After exiting my gate into the terminal, I headed towards the monorail for baggage. But, first I made a necessary pit stop.
When I got to the monorail, there was a big crowd and a lot more than usual! This was due to only one monorail being in service as they will be replacing the monorails and tracks for the next few months. I only waited a few minutes and got on the monorail without having to wait for another one.
Once I arrived in the main terminal, I went outside to see how the weather was. It was mostly sunny but rather humid with temps in the 80’s already and not even 9 a.m. yet!
I headed downstairs to baggage claim and my Quicksilver driver was there waiting for me with my name displayed on an iPad screen, which looks better than the handwritten signs I’m accustomed to. I went to the carousel to wait for my bag to come off, but it took some time and mine wasn’t one of the first ones. It probably took about fifteen minutes for my bag to appear. You just never know as it’s been fast other times!
Once I got my bag, we walked outside to the taxi area, where his vehicle was located. It wasn’t a town car but a large Escalade, which was perfectly fine. I forget my driver’s name as he didn’t say much during the ride. No complaints about him as the ride was good. We departed at 9:25 a.m. and arrived at Universal’s Royal Pacific resort at 9:45 a.m. There was some traffic on the way but not too bad.
The Orlando Eye hiding behind the trees but not too well!
Just before arriving at the Royal Pacific!
Once we arrived I paid my driver $70 for the ride as well as a tip. It’s a bit expensive but not terrible as a good way to arrive on your first day. You also don’t have other drop-offs like DME or a shuttle service does and get there much faster! I would use Quicksilver again.
One of the resort's bellmen opened the door and asked me if I needed help with my bags. Since, I only had a medium size suitcase and shoulder bag, I told him I was fine, but he got them out of the car for me.
Before, walking into the resort to check in, I got some photos outside as there was some good theming here, which I loved.
This area and roof overhang reminds me a bit of those at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge as well as the look here of the stone work of the driveway.
I like this long walkway to the resort.
Nice scenery along the walkway
I like this guy! There are many of these on both sides of the walkway.
Entering the Royal Pacific resort
I went to check in, which was very close by and there were a few people ahead of me checking in and out. The wait was just a few minutes. As I expected, my room wasn’t ready as it was only 10 am. I put a credit card down to pay for my stay and they asked me about using one for daily charges and I said that was fine. Immediately, I got a notification from American Express about a $400 charge as they set this up for $100 per day and you draw from it and refunded what’s left. I told the agent I didn’t want this, so they had this removed. Other than this all went well. I received my room key and I’d get a text when my room was ready and room number. I wouldn’t have to return for this and just go to my room. Makes things easier. I also received my Universal Unlimited Express Pass on my key as part of my stay at the Royal Pacific, which is a big plus.
I went to bell services to drop off my suitcase and pick it up after I return from the parks later in the day. I still needed my carry-on bag for a bit longer. One thing I noticed is my phone was under a 50% charge. This wouldn’t last as I would be taking many photos in Universal during my day. This would take some time, but there were quite a few places in the lobby that had outlets.
I don’t want to wait, I want the parks! Unfortunately, I had to if I wanted to take photos. I didn’t think I used that much power with the photos earlier but I guess I did along with some texting and several alerts from Jet Blue on various flight info notifications etc.
I hung out in the lobby for a while and wrote up some of my notes for my trip and did a bit of exploring in the area, while keeping an eye on my phone, while it was charging. I think it took nearly an hour to charge my phone. But not constantly doing it as I ventured off to explore the resort a bit and get some photos.
Outside courtyard adjacent to the lobby
They seem to be enjoying the water!
Quite nice here with many guests enjoying a quick service breakfast from the Orchid Lounge, relaxing, reading or having a beverage.
Lobby and check in area of Royal Pacific
Orchid Lounge off the lobby, which I frequented several times during my four night stay.
They also serve sushi here daily from 5 pm-10 pm at the counter, where there is seating.
At around 11:15 am, my phone was finally fully charged, which I was quite happy about. Although, I missed some time in the parks with this, I still have a full day ahead of me and plenty of time to pack a lot in. I went through my bag and made sure I had everything I needed for the next several hours. I went over to bell services to leave my carry-on bag with them.
All, was good now and time to go to the parks and have a great time!!!
NEXT: Go Figure, But Not Turning Back Now!
__________________
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!
Last edited by SuperDave; 11-24-2017 at 08:04 PM..
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.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
She sounds like a special person. 
I think you will enjoy this TR with so much to cover! 
Your trip sounds like it is off to a great start!!!
You also don’t have other drop-offs like DME or a shuttle service does and get there much faster! 
Unfortunately, I had to if I wanted to take photos. I didn’t think I used that much power with the photos earlier but I guess I did along with some texting and several alerts from Jet Blue on various flight info notifications etc. 
Linear Mode
