Forums Closed
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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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!
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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.
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06-02-2006, 07:18 AM
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#91
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Community Rank: Explorer 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Columbia, SC
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 7,014
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Updated w/Day 2, Part 1
[ QUOTE ]
Hi, Jill!
I'm loving the trip report! And Mary Devall is soooo cute. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/bear.gif[/img] The picture of the two Belles is priceless (well, okay, about $30 but you get what I mean!).
Am I going to be reading about a meal at Artist Point? Hmm?
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks so much, Larry! I'm sort of partial to her myself. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
And you will definitely be reading about an Artist Point meal. You know that I couldn't let you down. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
Jill
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06-02-2006, 11:03 AM
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#92
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Community Rank: Jetsetter 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Posts: 2,739
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Updated w/Day 2, Part 1
Jill,
I'm finally getting all caught up and am loving the TR so far!! I am planning a Mommy/Daughter trip next year and reading your TR makes me want to go even more! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
Can't wait for the next update!
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06-02-2006, 03:48 PM
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#93
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New York
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 7,960
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Updated w/Day 2, Part 1
Great update, Jill! Mary Devall is such a character and she looks adorable in her Belle dress [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] I can't wait for more!
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06-03-2006, 09:10 AM
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#94
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Community Rank: Globetrotter 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: NC
Posts: 3,536
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Updated w/Day 2, Part 1
Great update and the Belle picture is so good!
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06-03-2006, 09:25 AM
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#95
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Columbia, SC
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 7,014
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Day 2 Part 2 Updated 6/3
Day 2 Part 2
I ended the last installment with us just arriving at the Character Connection after having left PSB. Well, that's not right. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] After checking my pictures, I realized that we had taken a little detour by Minnie's Butterfly Garden. We missed seeing this last year, so I was determined to make it this year.
And I'm so glad that we did. It's like a little Fantasyland in itself with beautiful butterflies flitting around. Mary Devall loved it and was even interested in seeing the cocoons. Here she is posing with the owner of the garden herself.
On the other side of the butterfly garden, we found the first of many playgrounds. And Mary Devall never met a playground that she didn't like. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
From there, we strolled over to the Character Connection and that's when Mary Devall immediately announced that she loved this place. It truly is a fantastic place to catch a lot of characters. Mary Devall asked for her "photograph" book and pen and got ready for her first non-princess autograph. She had the pen clicked and ready to go and ended up writing all over her shirt before we even made it to Mickey (after that, we had a little talk about leaving the pen unclicked [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]).
Mary Devall was so "matter of fact" about gathering her autographs. She would walk up to each character, get the autograph, walk the book and pen back to me and then run back to the character for a hug and a picture. She never veered from this routine the entire trip. You wouldn't believe the number of characters who looked after her forlornly as she walked away after the autograph -- thinking that she wasn't coming back for a hug or picture. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
 
 
 
The exit from the Character Connection was through one of the Flower festival shops (surprising huh? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]) and there was a face painting kiosk right there. Mary Devall can spot those kiosks from a mile away, so I knew she wouldn't miss this one . . . and she didn't prove me wrong. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] There was already someone in the chair and someone waiting, so I suggested that we go do something else and then come back (I promise!). She agreed.
I wasn't sure what time the Nestle Junior Chef program started at The Land, so I wanted to check it out. We followed the signs and easily found the kitchen on the bottom floor (And I had never even noticed this program before. Marnie writing about it was the first time I had ever heard of it! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img])
Mary Devall loves to help me bake, so I knew she would enjoy this. The first one started at 12:30 and it was a little after noon, so I figured we could wait. There were computer games nearby where children could answer questions to determine what kind of cookie they were (I think I was an oatmeal raisin [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]), so Mary Devall occupied herself with that while I held our place in line. Another couple and myself had started a line in one place and then others started forming a line in another place so we all had a pact that we would make sure that we all got in (that's what I call team work! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]). No need to worry though - - when the CMs came out about 12:25, they plopped a chef hat on Mary Devall's head first and I believe that all of the children got in.
There were two CMs and probably about 15 children. They spent a good 10 minutes making sure that all of the chef hats fit the children just right (and I mean just right). When the program finally started, they lined the children up behind the counter and put Mary Devall at the other end from me. I could barely see her so I gave up my spot and moved to the other end hoping that there was room - - and there was.
It was so much fun for the children (and for the parents watching). They made sure that each child participated and felt like an important part of the cooking making and baking process.
 
Mary Devall was in charge of putting in the sugar which was so perfect for her (not going for the "how sweet she is" angle here, but the fact that she'll eat pure sugar off a spoon [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]). At the end, they each received two cookies which Mary Devall shared with her mom. I am so glad that we took the time to let Mary Devall participate - - she is still talking about it. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
After our cookie break, we went back to have Mary Devall's face painted as promised. There was no line this time and she chose to be a princess kitty.
One of my goals this trip was to try to get Mary Devall to go into The Living Seas. I knew that she would enjoy everything that I had read about, but she had been scared last year because of the dimly lit entrance. So this year my plan was for us to enter through the exit. Imagine my surprise when I saw that the entrance was being remodeled and the exit was the only way to enter. I promised Mary Devall that we would leave if she didn't like it, but I didn't have to worry about that because as soon as she saw a gift shop she knew that this was a place for her.
When she saw the "Finding Nemo" exhibit, she immediately ran up to a tank and yelled "Dory!!!!" We spent almost an hour in there looking at fish and spending time at the Kidcot station. The line for Turtle Talk was way too long, so I didn't even suggest that.
Gotta love Bruce!
I wanted to try the Disney Visa Meet and Greet in Innovations so we made the short walk and quickly found the line (thanks to some excellent directions on this board [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]). The only problem is that the line was not moving. The free picture would have been nice, but I knew I would be buying the photopass cd at the end of our trip so it wasn't worth standing in line for a long time. The fire prevention house that Mary Devall had played in last year and loved so much was right there so she immediately started in on the next game. When she ran right to the "meeting spot" without prompting, the CM said "I think someone has played this game before." Busted! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Of course, she did run right through fire to get out of the house, so I let her play it again so she wouldn't forget that crucial point.
We next moved on to the house next door where teams of people can play the game where you zap fire hazards. Oh my gosh, that was so fun! Mary Devall and I were on the blue team - - she would point out the fire hazards on the computerized screen in each room (scarf on lamp, etc.) and I would zap them with my flash light. Our team ended up winning by 10 points and we all had the best time - - plus I was surprised at how much Mary Devall recognized as fire hazards. We are definitely taking Thom back in October to play that game! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
We stopped on the way out to send some post cards (they showed up 3 weeks later [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img])
We had done all we had come to do in FW, so it was time to mosey on over to WS! I zigged when I should have zagged and ended up at a dead end at the fountains outside HISTK's theater. Oh well, Mary Devall had a blast dodging water and bossing these two guys around (Come on guys! Come over here! It's fun! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img])
After that little detour, we quickly found the rose garden path and were on our way to Mexico.
Coming up . . . my long awaited margarita
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06-03-2006, 09:51 AM
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#96
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Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Ohio Football Hall Of Fame
Posts: 42,304
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Day 2 Part 2 Updated 6/3
Great update Jill!! I started reading it before you posted all the pictures and I had to come back and see them!! How adorable Mary Devall is with her face painted!! I will have to remember the cookie baking when we go this summer! Can't wait to read more!
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06-03-2006, 10:05 AM
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#97
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Community Rank: Navigator 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Peoria IL
Concierge Level: 1
Posts: 6,423
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Day 2 Part 2 Updated 6/3
Great updates, Jill. The picture of the two Belle's was $30 well spent! Mary Devall looks beautiful!
I'm so glad you made it into Minnie's butterfly garden. Is that not the coolest little display?
Glad to see that Mary Devall enjoyed the LS and making cookies. And how funny that she can find a face painting station anywhere. She reminds me of Kiara. I swear, she can smell those things from a mile away. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
Great pictures!
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06-03-2006, 10:28 AM
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#98
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: NE Ohio
Concierge Level: 8
Posts: 11,856
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Day 2 Part 2 Updated 6/3
I love your report Mary Devall is so cute. She's grown so much between your trips.
Liz
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06-03-2006, 11:17 AM
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#99
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But why is the rum gone?
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Needville, Texas
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 12,286
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Day 2 Part 2 Updated 6/3
Mary is such a ham!!! I love all of the photos from character connection! Can't wait for more!
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06-03-2006, 12:51 PM
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#100
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Community Rank: Globetrotter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Posts: 3,595
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Day 2 Part 2 Updated 6/3
What a great time you're having! You're giving me loads of tips as to how to spend time with my little one next time we're in WDW. Keep them coming!
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06-03-2006, 12:52 PM
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#101
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Eileeeeeeen!™
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 28,861
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Day 2 Part 2 Updated 6/3
[ QUOTE ]
[/ QUOTE ]
Imagine that - a fish eating a cat... [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
Great stuff - love all the pics! More please.
Eileen |
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06-03-2006, 02:02 PM
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#102
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Community Rank: Scout 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Lafayette, LA & BCV
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 4,751
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Day 2 Part 2 Updated 6/3
Great update Jill! Glad Mary Devall enjoyed the Living Seas this trip. I love all the pictures of her especially the one in her Belle Dress!
Hurry back because I can't wait to hear about the Margaritas!
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06-03-2006, 02:03 PM
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#103
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Community Rank: Jetsetter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Mateo, CA
Posts: 2,490
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Day 2 Part 2 Updated 6/3
Oh my gosh, that Mary Devall is a star! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Of course, she runs the pen and autograph book back before the picture. She needs the shot to be JUST RIGHT. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] that girl, I do, I do. Can't wait for more!
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06-03-2006, 03:22 PM
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#104
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Community Rank: Jetsetter
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Wishing I was at WDW
Posts: 2,384
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Day 2 Part 2 Updated 6/3
Great TR!!! I'm so glad that you finally get your
margarita!!!
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06-03-2006, 06:21 PM
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#105
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Living Seas wannabe
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 31,940
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Re: Girl Power - - Take Two Day 2 Part 2 Updated 6/3
Great update Jill!!!!
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