Forums Closed
|
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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
|
|
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.
|
 |
|
10-10-2006, 12:16 PM
|
#91
|
Community Rank: Jetsetter 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Mateo, CA
Posts: 2,490
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Marnie, your report is fantastic. I keep looking at my bank balance, looking at Disney cruises, bank balance, cruises, bank balance, cruises. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] I can't wait to get back there! Zack was 7 when we went on our first 4-day cruise on the Wonder in 2000. He would've closed the kids' clubs down if he could too. Can't wait to hear about Castaway Cay! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
|
|
|
|
10-10-2006, 06:17 PM
|
#92
|
Community Rank: Trailblazer 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: East Amherst, NY
Concierge Level: 1
Posts: 5,128
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
I'm still hung up on Matt's naps! They are really supposed to be good for you - I saw one of those 20/20 type shows where they had a scientist that slept in his office every day for half an hour and how much better he performed at work because of it. I could never feel right about taking a nap. I would just feel so guilty!
|
|
|
|
|
10-10-2006, 07:11 PM
|
#93
|
Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Ohio Football Hall Of Fame
Posts: 42,304
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Great updates Marnie!! I am finally all caught up!! The photos are wonderful and all your meals have looked fantastic!!! We really want to go on a cruise next year and I am learning so much from your report!! Can't wait to read more!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
Sponsored links
Check out the many e-books by PassPorter. The e-books are free to download if you have a PassPorter's Club pass.
|
|
10-10-2006, 09:57 PM
|
#94
|
|
RED SOX NATION!!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
[ QUOTE ]
I'm still hung up on Matt's naps! They are really supposed to be good for you - I saw one of those 20/20 type shows where they had a scientist that slept in his office every day for half an hour and how much better he performed at work because of it. I could never feel right about taking a nap. I would just feel so guilty!
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, they're supposed to be good for you if you limit them to 30 minutes, as it refreshes you. When they linger on like his do for an hour (or two, or three) then it defeats the purpose and affects his sleep schedule [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Then they become necessary because nightime sleep is reduced [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]
Sorry for the delay, I'm traveling with the kids (Alexa's on break). I should have another update Wednesday night (hopefully) or Thursday AM at the latest!
|
|
|
|
|
10-11-2006, 11:02 AM
|
#95
|
Community Rank: Adventurer 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Wentzville, MO
Posts: 818
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Sounds like you had a great dinner at Palo. I am so glad Colin cooperated. My Garrett would be the exact same way [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]!
Can't wait for more!
Steph A
|
|
|
|
|
10-12-2006, 09:47 AM
|
#96
|
|
RED SOX NATION!!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
<font color="blue"> Day 12 Part 2....Stingrays, Magic, and Flying High
It would have been quicker to walk, but it was already HOT and the kids would have complained the entire time. We were soon on our way to the family beach, and found some chairs (and an umbrella) right in the front row next to one of the life guard stands. Matt decided to go snorkeling before the sand got all kicked up, and I just stayed with the kids at the beach. The water was a bit chilly compared to the warm pool water, but we got used to it pretty quick.
  
It was approaching 9:45, so we headed over to the Stingray Adventure. It was going to be just Alexa and me, although frankly I don’t think they would have noticed if anyone else walked in [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] We grabbed our mask and life jacket, and then waited under the canopy for the instructions. The main guide was on loan from the Living Seas at Epcot, and he explained all about the different types of stingrays, how they feed, etc.
Matt was hanging out around the corner, and Colin would come and go as he pleased. They also spent some time down at the beach while we had our talk.
    
After about a 15 minute discussion, we headed out into groups to do the feedings. We were put into RJ’s group. However, Colin pitched a fit, and wouldn’t stay on the beach (the feeding trays were about thigh deep in water). RJ said he was welcome to join us, so I picked him up, and he got to feed the stingrays too. It was very cool, and a great experience (especially for little kids).
    
After the feeding session, we were allowed to snorkel in the enclosed area until the session was over at 11. Of course, Colin again wouldn’t sit on the shore, so RJ came and picked him up, and carried him into the water with us [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img] I must say, RJ went above and beyond what I expected him to do (especially since Colin really wasn’t supposed to be doing this excursion) and for that I was so grateful! He certainly made it a magical adventure [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
       
Our time ended, and we turned in our masks and snorkels. We rinsed off under the shower, and we got our Stingray button from RJ on the way out. Again, I thanked him for making our adventure an amazing one. If you do the Stingray Adventure at CC, try to get into RJs group [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
We headed back to the family beach, as I was due to go parasailing at noon (it was just after 11). Colin wanted to go back into the water, so I took him swimming. Alexa was tired, so she sat on the chair (and ended up falling asleep)! Matt disappeared to get some lunch before I left for my excursion, so by the time he got back, I ended up having to run the entire way back to the dock to get to the excursion in time [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]
Coming Up Next.......Flying High, and not by myself [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
</font> |
|
|
|
|
10-12-2006, 10:28 AM
|
#97
|
Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Ohio Football Hall Of Fame
Posts: 42,304
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Sounds like a great time with the stingrays and what a great cast member!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] RJ!!! Can't wait for more!!
|
|
|
|
|
10-12-2006, 11:59 AM
|
#98
|
Community Rank: Jetsetter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Mateo, CA
Posts: 2,490
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Those pictures of RJ holding Colin are killing me. So cute! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] Of course, I can't see how anyone could resist either one of your kids, Marnie. They're adorable! Sounds like a perfect morning.
|
|
|
|
|
10-12-2006, 12:47 PM
|
#99
|
Community Rank: Globetrotter 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Posts: 3,595
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
I love your pictures Marnie. The island looks quite stunning. I'm not sure you'd have got me anywhere near those stingrays though.
Looking forward to hearing about the parascending (not that you'd catch me doing that either!)
|
|
|
|
|
10-12-2006, 01:59 PM
|
#100
|
Community Rank: Legend 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 15,377
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
I'm really enjoying your reports, Marnie! I'm off to my first cruise in a few days and have a question about the stingray experience. I've signed up for this, but walk with a cane and cannot walk in water more than a few steps. Should I cancel, or is there a way I can do this? How far into the water do you need to walk? I should have asked this before!
Thanks, Laurie
|
|
|
|
|
10-12-2006, 02:36 PM
|
#101
|
Community Rank: Adventurer
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 726
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
I love the pictures of youg uys swimming with the ship in the back. the picture of Colin on the beach alone with the ship in the background is amazing. Great update!
|
|
|
|
|
10-12-2006, 02:44 PM
|
#102
|
Community Rank: Adventurer
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Wentzville, MO
Posts: 818
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Another great update! Thanks for sharing!
Steph A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
Sponsored links
 | | 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. |
|
|
10-12-2006, 03:26 PM
|
#103
|
PassPorter Message Board Manager
 PassPorter Guide Author
Community Rank: Legend VIP 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Maidstone, Kent, UK
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 190,285
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] RJ! What a great stingray encounter that was! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
|
|
|
|
|
10-12-2006, 03:38 PM
|
#104
|
|
Tinkerbell's Aunt
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: McHenry IL
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 13,254
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Marnie - I loved swimming with the stingrays when we were in Grand Cayman. RJ was certainly a great guide. Looks like he and Colin became great buds! I'm so jealous that you're going parasailing. I've always wanted to try it. Can't wait to hear all about it!
|
|
|
|
|
10-12-2006, 06:24 PM
|
#105
|
Community Rank: Globetrotter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,651
|
Re: The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 4 Day 10 Part 1Updated 10/4
Great update, love your pictures!
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
|
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
Linear Mode
