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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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I like your itinerary, even with the US/IOA. You're there so why not? Can't wait to here more details
I call it the dark side, but I do enjoy the Universal parks. In small doses. I usually can pull myself away from Disney if my trip is long enough. And I happen to think the hotels are fantastic, but then again, I'm biased there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dlandmom2
Great plans! It's wonderful that your family believes that you know what you're doing and won't try to deviate. That's the hardest thing!
I'm jealous of your Premier Pass! IF I'm lucky enough to make it to WDW next year, I'll probably get one of my own!
It's taken some training, but they like to have fun without doing any work, and I do consider them when I make my plans, so everyone has fun and only I do the work. But I collect my fee in other ways!
Quote:
Originally Posted by doccoc2002
All caught up. Your trip sounds amazing as usual! That's great the whole family is coming!
You are definitely making up for your 6 months of no parks! Can't wait to see the Premier AP!!!! Can't wait to read more
I'll have it in my hands 24 hours from now! I'll post a picture when I can, but maybe Eileen will pop in here and update y'all before that if she can. But don't hold your breath, she might be on her way to the post office.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcc0313
Love the plans, your family is very lucky to have you planning their trip (not that you would allow it to be any other way, I could just picture each of your nephews leading the pack in totoally seperate directions )
Love the family ADR's....Boma and I think B&C sounds like a fantastic idea. Glad that you are getting some on-site time as well - the girls have already instructed me that next years trip there will be no resort hopping....they want the whole trip at AKL they love it (and so do I).
If Daniel were in charge of the planning, it would be nothing but the gatebusters. Isaiah is happy with pretty much everything. Noah likes the thrill rides, but he likes the calmer stuff too, but he wouldn't mind skipping the Fantasyland stuff.
Quote:
Originally Posted by scrappyjae
Ok, signing in so that I can read this at a later date. Too much work to do making up for leaving early yesterday due to the Earthquake. Never thought I would ever use that word as a reason I was leaving work early!!!
Yes, I never expected to hear about an earthquake so close to home. I felt it at work. I was sitting at my desk thinking "is that an earthquake? Is that an earthquake?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by disney_duke
Looks like some great plans. It's so nice that you guys all get along so well.... but then, maybe I should ask you at the end of your trip how well you get along! Really looking forward to hearing about WWoHP as my DD9 and I are headed to the dark side in May. Yep, we've become Potterheads.
We do get along, which is why I travel with them. I adore my family, but I want to enjoy my vacation, too, so I wouldn't travel with them if we didn't get along. But the boys love me so much they can't leave me in peace for 10 seconds. It's great for my ego but not so much for my energy level!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caldercup
Seeing as how I have YET to put your present in the mail... I'm not sure this is a wise move on your part. Because I like what's in the box too, and would be HAPPY to keep it rather than send it to a Neener Neener Neener, like you!
Not to mention I turned into a Big Diaper Baby when I read that you'll be meeting up with Bob &Larry. No fair -- you hog all the boys!
I still haven't gotten that package. Maybe you should track it. I think it got lost. But if by some slim chance you haven't sent it yet, hold on to it for another week or so.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommapants
Sounds like some wonderful plans. I love that last week in August too. All the Southern schools start back so much earlier then us north easterns.
Looking forward to reading all about it
My favorite is riding Spaceship Earth at this time of the year. When you come out and look at the map, all the little dots where people are from are crammed into one corner of the U.S., and the rest of the country is virtually empty!
Quote:
Originally Posted by honeybee723
Your plans sound great! It will be interesting to see how much you enjoy the WWoHP since you aren't a Harry Potter fan. Maybe you should squeeze in a movie marathon before you leave...you know, just to catch you up.
I suppose a review of WWOHP from a non-fan will be a unique perspective. I've seen lots of photos and it looks cool, even though I don't know what any of it means. And I doubt there'd be time for a movie marathon. Besides I'm one of those people who needs to read the book first. That definitely ain't gonna happen before I leave!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovedisney0_0
Sharon! Guess what? I changed our cruise dates, so we are no longer cruise buddies! My DDs BF wants to come, so I had to add an additional person, and an additional cabin... $$$ ... BUT we did change our Dec days to the first week, and I think that's when you are going! Right?
LOVE all of the family photos, especially the one of you and your momma. Your family is just full of awesomeness, and I can't wait to read this TR!
Aww, bummer we're not cruise buddies any more. But hopefully I'll get to see you in December! I'll PM you when I get back!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
Ooooh, a PREMIER AP! You really are making up for those months AP-less. Two west coast trips next year? Awesome. I'm glad it looks like Irene won't be messing up your plans, which look great.
One trip this December, my first trip to DL at Christmastime!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ciavobella
Say to Mama for me.
Will do!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheeser
Awesome Sharon. I can't believe we are missing each other by just like a week. Oh well. I'll see you there sometime I'm sure. Congrats on the Premier Annual Pass!!!
on the weather front. Hoping nothing gets in your way on your journey to the happy place!!!
Too bad we'll just miss each other. And thanks for the pixies!
Quote:
Originally Posted by kingfamily1129
Congrats on getting the Premier AP...JEALOUS!!!!
I was wondering why Hurricane Irene was veering away....Should have known it was because PrincessSharon was coming
Can't wait to hear about your trip!! Have a great time!!!! And thanks for the change in weather!!!
Like I tell everyone I visit, if you have beautiful weather for the next 10 days, thank ME. If the weather is awful, well, that's someone else's fault entirely!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata
I love your plans - especially the WWOHP ones! I love Universal Studios and IOA. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on WWOHP. As a huge HP fan, I was absolutely enamored of it, and can't wait to go back!
All of your plans sound awesome. I know what you mean about staying off-site because it's free, but throwing in a few nights on site, just because you HAVE to. That's exactly what we did, lol. It will be weird for me to stay off-site... I've become used to the perks of staying on property.
Looking forward to more, and to the TR that is sure to follow!
Yeah, off property kinda stinks. I realize how spoiled I sound when I say that!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Baloo
Sounds like some great timing with the "hurricane-avoidance mojo".
Hope your trip is awesome-er (that's a word, right?) than usual, thus convincing your parents that a BIG family cruise celebration is a good, no, make that GREAT idea!! Have fun!
Awesome-er, definitely a word I can support! And DM and I were already talking just yesterday about the big family trip next year, so she's wavering without the "boo boo lip" from Isaiah.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rhinohunter
Great start. Love the historical pix. We have stayed at Mystic Dunes and found it to be really good. I will have to go back and read the rest of the posts. It has now been almost three years since I have been to WDW and I am really giong through withdrawal pains. Love to read your TR so I can be there in spirit with you and the family.
Mystic Dunes is perfectly nice. I should say that now, before I complain about it for the next 7 days. 3 years without WDW? I don't know what I do. I'm fortunate to get to go as often as I do!
Quote:
Originally Posted by BJ Wanlund
PrincessSharon, nice going. You're going to the World again (lucky duck ) AND you're going to WWOHP?? LUCKY!
One thing I would very much recommend while in WWOHP is the frozen Butterbeer.
And a serious word of warning: If you want to hang in Marvel Super Hero Island at IOA as well, you will probably want your picture with the Marvel heroes. And believe me when I say they don't come cheaply. AT ALL.
BJ
I don't think a frozen beverage exists that I won't like, so I will definitely give that a try! And I've been wanting a photo with Spidey for years, but it never seems to happen. Do you have to pay for the photos with the super heroes?
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandy_mel
Yay!! Another Princess Sharon TR!
This had me chuckling. But it's so true. I love your unique take on the world and your observations. I hope all that family time won't cut into your people watching. You always have some interesting tales to tell. I can't wait to hear about it all.
I'll probably have just as many tales about my own family!
Quote:
Originally Posted by HollyH
Your good-weather-mojo is working on Orlando, but unfortunately isn't extending to your hometown. for all those in Irene's path.
Yes, Irene isn't too happy with me for making her change path, so she's headed right for my home!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mom2twingirlies
OK - someone will have to post it with the special postmark so we can all see!
I'll post it when it arrives. Because Eileen's scanner will probably be broken by then. Or she'll still be in line at the post office.
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
Thanks to Hurricane Irene (well, not actually Hurricane Irene, but all the folks in the area freaking out about Hurricane Irene ), I’m actually a bit nervous! I hardly ever get nervous! I figure maybe typing it out will help ease my nerves a bit. I actually considered changing our flights to leave today, but yesterday when I went online to change it, nothing was available! I’m sure we’ll be fine leaving tomorrow morning at 8:45, but it still makes me worry a little. I won’t quit worrying until we’re in the air!
Speaking of, wacky things are going on with Southwest. I paid for early bird check in, but when I checked in Noah (who did not have EBCI), he got A25. I checked myself in later and got A53! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? I suspect it’s because of the changes they’re making to people’s flights to try and get everyone out before the hurricane hits, but I’m going to try to get my $10 back! It’s not that big a deal, but it does make me wonder if this may have happened before without my knowledge. I’ll have to ask Noah to save me a seat!
And usually I don’t leave much time to sit in the airport, but because I know all the flights will be completely full and the airport at its busiest, I want us to get there 2 hours ahead. Luckily, we’re not far away, so we don’t have to get up too early. I’ll probably get up the same time I usually do to go to work.
I’m glad to be leaving town because I don’t want to have to deal with the hurricane and the aftermath. I live a good bit inland, so I’m hoping there won’t be much damage. I figure there will likely be power outages, and I can’t tell you how happy I am to miss that! I’m already without a home phone because of Verizon vandals. Thank goodness for cell phones!
Luckily, work is quiet. Well, except for the Irene-related freaking out! I’m expecting to clear off my desk and have an easy day. Luckily, there aren’t many surprises in the tax department, so I don’t expect anything to pop up. I’m thinking of ducking out a little early, but we’ll see how the rest of the day goes.
All the pre-vacation stuff has been taken care of. Tonight I’ll have to secure everything for the coming storm (but there’s not much to do, honestly – I thought about it and the only thing that came to mind was move the chairs from the balcony into the garage). I’m all packed and have been for a week. I plan to get my mani-pedi after work today since I didn’t have time to go earlier in the week.
I still need to do online check in for my resort stay, but I’ve got some time for that. I’ll probably do it in a few minutes. I preordered the Photopass CD a few days ago, so that’s taken care of!
Lately, all anyone can talk about is Disney, but that’s not really surprising! I realized that we need to plan a meal at Cracker Barrel, so I’ll have to see where I can fit that in. Plus a Sonic run might be in order since I’ll have a car.
Isaiah just turned 5 last month, but he’s a thrill ride junkie like his brothers. I don’t know if he’s tall enough to ride RNRC, but I told him how scary it was (which only made him want to ride it more ) and let him know that he might not be tall enough. We went to a local amusement park for his birthday, and he was about 47”, so maybe he’s grown enough to make it, but if he hasn’t, judging by how he handled things that day, he’ll be fine.
I’m excited to get back to Disney. There’s a lot new to see since my last trip in the spring – the new Haunted Mansion queue, Star Tours 2.0, and the new/old Enchanted Tiki Room. Plus I’m really looking forward to spending time at AKL again. There’s a brand-new baby elephant that’s too young to be out on KS, but maybe I’ll take the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and get a peek at him that way! While we’re there, we’re going to be “shopping” resorts for Daniel’s 10th birthday trip next year. I know he loves both AKL and the Poly, but I want to make sure he doesn’t want to stay at the Beach Club instead.
The postcard has been claimed, but I figure I can be a fairy godmailer (or whatever Harry Potter themed term I should use), so if anyone wants a postcard from Owl Post, let me know!
I hope to post some live updates along the way, but my nephew tends to hog my laptop, so if I can kick him off long enough to post, I will. If we don’t get the delays I’m expecting checking in at the airport tomorrow, I’ll post my first live update before boarding the plane! Wish us luck!
And I’m sorry about the rambling okay, more rambling than usualpost. It just helped me relax a little to get some of this out of my head and onto the computer screen.
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
Irene is definitely on a path right over your area, on her way to mine. Timing is all, I guess. Right now it looks like you'll be able to fly out. for safe travel! I love the "frenzy" emoticon. The newscasters do love to make the most of any storm. I hope you get to see the new baby elephant. (I just posted a gorilla update in the "Behind the scenes" forum.)
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 plans sound great.
And how perfectly timed your trip is, to be away from Irene with her heading this way. Can you believe the craziness. She seems to be weakening some so that's good news. Hoping we don't lose power and if we do for not too long.
Have a great trip. You should be out of here and safely in WDW before anything starts happening around here.
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I'll post a picture when I can, but maybe Eileen will pop in here and update y'all before that if she can. But don't hold your breath, she might be on her way to the post office. 
and I think B&C sounds like a fantastic idea. Glad that you are getting some on-site time as well - the girls have already instructed me that next years trip there will be no resort hopping....they want the whole trip at AKL 
Isaiah is happy with pretty much everything. Noah likes the thrill rides, but he likes the calmer stuff too, but he wouldn't mind skipping the Fantasyland stuff.
Never thought I would ever use that word as a reason I was leaving work early!!!
But if by some slim chance you haven't sent it yet, hold on to it for another week or so. 
I changed our cruise dates, so we are no longer cruise buddies! 
My DDs BF wants to come, so I had to add an additional person, and an additional cabin... $$$ ... BUT we did change our Dec days to the first week, and I think that's when you are going! Right? 
Your family is just full of awesomeness, and I can't wait to read this TR! 
to Mama for me.
on the weather front. Hoping nothing gets in your way on your journey to the happy place!!!
from Isaiah. 
) AND you're going to WWOHP?? LUCKY!
), I’m actually a bit nervous! 
I hardly ever get nervous! I figure maybe typing it out will help ease my nerves a bit. I actually considered changing our flights to leave today, but yesterday when I went online to change it, nothing was available! 
I’ll have to ask Noah to save me a seat! 
There’s a lot new to see since my last trip in the spring – the new Haunted Mansion queue, Star Tours 2.0, and the new/old Enchanted Tiki Room. Plus I’m really looking forward to spending time at AKL again. There’s a brand-new baby elephant that’s too young to be out on KS, but maybe I’ll take the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and get a peek at him that way! While we’re there, we’re going to be “shopping” resorts for Daniel’s 10th birthday trip next year. I know he loves both AKL and the Poly, but I want to make sure he doesn’t want to stay at the Beach Club instead.
- hope they give you your money back!
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