Have Pen, Will Travel: A Solo Trip Report--Includes Dining and CSR Reviews and Photos! - Page 8 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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.
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So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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After reading one of the responses to my last post, I realized I forgot to mention the worst part of my Drinking Around the World Evening--even worse than missing dinner! My two sad unused Soarin fastpasses! Seriously, you should have seen me. I continued to ask her if she wanted to go on 'the hang gliding ride', and she continued to walk in the opposite direction. And then, when I realized all was lost and there was no way we'd be riding it that night, I tried to find a couple to give the FPs to, but I was also trying to help her carry two drinks and her phone and not loose stuff from the inside of her purse or get knocked over by people lining up for Illuminations. Picture me, following a drunk woman, gazing desperately into the faces of people walking in the direction of Futureworld, hoping to find a couple that look nice enough to not think I'm crazy offering them random FPs. I found no one, because I didn't want to feel like some sort of crazy person (and I was trying to keep an eye on my friend). I threw them out in shame the following morning. Such a waste!
Originally Posted by mom to 3 princesses and 1 prince
I forgot to ask: what is the monopod for the iPhone called? I totally need one of those!
Sorry about the repeat of your last caring-for-a-drunk-around-the-world. Doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun. AND it made you miss your carefully planned ADR at Bluezoo. Just means you'll have to go back sometime!
I actually REALLY have to go back, as I'd purchased a coupon from restaurant.com. All that planning...ah well!
The monopod for my iPhone is called xShot. It is two parts--a case for the iPhone that has a click-on area for the extender to attach to, and the extender itself. I have a description and a photo of it here...
and there will be a photo of me using it in my next post (i think?)
the extender itself is just large enough to be annoying in a coach passport-style crossbody bag (which is the bag i use for travel) but fortunately it has a wrist strap at the end that i attached to my purse strap in a very simple way--i really should take a photo of it to explain that whole thing better...here...
(excuse the photo quality, this was the quickest way to do it)
i didn't even have to unhook it from my purse to use it--i just clicked the iPhone on, extended the arm, snapped the photo, and that was it.
please note--i don't work for the company or anything (i'm a teacher!) but i feel kind of like i'm trying to sell it to you. which i'm not! actually, the one downfall (which you will see in the photo i am about to post in my next post) is that to use a timer on your iphone, you need an app. the app i chose doesn't produce very good photo quality. i will need to search for a better one at some point.
And I can't believe you managed to spends 12 straight hours in a park!! I would need a break like whoa!!
oh just wait until you hear about day four! ha! plus i really, really like epcot. that's the only reason it was possible (and the only reason day 4 was possible!)
oh wait--you already heard about day 4 on my blog. drat! so much for suspense!
Tracy, my memory is crapola, so I will probably be surprised when you tell the Day 4 story!
Stinks about your Soarin FPs. I don't even care if people think I'm crazy ... I just pass them off. Sometimes the people I give them to even think I'm crazy, but w/e.
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Thanks for the tips on the extender thingie. I'll be taking my DD9 by myself next month and I'll want to be in some of the photos!!!
I love giving away FastPasses! I do feel a little like a slimy used car salesman, sometimes, though. (No offense to used car salesmen; my DH used to be one!)
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Last edited by mom to 3 princesses and 1 prince; 03-12-2011 at 08:10 PM..
Wow, that sure was a night to remember (for you anyway) in Epcot. I've seen a few like that over my evenings at Epcot, but figure it's par for the course. During F&WF though, that's a different story...... Sorry you missed your dinner, I know you were looking forward to that. You're right though, you WILL be returning in the (near) future!!
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Tanya
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Enjoying your trip report... especially the food reviews. Too bad about having to drop your plans to take care of a drunk friend.
I have the same issue with simulator rides! I'm fine on Rockin Roller Coaster and Everest, but Mission Space was a disaster. I didn't feel scared or like it was too intense... but a few minutes into it and all of a sudden I felt horribly sick and woozy... had to sit down with my head between my knees once it was over and felt icky the rest of the day. Similar thing happened with Virtual Jungle Cruise at Disney Quest which barely moves... the screen is what makes you feel like you are moving. I don't have trouble with Soarin... I think because the movements are slower and not jerky...just a whisper of it at the transitions.
Looking forward to hearing about your Animal Kingdom day.
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.
We really enjoy being able to give away FP's if we are not able to use them! I love seeing peoples face light up when we give them to them! It's all in the disney magic!
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Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
I know people might think I'm a stick in the mud but when I come to Disney its to be a kid again and feel good about the day. I just don't understand people who come just to get drunk. why not just go to a bar it cheaper. sounds like you were having a better time by yourself. hopefully it get better for you.
Too bad you missed your dinner plans. Not only did you go from solo to two-person touring, you went from touring with a sober person (you) to a drunk one! I'd have been furious! Especially since she knew you were on a quick research trip! But you still got an incredible amount done for one day. I'd think the research possibilities in Epcot would be practically endless. Now I'm curious to hear how your friend faces an early morning wake-up call!
Sounds like an interesting night to say the least! I every one of your Epcot pictures -- great angles and placement of the iconic landmarks! The added color of the Flower and Garden Festival is awesome, too. The bagpipe band (Celtic Rock Band) in Canada is Off Kilter, one of my absolute favorites in the WS. Can't wait to see if you finally ride EE.
I am really enjoying all your updates. What a great first day in the parks. I would definitely say that your MK was highly productive. I love your food reviews. Artist Point has been on my list, we have yet to get there but I have always heard such wonderful things.
Interesting day at Epcot - glad that you were able to try Soarin, I love the SRL on TT. Your lunch at Chef de France looked delicious. Sorry that your day did not turn out as planned but glad you had fun anyway and was able to spend some time with your friend.
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actually, the one downfall (which you will see in the photo i am about to post in my next post) is that to use a timer on your iphone, you need an app. the app i chose doesn't produce very good photo quality. i will need to search for a better one at some point.
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Deer Isle Mom
every one of your Epcot pictures -- great angles and placement of the iconic landmarks! 
The added color of the Flower and Garden Festival is awesome, too. The bagpipe band (Celtic Rock Band) in Canada is Off Kilter, one of my absolute favorites in the WS. Can't wait to see if you finally ride EE.
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