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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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11-29-2006, 03:44 PM
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#106
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Community Rank: Jetsetter 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Mateo, CA
Posts: 2,490
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 1, Part 5, updated 11/29
Laura! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img] so much for the tip about the Corvette Diner. I think Zack would absolutely [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] that place, and we have family about 45 minutes outside of San Diego so we're there quite often. I've actually never been to Sea World, but Zack has gone to their 6-day resident camps twice and he's clammoring for another go this summer. I can see why now! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Can't wait to hear how you liked "my" [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] Disney park (I feel so proud of it just 'cause I live in California! :rolleyes)
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Sponsored links
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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. |
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11-29-2006, 03:58 PM
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#107
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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
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 1, Part 5, updated 11/29
What a wonderful end to the day - the photos of the Shamu show are superb and it looks like you had a wonderful dinner! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]
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11-29-2006, 04:15 PM
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#108
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RED SOX NATION!!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 1, Part 5, updated 11/29
What a great update [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] The Shamu show looked great! And dinner, FABU [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] I'm glad you all had a great time!
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11-29-2006, 04:28 PM
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#109
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Go Red Sox!! :D
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Rhode Island - Red Sox Nation
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 27,451
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 1, Part 5, updated 11/29
What a wonderful day! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] Victoria's hairdo!!! Already made a note in my DL Passporter to visit the Corvette Diner. Can't wait to read more!!
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11-29-2006, 04:42 PM
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#110
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Community Rank: Traveler 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 236
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 1, Part 5, updated 11/29
Wow Laura, I live an hour north of San Diego and I have never been to the Corvette Diner. We will be sure to find it the next time we head down there. Thanks for the review!!!
Karen
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11-29-2006, 04:55 PM
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#111
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Community Rank: Jetsetter
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Arlington,Texas USA
Posts: 2,555
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 1, Part 5, updated 11/29
What a wonderful end to your first day! I can't wait toread more.
tenya
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11-29-2006, 09:28 PM
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#112
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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: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 1, Part 5, updated 11/29
I just BEGGED Sarah and Crystal to eat at the Corvette Diner!!! I hope we can eat there. Thank you SO much for the great updates.
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11-30-2006, 10:52 AM
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#113
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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: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 1, Part 5, updated 11/29
Great update! The Cadillac Diner looks like fun! Ready for more!
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11-30-2006, 03:18 PM
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#114
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Community Rank: Scout 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Songtan, South Korea
Posts: 4,681
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 1, Part 5, updated 11/29
Well, if you guys make it to the Corvette Diner, you'll have to tell us all about it. I found my notes as to what we ate. When all else fails, check the Passporter pocket. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img]
We started out with cheese sticks. And, we all ordered burgers which are 1/3 lb., and this is what we ordered:
Michael had The Brenda - lean bacon strips, Swiss cheese, mayo and pickles.
Victoria had The Dee Dee - an American cheeseburger in paradise with mustard, pickles and mayo.
Maxine had Sid's Country Western - zesty bbq sauce, crispy bacon, onion rings and cheddar.
I had The Kookie - grilled onions, Swiss cheese, mustard, mayo and pickle (hold the mayo and mustard). [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
If you'd like to check out the Corvette Diner, here is the website. http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/cohn/...s/corvette.php |
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11-30-2006, 05:02 PM
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#115
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Community Rank: Scout
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Songtan, South Korea
Posts: 4,681
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 2, Part 1, updated 11/30
<font color="blue">
<u>Day 2 - October 31, 2006 – Part 1 - Victoria's 12th Birthday!</u>
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/birthday.gif[/img] Victoria!
Michael and I woke up really early and thought we would be able to quietly decorate the room for Victoria for her birthday. But, she quickly woke up, too. We told her to go on to the bathroom, but she kept saying she didn’t need to go. Good grief! We finally told her to go to the bathroom so Michael could get dressed. So, she relunctantly went. I had made her a birthday banner and a few posters to hang in the room. We also brought Halloween streamers which we hung on the big mirror over the sink. I got out her birthday gift, and we were ready. Poor thing. She kept asking if she could come out yet and we said [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img]! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img]
We finally let her come out of the bathroom, and she was thrilled with the banner.
I had put her present on the bed, and she promptly found it.
We got her a Tinkerbell bag that had a Tinkerbell hat attached to it. There was a Tinkerbell shirt inside the bag along with the shirt I got from DisneyShopping.com which said, “Victoria’s Birthday Celebration at Disneyland in California, October 2006.” She was thrilled! I also got her a personalized sweatshirt since I wasn’t sure what the weather was going to be like. I also had found a Disneyland Gold Autograph book and included it in the bag. In the pocket of the bag were a few Disneyland pins I had found on ebay…one being…you guessed it, Tinkerbell. Can you tell she is a Tinkerbell fan?
I then surprised the rest of our group with their own custom birthday celebration t-shirts. We were all going to dress alike for this special day. I then proceeded to give my DH a Mr. Incredible t-shirt to wear for the Mickey’s Halloween Treat that evening. It is so cute!
We got dressed and ready to go. Michael and I ran up to the front desk and asked how to get to the Grand Californian in our car. We had birthday breakfast reservations with Chip and Dale at the Storytellers Café at 8 a.m. They told us how to get there, so we all hopped in the car and drove over. We parked and headed for the lobby of the Grand Californian. What a beautiful hotel! The lobby was huge and there was a pianist playing the grand piano in the lobby. What a nice detail. I had staked out where the Storytellers Café was the evening prior and knew where I needed to go. Since we didn’t have a wheelchair for Maxine, Michael stayed behind with her while I booked it to get us checked in. And I am so glad I hurried up there; the line got long rather quickly.
No sooner had Maxine and Michael joined Victoria and me, we were called in to our table. So far so good! We went inside, and I loved the ambiance. It is lovely in there. However, the CM took us to a booth way back in the corner of the restaurant, away from the main part of the place. We did not like where we were seated at all. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] If I am going to do a character meal, I want a table so that each of us has the opportunity to mingle with the characters. I hated being a pain, but Michael agreed and asked if we could be moved to a table. The CM promptly escorted us to a table in the middle of the main room right next to the fireplace. It was a wonderful table! As soon as we sat down, Camp Counselor Chris came up and let us know that in order to be good campers, we needed to eat something from each food group, including our veggies. That was very important to be a good camper. He was very funny and stayed in character no matter what we threw at him.
Michael and Victoria must have been famished. They no sooner ordered their drinks and they were off to the buffet. As soon as they left, who should visit us? Koda from Brother Bear. We have never seen Koda before so I was disappointed that DH and DD were not here for the big moment. Koda ran over to Maxine and gave her a great big hug. Reminder: Maxine has never been to a Disney park. Before we left for our trip, we went to her house every day and watched a Disney movie she had never seen before. Brother Bear was not one of them. It didn’t matter much because she enjoyed seeing the characters and had a great time with them.
As soon as Koda left, I headed for the buffet. Maxine didn’t want the buffet and ordered something from the menu. So, she had to wait to eat. Poor Maxine.
Back at the table, we began enjoying our wonderful breakfast. Then Meeko showed up. Victoria asked him where Pocohantas was, and he said she was off brushing her hair. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] Victoria got the biggest kick out of that.
Kenai made his rounds, too. We were disappointed to find out that Kenai didn’t sign autographs. Weird. He signs them at Epcot. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
Camp Counselor Chris came back around and scolded us for leaving Maxine all alone while we went to get something to eat. But, Victoria made his day when she showed him her grilled asparagus on her plate. He was proud of her for getting something from all four food groups. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] She asked for his autograph, and he posed.
The characters were out in full force, and they would get the little kids together and dance around the restaurant. Victoria was too old for that sort of thing, but she enjoyed watching the little ones. We specifically wanted to see one character whom we have never seen before…Terk. We couldn’t wait to see her. Hopefully, she would head our way soon.
Dale popped in to say hi and signed her book with, "Hape Birthday From Dale."
Then, Victoria was surprised by a little Mickey cupcake. Chip came out with our waitress and other servers and sang Happy Birthday to her. She was tickled! Chip singed her book but was in a real rush. No birthday greetings, antics or howdy-doos from him. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] Oh well.
 
We had been here for about an hour, and we were still waiting for Terk. Koda finally came back by and stopped for a picture.
We finally asked our waitress if we would get to see Terk any time soon. Terk had been on the other side of the restaurant but had gone inside for a break. The manager came to our table and explained that Terk had visited our side of the restaurant right before we were seated and then took a break. When she came back out, she visited the other side of the restaurant. She said Terk would be out soon, and she would send Terk our way first thing. We were very grateful for that news.
While we waited, I wanted a picture of that beautiful fireplace, so I asked Victoria and Maxine to pose for me. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
Approaching the hour-and-a-half mark, Terk finally came back out. She visited one table in front of ours and then stopped by our table. We told her we were so happy to meet her and that we had waited a long time to see her. She was flattered. She took a picture with Maxine and Victoria and then pulled up a chair, sat down, and signed Victoria’s autograph book. She wrote on two pages and said, “Happy B’day! Terk” in purple crayon. She really spent a lot of time with us. I told her that the purple flower looked lovely in her hair. Boy did she pose and primp after that. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] It was the best character interaction of the whole breakfast!
 
We were finally done with a wonderful breakfast, and Michael had paid our bill. The waitress had let us keep a menu for a souvenir, so I put it in our backpack, and we headed out the door. It was time to go to Disneyland! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] I was so excited, I didn’t know what to do!
We decided that Victoria, Maxine, and I would slowly make our way to the gates of Disneyland, and Michael would take the car back to the hotel and either take the shuttle or run back to DL, whichever would be faster. So, the three stuffed ladies walked through DTD towards DL’s entrance. Victoria loved her first sight of the two park entrances facing each other. She, too, was very excited.
Up Next: Disneyland and the Dream Squad approaches us!!!
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11-30-2006, 05:16 PM
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#116
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Go Red Sox!! :D
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Rhode Island - Red Sox Nation
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 27,451
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 2, Part 1, updated 11/30
What a fabulous birthday morning for all of you!! I can't wait to hear about Disneyland!!! Hurry back with more!
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11-30-2006, 05:26 PM
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#117
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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: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 2, Part 1, updated 11/30
Great updates!!!! I love your photos!! You guys are really having a wonderful time and it shows!!! Can't wait for more!!!!
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11-30-2006, 06:19 PM
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#118
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Community Rank: Legend 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Louisville, KY
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 18,767
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 2, Part 1, updated 11/30
What a great breakfast at Storytellers with a wide variety of characters!! Looks like you all had a great time.
Keep it coming Laura!
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11-30-2006, 08:45 PM
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#119
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RED SOX NATION!!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 2, Part 1, updated 11/30
What a great start to Victoria's birthday [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/birthday.gif[/img] Great pictures of the breakfast [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
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11-30-2006, 08:52 PM
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#120
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Community Rank: Jetsetter
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Arlington,Texas USA
Posts: 2,555
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Re: Sing with me...California Here We Come! Day 2, Part 1, updated 11/30
Thanks for the great update! It looks like Victoria had a fun birthday breakfast. The photos of the Grand Californian are awesome. I can't wait 'til we stay there in June.
tenya
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