TO GO OR NOT TO GO, THAT IS THE QUESTION!! - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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 am so sorry about your Grandmother. I am glad, however, to hear about your upgrade and I for sure know some people around here who are VERY jealous that you actually own a gnomickey!
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Congrats on the upgrade to the Poly! It's my favorite! So sorry about your Grandmother's passing. We live about 15 minutes south of Kalahari. Wishing you a truly magical vacation cause you really deserve it!
I am happy for you and your upgrade....the Poly is at the top of my Wish List. I can't wait to hear about all your adventures there....
I love the Gnome Mickey by the way....and while the traveling troll on his exclusive chair is cute - the Gnome Mickey is definitely in a class by himself
I would stay in the laundry room of a value resort if it meant another trip or more trips
This had me roaring!
Sounds like the conversation with DH went rather smoothly! on the Poly!! I'm sure you are going to it and Nick will be very happy with the arrangements.
Your neighborhood and neighbors sound like great fun! I think I'll move there! In my neighborhood they just terrorize and pour chemical on your front lawn to kill it!
the photo, Beth! I can definitely see why they had to get rid of that Pooh costume. All of the proportions are off and he's got a humungo head! If I'm remembering correctly, I don't think his arms moved either, did they?
Cheryl, I'm enjoying your writing style and can't wait to hear more
What a great gnome Mickey And congrats on the upgrade to the Poly
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcc0313
I am happy for you and your upgrade....the Poly is at the top of my Wish List. I can't wait to hear about all your adventures there....
I love the Gnome Mickey by the way....and while the traveling troll on his exclusive chair is cute - the Gnome Mickey is definitely in a class by himself
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
I love the gnome Mickey and congrats on the upgrade.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArielsMomto2
Congrats on the upgrade to the Poly. I would so love to stay there one day. Love the gnome Mickey. That is too cool. Hurry back with more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovedisney247
I am so sorry about your Grandmother. I am glad, however, to hear about your upgrade and I for sure know some people around here who are VERY jealous that you actually own a gnomickey!
Quote:
Originally Posted by amandal
I have been trying to get my hands on a Gnomickey for EVAH!!!!!!! Woo Hoo for the Poly - I'm sure all of you will LOVE it.
I do love my Gnome Mickey! I am SO excited to being staying at the Poly!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugmonster
I love the deluxe chair. What a fun neighborhood.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kristen C.
Congrats on the upgrade! And of corse, Congrats on the Mickey Gnome! OMG I can't belive your nieghbors....a potty chair! That's too funny.....it's something I would do to my DSis.....
We have so much fun with our neighbors!
Quote:
Originally Posted by tammyd_rn
Cheryl: I just finished reading your pre trip report from the beginning to your last update about the deluxe potty gnome.
Thank you for sharing your previous trips and pictures it was a fun way to meet you. I hope this trip turns out extra special with your upgrade and maybe Ryan will surprise you and ride some rides and Nick gets a good night sleep dreaming of Buzz's ride.
Did I mention Nick's room is decorated in all Buzz Lightyear?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lemap760
Love the gnome Mickey. Too funny about you and your neighbors moving the gnome around.
The upgrade sounds like it was meant to be. I'm sure you'll love the Polly. Perhaps we'll run into each other. We have a couple of different ADRs at Kona and Ohana that week.
Maybe we will see you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mom to 3 princesses and 1 prince
First, I had no idea we had so much in common! The life of a parent of a special needs child can be very challenging, but I think we get extra blessings along with it sometimes. Your life travels with Nick show that both of these statements are true.
Oh, the blackout of 2003! Here in Michigan, we were affected by this as well. We were supposed to be driving to Wisconsin for my DH's family reunion. We left BEFORE the blackout, but I hadn't stopped for gas yet. By the time we picked up my DH at work and stopped at a gas station, the blackout had occured and all of the gas stations had huge lines with everyone waiting for the power to come back on. Little did we know that this would not happen until the next evening! We ended up cramming all three kids in DH's small sedan and going home, because we didn't have enough gas in our van to get us to a gas station if we kept going. Consequently, we had to do the entire drive - 15 hours - the next day! I'll never forget that experience!
I also have a Pothead Pooh picture for ya, circa 1986.
I actually read that they had to do away with this costume because of all the neck and back problems it was causing! Poor Pooh pothead.
I'm just sorry we won't be there at the same time. It would be great to meet you in person, although your pre-TR has made me feel like I know you already!
There are so MANY blessings that come with a special needs child. Ryan (at the advanced age of 8 ) won't hold my hand in public, won't let me call him any "lovey" nicknames, etc... Nick on the other hand LOVES me to call him pet names or hold his hand; at school when he sees me he runs up and gives me kisses and hugs. One day as he was waiting at the bus stop, I was watching and felt kind of bad; all of the other kids were joking around with each other and Nick is standing off to the side. But then I noticed the girls flipping their hair and the boys posturing for attention and Nick was checking out the leaves and rocks on the ground. He found one he had to share with me and he was so happy and innocent. He picked out a shirt the other day that had a video game character on it and I hesitated to buy it; Nick do you thing maybe you are too old for this shirt? He just looked at me, What if the kids at school think it is silly? He doesn't care so why should I? His view of life is so amazing. He has a wonderful sense of humor and is very gentle hearted. I just wish I could keep him in a bubble and protect him all of the time.
I love your blackout story! A day you will never forget!!!
Pothead Pooh!!! OMG!!!
I felt the same way reading your TR and listening to your podcast. I feel like I know you and wish we could have been there at the same time!
Quote:
Originally Posted by luvnwdwgal
Congrats on the upgrade to the Poly! It's my favorite! So sorry about your Grandmother's passing. We live about 15 minutes south of Kalahari. Wishing you a truly magical vacation cause you really deserve it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MaryEL8775
when I think of one day staying at the POLY... only one word comes to mind... MMMMMMMM!!!! lmao...
Quote:
Originally Posted by DyanKJ130
Great update!!
This had me roaring!
Sounds like the conversation with DH went rather smoothly! on the Poly!! I'm sure you are going to it and Nick will be very happy with the arrangements.
Your neighborhood and neighbors sound like great fun! I think I'll move there! In my neighborhood they just terrorize and pour chemical on your front lawn to kill it!
the photo, Beth! I can definitely see why they had to get rid of that Pooh costume. All of the proportions are off and he's got a humungo head! If I'm remembering correctly, I don't think his arms moved either, did they?
Cheryl, I'm enjoying your writing style and can't wait to hear more
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.
Now that we had changed hotels I could tinker a bit more with our ADRS. I tried calling on my own for LeCellier a few times with no luck. The CMs at the WDW Dining are funny “Do you realize you should have tried for LeCellier at the 180 day mark?” Hmm, really? If only we had known then that we were going at the 180 day mark!
I did feel bad about depriving Eric of AKL. The Poly has been my dream hotel since our honeymoon when he took the monorail over there to check things out. So after further review of the schedule I added a dinner at Boma on Monday since we had no ADRs scheduled for that day.
I have been worrying about Beirgarten since Eric mentioned it. I think between the table seating and the Oompah Band, Nick will be a basket case (even with his earplugs). Plus there is nothing on the buffet that he will want to eat in an irritated mood (he does better when he is cheerful. – or at least not agitated). I know we can request an end seat for Nick but Biergarten has got to go.
Once again I venture into the underground lair:
Me: I’m thinking about our dinner reservations at Biergarten
Eric: Hmmm
Me: I’m really worried about Nick
Eric: He’ll be fine; he can eat at the McDonald Food cart if he doesn’t like the food
(which Nick would be happy with )
Me: I know, I’m not so worried about the food (okay my PP friends I’ll admit it – that maybe a small fib). I’m concerned with the seating arrangements and the band. It will probably be loud. I just want to avoid a meltdown.
Eric: Hmmm
Me: I spoke with Jan (my Gnome Mickey friend) and she said they loved Coral Reef.
Eric: I thought Coral Reef got bad reviews
Me: The reviews have been very good lately. Jan also said it did not smell like fish (which is another Nick issue).
Eric: Coral Reef? Hmmm
(Eric loves fish and has always been intrigued by CR)
Me: Plus as an extra bonus I’ve added a dinner at Boma.
Eric: BOMA? At AKL?
Me; Yep
Eric: Sounds good
So I’ve gotten rid of Biergarten and added Coral Reef. Now Nick won’t eat fish, but there is a pizza on the kid’s “complete” menu. I’m hoping he can order that. I’ll call when we get closer. If he can’t find anything to eat at Boma he can eat at Disney Quest when we get there after dinner.
Still no luck with LeCellier so I need a backup plan. I’m not going without some kind of ADR. Eric gets very sad if there is not at least one sit down meal per day. So I pick Tutto Italia. Nick is good with Italian, pizza and mozzarella sticks are both on the kids menu.
Ryan is not yet old enough for the adult menu. I wonder if I can order Nick an adult meal and Ryan a child’s meal and then switch them when they come? Ryan would probably love some of the adult entrees.
Then I start to worry about Saturday August 23rd. We have a breakfast ADR at Chef Mickey’s but no dinner plan (not even DTD). We’ll obviously start out at MK but then what? Then I start thinking about all of the fabulous Passporter trip reports that talked about Spoodles. I know it is supposed to be loud, but it is our last night…. Hmmm If there an availability, we’ll do it. Bingo!!
So our final ADRs look like:
Thursday – Leave home early, drive to Savannah 12 hours. Spend the night.
Friday –Eat lunch at Paula Deens restaurant (Ryan’s request) then go on to WDW- not sure about arrival time, eat at Rainforest Café DTD then go to DQ
We have RC Safari cards so we get a discount and usually are sent to the front of the line (we have avoided some very long lines this way)
Sat August 16th Crystal Palace dinner - MK day
CP is a favorite but we usually do lunch
Sun August 17th Hoop De Doo dinner – AK day
Eric & I have done HDD, but it will be new for the boys, Maureen got me the phone number so I can call & try to arrange pizza from Trail’s End Buffet for Nick
Monday August 18th waterpark day with dinner at Boma then off to DTD & then DQ
Boma is new for all of us
Tues Aug 19th Tutto Italia dinner – Epcot day
TI is new for all of us
Wens Aug 20th Brown Derby Fantasmic Package – DHS day (Eric loves the Fantasmic package and has insisted on it for the last couple of trips)
BD is new for all of us
Thurs August 21st Ohana Lilo & Stitch breakfast – waterpark day with dinner at Rainforest Café & then DQ
L&S we did last time and loved it; we will pay OOP
Friday August 22nd dinner at Coral Reef – Epcot day
CR new for all of us
Saturday August 23rd Chef Mickey Breakfast – MK day then off to Epcot then dinner at
Spoodles
CM is a favorite of the boys and we will pay OOP, Spoodles is new for us all
Sunday – go home
Does anyone know how long it takes to walk from the International Gateway to Spoodles?
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Great chenges to your ADR's.....I would agree after how you mentioned what bothers Nick that Biergarten would probably not be the best place to eat.....
I think CR will be great.....we had such a wonderful meal there and the whole atmosphere is very relaxing with the fish swimming by....
I am getting so excited for you....20 days will go by so fast.
Hi Cheryl - I've been reading you trip report and I noticed that not one person congratulated you on keeping the plane in the air So I would like to be the first one to do that! I know it must have taken a lot of effort!
I'm sorry to hear of your Grandma's passing. You never think it will happen. I mean how are you supposed to go on without your loved ones right?
Hope you have a great time at Disney and congrats on the upgrade!!
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and congrats on the upgrade. 
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Pixie Dust
Woo Hoo for the Poly - I'm sure all of you will LOVE it. 
Danny and I at Epcot 8/14/08
it and Nick will be very happy with the arrangements.
I tried calling on my own for LeCellier a few times with no luck. 
The CMs at the WDW Dining are funny “Do you realize you should have tried for LeCellier at the 180 day mark?” 
If only we had known then that we were going at the 180 day mark! 
The Poly has been my dream hotel since our honeymoon when he took the monorail over there to check things out. So after further review of the schedule I added a dinner at Boma on Monday since we had no ADRs scheduled for that day. 
I think between the table seating and the Oompah Band, Nick will be a basket case (even with his earplugs). Plus there is nothing on the buffet that he will want to eat in an irritated mood (he does better when he is cheerful. – or at least not agitated). I know we can request an end seat for Nick but Biergarten has got to go. 
). I’m concerned with the seating arrangements and the band. It will probably be loud. I just want to avoid a meltdown. 
Eric gets very sad if there is not at least one sit down meal per day. 
So I pick Tutto Italia. Nick is good with Italian, pizza and mozzarella sticks are both on the kids menu. 
We have a breakfast ADR at Chef Mickey’s but no dinner plan (not even DTD). We’ll obviously start out at MK but then what? 
Dreams, Wishes, Hopes... these are the parts of childhood we should never lose.
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