Recruiting Fans for PassPorter Street Teams! - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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.
Hi, Jennifer!
I have been passionate about Passporter for so many years! As a mom of 4, I am always looking for new ideas and ways to bring Disney magic to my family and friends, and the support and caring I always find on the boards has meant more than you can imagine, especially in times when I was facing some family and financial challenges!
I read the boards daily, and while I don't respond always, I DO always leave feeling uplifted and encouraged! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS I HAVE YET TO MEET!!!!
I have already worked with the assistant manager at our Barnes and Noble, and he makes certain that he keeps 2 copies of the most current Passporter on the shelves at all times (I kind of nagged a bit but we are friends, so it's all good!)
I have also made Mickey Rice Krispy treats, dipping the ears with my children into seasonal "hats", and we deliver them to our local fire and police departments, along with older copies of Passporters that I get and then share! So much fun, and the folks are always so excited to get these treats!
In my Sunday School class, I am the "Official Disney Mom", and I never head there without my copy of the Passporter to share and discuss We even have a small group that meets casually to share ideas and tips from past, present and future visits to our favorite place
I grew up in S. CA, so Disneyland was my stomping ground, but I traded in the West for the East Coast several years ago when my husband was transferred cross country. Disney, and truly, Passporter specifically, is my link to my family back in CA, as we all read it faithfully, and then chat about ideas, restaurants, trip reports, etc. Your family has made such a deep impact on mine...It can be difficult to raise children so far away from all the rest of the family, but when we all read the same things, and then get together every 2 years at Disney, it just doesn't seem so hard, most of the time!!
I know that you do this out of love yourself, but I simply wanted you to know how much of an impact you have made for us, and I find very simple pleasure and satisfaction in being a little, Mickey shaped pebble in the pond for your site, books, even you guys personally!
Have a truly wonderful day, and know that what you guys do touches hearts all over the world! What an awesome "job"!!! (I KNOW it's hard work... )
Sincerly,
Jane Peters
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Registered Message Board Members save 30% off PassPorter guidebooks! When you register you'll have access to a discount coupon good for 30% off the list price of PassPorter books in our online store.
What a wonderful idea (and one that I am sure a lot of us have practice doing already LOL). I would love to be part of the street patrol for NYC. Not only do I mention Passporter at least once a day in conversation (yes Disney comes up in conversation at least once a day, if not more ) but I am definitely the person in the bookstore when seeing someone canvas the travel section and look unsure of what book to buy who leads them in the right direction. There are also a lot of libraries around me so I would have no problem visiting those and there are many community boards as well that are always looking for tidbits of advice.
I remember the first time I checked out this community after purchasing the book in the bookstore before our trip in 2007 and I have never looked back, from that single purchase I have found the most complete and easy to read guide to Disney, have an unlimited supply of information from the e-books and advice from the board but most importantly have found a wonderful community to belong too full of wonderful people....So I would love to get a chance to direct others this way as well.
I would love to be part of the PassPorter Street Team for Central Massachusetts. I've have my PassPorter for years and rave about it to everyone!!! I love helping people plan their trips to WDW and tell everyone that the PassPorter is an absolute MUST!!!! I am a certified Disney fanatic and have been to WDW 18 times & DL 3 times. Everyone knows my passion for WDW! PassPorter is the best book out there. Hands down!! It would be an honor to be part of this team!!
__________________
July 2013 - San Diego November-December 2013 - Art of Animation & Port Orleans French Quarter
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2004, I thought my life would never be the same… and I was right… because I’ve started doing some of the things I only dreamed of. For 25 years my best friend and I talked about going to Disney World. I’d been many years ago when it was only one park and not what it is today, and I remembered it as being a very magical place. During my chemotherapy treatments my friend would sit and hold my hand and tell me to think palm trees. We promised no more talking about going to Disney… we were going to Disney! Those wonderful thoughts of Magic and Pixie Dust helped me get through a very hard time and a couple of months after my last chemotherapy treatment without a hair on my head we were on our way. That was the best vacation ever and since then I’ve been back 6 times and on 2 Disney Cruises. I’ve also found the one place where I am truly happy in my heart and soul.
I have a passion for Disney that I would love to share with others on a larger scale. I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia which is a small city in Eastern Canada. I’m amazed at the general lack of knowledge others have about Disney. Many feel that it is for children and very expensive and unattainable for the average person. Others feel that even if they could afford a trip like that, they wouldn’t go because they don’t understand the concept of Disney. Usually when I mention Disney to someone for the first time, their first response is “Oh I Don’t Like Rides,” but I love to share the magic and tell them about all the wonderful things Disney has to offer them and their family. People started calling me for information and tips and I started to call myself the “Go To Disney Girl”!
When I was planning my first Disney Cruise I discovered the Disney Cruise Line book by PassPorter and I’m a big fan! I am anxiously waiting for the new 2010 edition. I took my daughter to Disney World and on the 7 night cruise this past October and needless to say she loved it and I loved watching how happy it made her too. We’ve booked a family cruise on the Disney Dream for 2011. Together we would like to help spread the word of Disney PassPorter in our community. We think the best way to do that in our community is at bookstores, libraries, and travel agencies. We would like to thank you for all the joy and information PassPorter shares with us in their books and newsletters and we would appreciate the opportunity to “Spread the Word.”
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Primack (mother)
Jennifer Greenwell (daughter)
I would love to be on the 'team' anyone that knows me sends their friends my way with any and all Disney related questions. They think I am the expert....little do they know I get all my facts and info from Passporter! Friends that go to WDW every year ask me for info....of course I direct them to Passporter! I have multiple editions, including the cruise version. This will be a great thing to participate in.
Sara
I would love to be a part of the Passporter Street Team for Minnesota! I've been a huge Passporter fan for many years. I think I've been getting a new one every year since 2002. I also write a bit for your e-newsletter.
I have self-diagnosed O.D.D ~ Obsessive Disney Disorder. And I wouldn't take a 12-step program for it, even if there was one.
One of the things I do to promote Passporter already is when your $1 editions come out, I buy a bunch of them to keep on hand. So when I hear about people planning a trip, I have a starter book to give them and encourage them to get the newest edition for all the updates.
I have donated an older edition to my local library. I've also become a little famous within our school community as the go-to Disney person. Just this year, I've had 2 people approach me about Disney that I knew only casually, because they heard I knew a lot about Disney.
I'd LOVE to do a fun Passporter Scavenger Hunt around town using Twitter and Facebook and maybe having some older editions or perhaps other logo goodies to hand out. Maybe it could be something like, "Find Passporter Patty at X near Y Street and R Lane."
I think that would be great fun! Plus, everyone is using Social Media. And while it's great to use for friends out of town, it's great for people right here in your community.
Have you heard of Meetup? I'm thinking that could be another potential way to get people talking locally too. That might also be a way to coordinate activities going on at the same time all around the country.
Seriously, I could go crazy with this. It would be SO much fun!
I'd be pleased to be a part of your Street Team!
Like my title says...I'll try to keep this short and sweet. I am an Independant Disney Travel agent and I work from my home in Knoxville, TN. I am constantly asked: "Who has the best Disney guide book?", and my answer is always the same: "The PassPorter". My husband and I have not been without a current passporter since 2002...and he has even been quoted in the PassPorter in previous issues. I Proudly show my PassPorter to all of my clients...and they love all of the quirky little comments my husband has written over the years. They have been some of the best Souveniers we've ever purchased. So with that thought...i'd lke to share it with Everyone. I would love to add postcards/flyers to hand out with my Disney Literature, and have several ideas of local spots where people tend to search for "Disney Info". I hope I can be part of this oppurtunity...but even if I'm not chosen...I will continue to sing the praises of the PassPorter. I really believe it is the BEST Disney Guide I have ever seen. THANKS GUYS!!!! TTFN!
I love to help my friends, family and their friends in planning their Disney trips. I usually work with 2-3 families a month to help plan their events. I enjoy doing this for others, as each family's trip is always a little different. It's like completing a puzzle and feeling like I accomplished something when they come back happy. I enjoy keeping up with all of the changes with Disney through several websites.
I was lucky enough to go to DisneyWorld in 1971 and have been 38 times since...my love for the world has expanded to DisneyLand 3 times and the Cruise Line. We have 2 trips scheduled for this winter and a cruise scheduled for Spring Break. Whew, you would think I should know a little about everything at Disney but I keep up with the World by reading the Passporters and newsletters. I can find out just about anything I have a question with either in the books or on the forum.
Thanks for your down to earth wording and humor as I find myself glued to the new editions. It's always fun to turn others on to the "hidden secrets" in the Passporter and also your website. I usually have several books on hand for others to borrow, but they always return mine because they have bought their own after realizing what a helpful and necessary guide this is.
I would love to continue spreading the word in Evansville, Indiana about your great publications, including the downloads you offer. My kids, 10 and 14 also enjoy reading your opinions and articles as they are destined to become Disney geeks as well. It is very interesting to hear them talk to their friends about the "must sees" and "tour plans" to follow before going to the world. I guess they really listen more than I realize.
Disney is truly is the most magical place for families to connect and bond. Thank goodness my husband shares the love of the mouse as well. If chosen to spread the word about your books, I would start with AAA during their cruise month. Our office usually has several nights where they focus on the Disney Cruise and what better place to recommend your website and books. I would also work with libraries, community forums, bookstores and several online sites like facebook. I would like to involve my kids in the process and include their school libraries and newsletters. Who knows, they will probably come up with other great venues to talk about Disney.
As you can see, my family is a little obsessed with Disney and I would feel honored to represent your family in this region of the US.
I could so do this even though I already do without the postcards. I'm a photographer with my own business and would be more than happy to put things out in my place of business. I would also make sure I mention Passporters to all of my customers.
My family and friends always call and ask me questions about Disney, they know I do my research and stay on here all of the time. I bought the 2010 Passporters and showed it to my mom and sister. Well now they are ordering their copies for their upcoming trips in June. I also have 4 teachers in my family (mom, 2 sisters and a brother) that wouldn't mind at all if I handed stuff out at school. I also know all of the principles at the schools and they would be all for it. About 9 out of 10 families in my community go to Disney every summer. Most of them haven't heard of Passporters so I educate them.
Count me in I'll spread the word to whoever will listen to me. I can put things out in Chattanooga, TN also my town of Whitwell also Dunlap, Jasper and Kimball. Trust me people will know about Passporters when I get done.
I would love to be an ambassador for PassPorter because I believe in the organized way that you are helping to share the magic. As a business owner myself, I know the importance of word of mouth advertising and am happy to voice my endorsement for products in which I am well pleased. The PassPorter is certainly on that list and worthy of sharing.
I would love. love, love to be part of the PassPorter Street Team! I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada and already am an unofficial "Street Team" member (without the flyers and postcards or course) My friends and family call me the Disney Addict and of course the go-to gal for any trips to WDW or DLR.
I "found" the PassPorter books and community about 2 years ago and have been sold since. When needing a Disney fix, I just pull out an old passporter for bedtime reading Already this year I've made requests at our local Chapters to carry your Disneyland PassPorter (they only have the WDW one) and insisted two friends buy a copy before their trips this spring.
Thanks for your consideration!
Tracy
P.S. being a marketing major and small business specialist, I'm very impressed with your word-of-mouth campaign - what a way to do it right! Awesome job!!
I would be absolutely thrilled to be part of the Passporter team for Missouri. I am an amateur travel planner and the go-to all things Disney person for my family and friends. I've done the base vacation planning and handed out Passporters for all of my entire family's Disney vacations. When my sister's best friend and husband decided to combine their Disney vacation along with my father taking my kids to WDW (sadly, I could not get the time off) the first thing I did was purchase a passporter and hand it to my sister's best friend.
I have been 'preaching Passporter' at the school gates for several years now. With all the Brits that go for 2-3 weeks, and now with the 'PassPorter's Walt Disney World for British Holidaymakers' book you have a huge, virtually untapped market here. I'm in Marketing so I have a lot of contacts here in the UK.
This is such a great idea. I have been giving out Passporters to friends and family for a few years now. Anyone who knows me gets a copy if they even mention Disney World or Disneyland. I've given some of my old copies out to my grandchildren so they can help plan trips, too. I am the Disney go-to person around here and always recommend Passporter as a starting place when planning a trip. Most people I know come back and say they didn't need any other planning guides. I know my area isn't a major metropolitan area, but the number of people who fly to Orlando from the Western Mass/CT area is huge and I think there's major room for the promoting Passporter to the local bookstores and libraries. BTW, I'm going to get a few of my old copies of Passporter and donate them to the local libraries. That was a wonderful thought.
About This Page: 
(I kind of nagged a bit but we are friends, so it's all good!)
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
) but I am definitely the person in the bookstore when seeing someone canvas the travel section and look unsure of what book to buy who leads them in the right direction. There are also a lot of libraries around me so I would have no problem visiting those and there are many community boards as well that are always looking for tidbits of advice.
Would Love To Be Part of This Team!!!!
WE WANT TO HELP SPREAD PIXIE DUST!
Me too please!
Linear Mode
