Hubby told me to pack my bags (Live TR) - Update 9/4 - Page 9 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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Day 4- back to being a solo trip...
I woke up to the sounds of the pool guys again... and managed to go back to sleep until about 8am. I got up and checked email and read that Sharon's phone had died, and she said after she got a new one - she would text me - but that she expected they would be at WS in EPCOT about 11am. I decided that since I now had my entire morning to myself - I would take it easy and stroll through FW in EPCOT for awhile and see if something struck my fancy. I sat and watched the Fountain of Nations for awhile (I know I've seen it - who hasn't - but I've never taken the time to WATCH it...). Did you know that at 11am - when World Showcase opens - the Fountain does a special song?? Neither did I. Well it does. Much to be said for slowing down and taking in the details.
Another thing that I noted was the HEAT. It was only 1130 and it was hot and humid. Unlike earlier in the week when it had been cooler and dryer. I decided that I would head back to the room/pool and wait for Sharon to text me there, since I wasn't feeling all that wonderful... maybe a bit dehydrated, or maybe it was the lack of breakfast. I walked back to World Showcase and planted my rear on a bench in the shade between the UK and the shop at the entrance (the name elludes me) and just sat - trying to feel better. Right then, I heard "Hi Terri" and looked up to see Meg (mcc0313) and her crew strolling by. They were hot as well and headed back to the Boardwalk for some pool/relax time. So we walked back to the hotel together. Her daughters are lovely young ladies - and that Angel is a doll!
I headed to the room, changed into my swimsuit, grabbed all my pool necessities and headed down with my book. I managed to read 3 of the 4 books I took with me to WDW... yeah me! I lay by the pool for awhile - but my headache was getting worse and worse. I decided that sun and heat were not a good combo for me and I needed some rest/food. I went up to the room and tried to take a nap - but my head hurt so much, I couldn't sleep. I decided that food was in order - and after getting dressed, I headed to the ESPN Cafe - a new location for me. I had the clam chowder and their chicken bites with BBQ sauce. My server, Chris, kept checking on me and noted my pained expression. She offered Tylenol - which made me remember the bottle of Aleve I carry in my purse/backpack :headsmack: Why didn't I think of it before??? I took two Aleve, drank 3 glasses of iced tea and also got a to go cup of tea before I found a nice quiet spot to sit and read. If you've ever been to the Boardwalk - underneath the Portico on the back that overlooks the Boardwalk Green - there are some cushy chairs and benches - and that is where I settled. For TWO HOURS. It was heaven.
It was shady, cool, with a ceiling fan and cushy chairs. A couple of families came and went - including one little two year old girl and her mom - the little girl wanted to hide from her daddy and brothers, so she lay down behind the table where I sat while mom and I chatted and popped up when daddy appeared. It was such a great place to sit and relax - exactly what I needed after my lunch and morning of pain. I don't get headaches often, and thank heavens, unlike my sister/mom I don't get migraines - but sometimes when I do get them - wow -- they don't give in with out a fight and this one had been that way.
After a few hours of relaxing and reading - I decided my last night at WDW was not going to be spent reading a book. I headed back into World Showcase and found the White Rabbit. In all my years - I don't think I've ever had my picture taken with him - so....
Amazingly - I was hungry - which I can understand - the soup was not filling and I really didn't eat many of my chicken strips... so I opted for the Rose and Crown - I wanted something out of the heat. I was seated in the middle of the room and Damon was my server. I ordered the fish and chips and an iced tea. Damon brought the iced tea, I took a drink, grimaced (flavored tea???? ICK) and exchanged it for a coke. Damon also suggested that I add the mushy peas to my order since it was tradition to eat mushy peas with fish and chips. I should say that although I like peas, it appears I DON'T like mushy peas.
I also decided to get some ice cream for dessert. They didn't have it on the adult dessert menu - but it was on the kids menu - so
(sorry - I remembered to take a picture until it was almost done).
Meg and I had been texting - they were at Beirgarten and after they finished, we agreed to meet up. I headed toward Morocco - and Mo'Rockin' had just started - so I grabbed a spot to watch.
Have you ever noticed that the male population of Morocco triples when the bellydancer arrives to dance? This time even the male Disney security guards stopped to watch....
Meg and I met up. Her sister-in-law and niece were in search of moccasin-like slippers and they thought they might have some in the Morocco shops. We sat and talked while they shopped. No luck in Morocco - so we decided to check in Mexico and began to stroll around the lagoon toward Mexico. Her daughter took some photos of the sunset. Angel even took one with my camera -
We had no slipper luck in Mexico - and Meg and I both thought that they may have some in Canada - so we kept walking and although there were no slippers - I did see some t-shirts that made me think of JillyBean and Heather.
And as we left Canada - we came across a CM painting with water - he drew Donald....
The he invited some of the kids to help him color in Donald.
Meg and the girls were scheduled to leave the following day - and they needed to begin packing, etc - so, since they had already seen Illuminations, they decided to leave the park and head back to the room. It was great to meet them!
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I got a kaki gori and went in search of a place to view Illuminations - I walked toward Italy - and ended up on the Isolata (the little patio that sticks out into the lake) - so I sat down next to the rail, ate my kaki gori and waited about 20 minutes for Illuminations to start.
After Illuminations - I slowly walked back to the Boardwalk - even stopped for a few moments to watch some of the entertainers. Then I headed back upstairs and began to pack. I attempted to go to sleep - without any luck, until about 230am.... I must say that Disney doesn't have much on TV late at night - unless you are a major sports fan - then the 4 channels of ESPN will do you just fine.
Next - my last morning, heading home and final thoughts.
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Day 5 - The best laid plans, or lack there of... (I should warn you I took no photos!)
Today I had one major goal - to ride Toy Story Mania. And since one of the guys at the front desk had told me this morning was EMH at DHS - SO I was up at 645, all packed up and out the door by 740am and at the gates of DHS at 745 (love being across the street!). I was the 4th car (warning.... warning....Will Robinson) in the parking lot... it didn't quite hit me that something was wrong, yet. I walked to the gate - and was asked by the CM if I was there for breakfast. I said "Nope - Extra Magic Hour" - and this woman looked at me like I had two heads and said - "then you should be at Magic Kingdom"... SO I explained that a CM at the front desk of the Boardwalk had told me today was EMH at DHS... and she advised me I could file a complaint at Guest Services and that I was welcome to wait 1 hour and 15 minutes until the park opened. I offered up another option - "Do you have any ADRs available for breakfast?" (I hadn't eaten after all....) and the CM from Hollywood and Vine says "you know it's a kids meal with Mickey Mouse playhouse"... I said, really trying not to be snarky.... "they have food, right??" "Yep", "Ok - that works". So I now was having breakfast at H&V for an hour.
I was seated quickly (there was one other family in the whole place for like 15 minutes) and within 5 minutes had 4 characters come by to "chat". Since I don't watch these shows - I only have a vague inking as to who June, Leo, Manny and JoJo are....and I wasn't there for characters. I was there for food. Overall the breakfast buffet was good and filling. I can do without the CHICKEN sausage though (bring back the pork!). This is the second time I've had chicken sausage this week - and I didn't like it either time. Pork wasn't an option - if you want sausage - you are stuck with chicken...
So after 45 minutes of "chatting" with characters who would come by, stare at me - forcing me into a one way conversation (now if this was Mickey and crew - I could do it - but I know NOTHING about this group to talk about) - and spending $25.00 on breakfast... I headed out to the rope drop area to wait with others that wanted to go on TSMM.... Rope drop happened quickly and we walked behind five TSMM cast members who were there to prevent running - and it worked wonderfully. I was in my TSMM ride vehicle at 9:07am for my first ride - and my score was 136,800 - my best ever. I do not know how people can score 350,000+ on that ride!! I walked out of the exit - and right back again - the posted wait time was 50 minutes (which leads me to believe they default it at 50 minutes first thing in the morning) - and it took about 25 minutes for my second ride. This time I scored 126,000 - and shared a car with someone - which made it harder since he kept shooting the stuff I wanted to hit...
After two spins on TSMM - I decided to leave and head to DTD. I wanted to check out the Douney and Bourke purses and do a little shopping at Basin before heading home. I arrived about 1020am and parked - went straight to World of Disney. I found a couple of shirts that I had previously seen in EPCOT and then headed to the purses - and to be honest - I don't like them. I have a DB purse - and I didn't like the texture of the purses - I had thought I wanted the sketch purse - but not so sure now. Opted to wait. I did get the tshirts - as well as a lithograph of Walt and the castle that says "Vision" for my office at work. Then I headed over to Basin, bought some bath bombs (we were out at home), drove to the Hess station to fill up with cheap gas... the gas at WDW is $0.10 a gallon CHEAPER than in Jacksonville and hit I-4 for the 2.5 hour drive home. Managed to be all unpacked and 90% of laundry done before Chris came home from work.
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Final Thoughts -
Wow - being married throws a whole new wrinkle into the desire to tour solo... As I've previously said I really used to enjoy solo touring - now I am not sure. I really missed Chris, and I was glad he came down for a day - Wed was the best day of my trip!! I really do love sharing my love of Disney with him. Now to figure out how to get him more time off so I don't have to be solo so much.
I enjoyed the relaxed pace of touring - and being able to basically walk up to the places I wanted to eat. This is the first time I've toured the week before Labor Day - and I will have to remember it in the future - while it is HOT - the crowds are SO low - the longest wait time I saw was TSMM at 50 minutes first thing in the morning. Every other time was 20 minutes max.
Boardwalk was wonderful - I loved being able to walk to EPCOT and the studios and the pool was really nice. I wish they had a better pool side dining option in addition to the Leaping Horse that is limited to three sandwich choices and ice cream and chips.
Now to get cracking on the Oct 13 - 16 trip (the other half of the Hubby told me to pack my bags) with Mickeys not so scary Halloween Party with some other PPers... I need a costume!!
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Great report, Terri! I can understand how your views on solo touring (and solo living!) have changed and hope that Chris will be able to join you at least part of the time on most of your future trips.
I'd have been so mad that the CM gave wrong info on EMH. Good decision, though, to get some breakfast--I wouldn't have known who those characters were either.
I am glad I came to see you on your trip. Can't wait to take you to _____on your birthday trip at the end of the month and eat at ________on Friday and _______on Saturday and the (something special) on Sunday. Surprises are so much fun to keep secret! I love you!!!!!
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Pardon Me - would you have any Grey Poupon? (High tea at GF - Aug 2008)
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This time even the male Disney security guards stopped to watch....
SO I explained that a CM at the front desk of the Boardwalk had told me today was EMH at DHS... and she advised me I could file a complaint at Guest Services and that I was welcome to wait 1 hour and 15 minutes until the park opened. I offered up another option - "Do you have any ADRs available for breakfast?" (I hadn't eaten after all....) and the CM from Hollywood and Vine says "you know it's a kids meal with Mickey Mouse playhouse"... I said, really trying not to be snarky.... "they have food, right??" "Yep", "Ok - that works". So I now was having breakfast at H&V for an hour.
Great trip report!
Cassie
And now Chris has me curious about what is up for the next trip! 
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