Rain, Sunshine & Cupcakes ~ June 24 - July 3 - 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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
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.
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.
I hope that's the last you see of the bad ride mojo guy!
I'm glad y'all were given the special FP after the malfunction on Splash Mountain.
We had similar problems with rides and rain when we were there...I have to say, I welcomed the rain because it seemed to keep the crowds away
Can't wait to read more please!
__________________
The Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Vacation, 3.0 http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...ml#post4472933
Ch-Ch-Changes July 2015
[URL="http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/sharing-adventure-disney-world-trip-reports/288847-ch-ch-changes-ptr-july-16-24-a.html"]
Sorry you had so much rain. And trouble with the rides. Splash sounded awful with the rain and getting stuck. I always fear that will happen to me. Hopefully the birthday boy still had a good time. And that the celebration continues on a dryer note!
Come to think of it, the rain wasn't that bad after all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shnewell
I can't believe that jerk showed up on your vacation too! The last few times we've ridden HM, it's had issues with stopping in the middle of the ride. I wonder what's going on there? Well, it is haunted, I guess.
Good thing you kept on your ponchos for Splash Mountain! Sorry it broke down, but kind of cool that you got to see backstage.
Yeah, I think those ghosts are wrecking havoc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jenseib
bummer about the rain and getting stuck on splash. I think it might be kind of interesting at the same time though too.....though not in the rain.
Yeah, I found it kind of cool. Arben, not so much.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Sorry about the ride breakdowns and the rain, but it seems to have been the reason for short wait times, too.
The rain was a blessing in disguise.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Baloo
Rainy days do have their advantages! Good for you for making the best of it!
Yes rain has its advantages.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HollyH
HM was down for a bit during our MK day in April. And it stopped while we were on it too, for several minutes. I wonder if there might be something to this "haunted" business .
Sorry you got stuck on Splash, but add me to the list of those who would think it was cool to be evacuated and get a backstage peek . I know, call me weird!
That's not weird at all, that's being a fan.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JKnott17
I wonder why so many rides were having problems? Sorry you had to deal with that, but at least the rain was keeping some of the crowds away for you!
Maybe it was because of the weather? I don't know...
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
First the Tropical Storm shows up, now the bad ride mojo guy! Sorry about all the rides being down. Hopefully things begin to look up soon!!
Yeah, I think these two got together and planned this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Sorry about the bad ride mojo...
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick and Ryans Mom
I love the smilies in your report
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lazanya
Sorry about the rides breaking down.
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommapants
sorry about the ride mojo and rain but it does sound like the rain kept the crowds away.
I was on a backstage tour of MK years ago, before the HM rehab. Out guide told us that the CM place a blood-red rose on Master Gracey tomb stone every morning. It they forget the ride is plagued by problems that day until some one checks and then places a rose on the tombstone. Now I don't know if they still do that since the update - perhaps they should.
Interesting fact!
Quote:
Originally Posted by OCEANGRLLG
Sorry about the rides not goin smooth!
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfirst
I hope that's the last you see of the bad ride mojo guy!
I'm glad y'all were given the special FP after the malfunction on Splash Mountain.
We had similar problems with rides and rain when we were there...I have to say, I welcomed the rain because it seemed to keep the crowds away
Can't wait to read more please!
Yes the rain was good, we'd miss it later on.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stardust190
Sorry you had so much rain. And trouble with the rides. Splash sounded awful with the rain and getting stuck. I always fear that will happen to me. Hopefully the birthday boy still had a good time. And that the celebration continues on a dryer note!
I always read about this in other TR, never thought it would happen to us.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lfredsbo
Well, Gees...................how did I miss the start of this TR??? All caught up!!!!
Shame on Debby for intruding on your vacation!!! But it sounds like you are getting lots of rides in while she is visiting!!!
Monday June 25 part 3
How will Abniel want to finish his birthday celebration?
After exiting the park, we headed over to the bus stop. We waited about 10 minutes for our bus. When we got to the resort, the kids wanted to swim but unfortunately it was raining again. We got to the room and found this cutie.
Abniel and I went to get our mugs filled while the others relaxed in the room. We also went to get Abniel’s birthday button, I also got some “We’re celebrating” buttons for AJ and Adriel. After some people (Arben) napped, we left our room at 5o. Busses from all the other parks came and went. Finally after 20+ minutes (which isn’t that bad) a MK bus appeared.
We entered the park and Adriel wanted to take a batroom break. I made Abniel go too. While I waited, I took some pictures.
We then went into the Emporium, to look around. No purchases were made, but I got some pictures.
Adriel
Abniel
At this point we were starving, so upon arriving at MK we went directly to Peco’s Bill. Arben and I had the taco salad, AJ had a burger and Abniel and Adriel had the kids burger. We also bought a side of onion rings. Sorry, no pictures, hunger got in the way. Everything was yummy especially those onion rings! After filling our tummies we asked the kids what they wanted to do. They said Splash Mountain. Okay then! We went that way but the wait was 45 minutes so we got fastpasses. I decided I didn’t want to ride.
Since we had some time we made our way over to Fantasyland to ride Barnstormer. Arben’s knees were bothering him so he decided to sit this one out. The boys and I got in line. While waiting it started raining again. And guess who had the pochos? Yes, Arben. We dodged the rain under the umbrella thingies in the queue but when we got on the coaster there was no escaping the rain. I rode with Adriel and AJ rode with Abniel. Adriel and I had a little canopy above us but poor AJ and Abniel got completely wet. This was the first time on Barnstormer for all of us and we enjoyed it. We exited the ride and made a run for it over to where Arben was waiting. We put on our ponchos and headed over to Splash. Poor Arben had to walk all the way across the park.
While they rode Splash Mountain, I waited at the gift shop. It was 8:10 by the time they came out. Without a plan in mind, we decided to head over to TL. I wanted to ride Buzz again because next time we’d visit, it was going to be closed. We took our time walking and when we got to the hub, Abniel decided he wanted to watch the MSEP. It was 8:25 already, but we found perfect spots right at the hub. I stayed there with Abniel and Adriel while Arben went with AJ to sit on some benches on the pathway to Adventureland. The kids started to get a little antsy but I reminded them that it was their decision to watch the parade and now it was impossible to get out of the crowds.
And let me say something here. While standing there I was always making sure the boys kept their distance from the people in front of us, not to invade their spaces as they’ve been there before us. But man, the people that came after us really piled up on us. I mean, I couldn’t even move an inch without someone trying to move closer. That is so annoying! I know that everyone wants to get a chance to see the floats but you don’t have to get so close. And if I move slightly that doesn’t mean I’m giving up my spot. Ok, sorry for the rant.
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.
I took some shots of the Castle while waiting for the parade to start.
Not long after, we started hearing the ice-cream truck music, err I mean the MSEP music (sorry I couldn’t help myself, the music reminds me of an ice-cream truck).
After the parade we went over to where Arben was sitting only to realize they had a great view of the parade and best of all they were sitting. We started slowly walking towards TL. First up was Buzz with a 10 minute wait.
This is my pathetic score.
We then decided to try Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor. It was so funny! I was a bit nervous they would come over to us because Arben doesn’t know squat in English. But thankfully we weren’t chosen. After that we tried another first for us, the People Mover. Now I know why so many people love it. It was a great way to relax. We were ready to head out but the kids wanted to do one more ride. They decided on Stitch, another first for us. And may I add, first and last for us. Everyone hated it. We did not enjoy the complete darkness or the spitting. Ugh, never again. Live and learn.
We were done by now, but before exiting Abniel had to take a bathroom break. We left the park at 11:00 just in time because MSEP was starting. As we were heading towards the bus stop, we saw the masses waiting for the ferry and the monorail . I was so glad we didn’t have to endure that. Arben was also grateful for that, so another point for on-site . We waited about 10 minutes for a bus and finally got to the room at 11:40. The lights were out shortly thereafter.
It had been a great day! I asked Abniel if he’d enjoyed his birthday and said it was the best he’s ever had.
Wow you guys did not let the rain slow you down! I am glad you were able to get in so many rides, even with the bad ride mojo. I bet Abniel will remember this birthday for a long time.
I know what you mean about people invading your personal space. My kids aren't big on parades and, while I do like to watch them, I'm sort of glad we don't often stop for them because, like you, I can't stand to have a perfect stranger that close to me.
Sorry Arben's knees are bothering him -- hope that doesn't linger!
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
We endured the parade crush (it will be a long time before we do that again). We found a decent spot, took the boys out of the stroller (and moved it out of the way)...we should have left it because we had two families try to squeeze in behind us and they kept ramming their strollers into our legs.
You got some great pictures of the parade though - and what a memorable birthday for your son!
__________________
The Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Vacation, 3.0 http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...ml#post4472933
Ch-Ch-Changes July 2015
[URL="http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/sharing-adventure-disney-world-trip-reports/288847-ch-ch-changes-ptr-july-16-24-a.html"]
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.