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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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.
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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 have made the trip to Disney for my birthday twice, and with another creeping up (45!!), I wasn’t sure I was going this year. Things were so up in the air with my bf’s job, that we couldn’t commit to dates and we hadn’t made reservations. Also, since I work for an airline, I fly standby, which means sometimes having to be very creative in trying to get to my destinations…especially when there is a time frame.
My son got out of school on Friday and we were still trying to figure out how to get him to his destination of SLC, since he didn’t want to go with me this time. I was able to finally get him on his way Saturday afternoon, and my bf was on the way to spend time with me, still thinking we were not going to WDW.
A nice dinner in Colorado, sleeping in, and a leisurely Sunday were just the way to start out my birthday! Missing Disney, but happy. Sunday, I accompanied my bf to Houston, where he lives. He had a teleconference meeting that could not be missed and would be handled best from his home where he had more notes.
We got to Houston, had a nice late dinner and called it a night. After his early morning meeting, we headed for Galveston and the beach. During the not-so-scenic drive, I was looking at flight options for me since he needed to return to work the next day and I didn’t want to hang out while he was working long hours.
I looked at SLC to see my daughter, it was a possibility. I looked at Wisconsin to see more family, no chance. I looked at California to see friends and maybe DLR, not likely. I looked at Orlando and was amazed to find the flights wide open! I was shocked…Orlando at spring break is usually a nightmare for “non-revs”(airline employees)!
We had a great day at the beach, very relaxing, nice romantic dinner, then I was dropped off at the airport. I waited for a seat, was assigned, and boarded. Wheee…..here I go! With no reservations!!! Am I nuts?!?!?!?! Who goes to Walt Disney World without reservations???
I was scheduled to land in Orlando just after 11pm, so my plan was to use hotwire to get a room for the night. I’ve lucked out with some great rooms at the last minute, but knew I would need to work on it immediately upon landing, as they can’t help you after midnight.
Wouldn’t you know it, our flight was delayed a bit. By the time we landed, deplaned and I found a place to stop with my things, it was 5 past midnight! I felt like Cinderella….but instead of losing a shoe, I lost a bed!
Plan B…figure out which hotels are nearest the airport and have shuttles. The Orlando airport has a great website as far as airports go, and I was able to get a good hotel list. I made a few calls, got a reasonable rate, and off I went to find the shuttle! Yea!!
Amazingly, with the adrenaline already pumping just being in Orlando, I was able to get to sleep fairly quickly. I knew I wanted to be up early to get to my Disney Bubble!
I woke up early, quickly showered, and called Disney while I was getting ready to go. I have an annual pass, and luckily they had some decent rates for me! I actually got a better rate at Disney than the airport hotel!
A new experience for me was about to be begin as I would be staying at my first value resort. I’m a bit of a hotel snob. I get to stay at nice places for work and using hotwire wouldn’t dream of less than 3 stars. But this is Disney….so really, it’s already got points in its favor!
I went back to the airport, and went down to DME. I had to get in line to get a voucher, since obviously they did not have time to mail me my info package. All the people I came across were so helpful and thought it was hilarious that I was doing a trip literally at the last minute. I, of course was just getting more and more excited!
I was finally on the bus, and after a short wait, we were on the way!! Even though I was traveling alone, I could not feel lonely on that bus! I already felt like I was with family, and was meeting new families. There was another lady traveling solo right by me and we both got excited as we took pics as we arrived!
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Last edited by Fltatndnt; 04-06-2012 at 12:40 PM..
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After a quick stop to drop a few guests off at the Caribbean Beach, we were off to my new home for the next 3 days….POP CENTURY! I’ve been through the property before, but had never stayed. Even though it wasn’t the moderate property I’ve become accustomed to, my heart was beating quicker as we pulled in. I was so excited to try a new resort!
I have used online check-in the last few trips which was so nice, but wasn’t able to on this trip due to the last minute reservation. I was worried I would have a long wait…there were quite a few of us on the bus. I was so shocked when I was checked in and on my way to my room in less than 15 minutes!! Even wearing my “Happy Birthday” pin!! I knew I was home!
I was assigned to the 80’s rooms. Having never been here I didn’t really have a preference…so off I went! I loved looking at all the larger than life icons of the decades! Driving through or looking at pictures just did not do it justice! It is such a fun place!!
As expected, my room was noticeably smaller than the moderates, but being alone I knew that wouldn’t be a problem. If I was traveling with anyone else the only thing I noticed that I would miss was the larger vanity area. I’m a high maintenance girly girl with lots of stuff! I also missed the coffee maker, but decided it would just make me get ready earlier in the morning to go get coffee!!
Although I was excited to get to a park, I also wanted to look around POP. So I decided to take my time and take a little tour. I enjoyed walking around, reading all the signs, taking pics, and seeing the progress over at Art of Animation. It was very relaxing. I decided to go for the full experience and even had lunch there rather than at the park. I really like the food court! I had parmesan chicken with a salad. It also came with a bottled drink, which I took back to my room to leave in the fridge---love it!!---for later. I opted for the refillable mug since I’d be going for coffee each morning, and then could have tea or soft drinks in the evening. Lunch was really good! I’m working on learning to make it here at home now!
After lunch I found the bus to take me to Magic Kingdom. I’ve always made it my first park…and I just can’t seem to break the habit!
I didn’t have any sort of plan…so just started wandering. I had heard a bit about the new “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom”, so I went to check it out. I was assigned to Fantasy Land. I was a little bit confusing at first, partly because it was hard to see some screens with the sun. Once I figured it out, it was fun! I only did one set…but may do it again on another trip. I don’t know that I’ll be like some and have books full of all the cards…but then, one never knows!
I was pleasantly surprised to find the park wasn’t as full as other spring break trips. There were lines, but it was easy to walk around and I wasn’t in a rush. I especially enjoyed walking around looking at the new construction and reading the signs they have up with pics. I can’t wait till its done! I took the time to see things that I might not otherwise, as I’ve been rushing around with teenaged boys.
I had decided early on that this was the “no stress allowed week”. Usually when I go to WDW I have others with me who have certain must see attractions or that I want to show certain must sees…this time there was no agenda. Knowing that I can come back with the annual pass makes it nice in that it takes away the urgency, but then for just a minute I almost felt lost! I quickly got over it, though.
I headed to Tomorrowland to see what the wait was for SM. It was long enough that I didn’t want to wait, so I got a fast pass and headed to CoP. I was actually happy to see there were quite a few people waiting for it, as it is one of my favorites and I always worry that it will go away due to lack of interest. While we were waiting a cm noticed my pin, wished me “Happy Birthday” and danced with me! Is it any wonder I love celebrating my birthday here?!?! We were still only a little over 1/3 full, but that’s more than I’ve seen in a while. And it seems everyone knew the words, so we had a sing-along, making it lots of fun!
I then went over to TTA PeopleMover. Another of my favorites…even my boys like this one when they come! We like the behind the scenes glimpses. Last year we were lucky enough to be on it during some maintenance on SM so we got to see inside with the lights on! It didn’t take away any of the magic…but really intrigued my boys! It always makes me so happy to just sit and watch the people below having fun as well!
It was time for my fp to SM so off I went. The cast member sent me to the 3rd seat of the first toboggan, but while we were in line, a mom and her daughter who were supposed to be in 1 and 2 asked to switch with me…putting me in front…darn! The adrenaline shot was perfect!!
Next up was Liberty Square. Can you believe I’ve never done the Hall of Presidents?? No teenage boys to stop me now! I really enjoyed looking at all the pictures and artifacts in the theatre while waiting. I’ve always loved history, so this was right up my alley! We went in and I ended up in the front of the theatre as everyone else was taking the back or middle. It was more moving and beautiful than I imagined! It made me want to go download the biographies or autobiographies of our presidents! My kids think I’m insane, but it even made me miss school! If only it had been this fun…
I checked on HM next, but didn’t want to wait an hour, so went over to Frontierland. I mainly walked through as BTMR was down and I for once did not want to get wet on Splash Mountain. That one I really do prefer to do with someone I know. I still enjoy walking through the area so its not like it was a loss.
Into Adventureland I go….and the Enchanted Tiki Room! I haven’t been in since the refurbishment taking out the new management. Because my earliest trips were to DLR, seeing it “as it was” was like reliving a past trip. I never disliked it, but I have to admit I prefer it now. I understand updating attractions to make them relevant to the kids movies now, but I like originals too! Which took me to SFT. I prefer it here rather than DLR which has gone the Tarzan route. I really loved listening to some of the grandparents explaining the story to younger kids and a few said they want to see the movie! Yea!!
I got to PotC just in time….15 minute wait! I really like that although they added Captain Jack Sparrow, the ride didn’t change. I find myself looking at all the detail in this ride and almost always find something new. I also have to admit I love the wench sale with the shouts of “We want the redhead”…..because I am one!
I missed Jungle Cruise the last few times…silly teens. But with another short line, I wasn’t passing it up! I think I like the cast members chosen to work the ride as much as the ride itself. Their personalities really make the ride more magical.
It was getting dark, and I was getting hungry, so time to head over to Tomorrowland again. I’ve had the chicken dinner at Cosmic Ray’s before and although it would be more than I needed, it just sounded good. It seemed a little smaller in the past, which disappointed me a bit because when I have someone with me we usually split it and share a dessert.
I noticed Fantasyland was quieting down now as well. It was a good time for me to head in! Somehow, in all of my trips, I’ve always missed MAoWtP. Never again will I miss it! The interactive que is lots of fun…watching kids laugh always makes me smile. It is such a sweet ride!! It was probably made even better for me since I shared my honey pot with a grandma and her grandson. And following the ride, I “finally” started my shopping. I am expecting my first grandchild in September, so I found a Winnie The Pooh book for the baby. All of my children had Winnie The Pooh as their first book, so I needed to keep the tradition going. Also, I can’t get any clothes until after April 28 when we find out the gender!
SWSA was next as I know it’s days are numbered and I just had to ride more before it was gone! I actually got a little teary thinking about it! I was in a vehicle with two other grandmas…it was perfect! I’m really looking forward to being a part of this group…and bringing my grandchildren to Disney!
PPF was next for me…again very little line, as it was time for fireworks, so many families were clearing out. I really do love children….but its fun to do these rides surrounded by adults, too! I love just seeing all the detail as I relax in these rides.
After exiting, I looked over at IASW….only 5 min?!?! Wow…I now know that after dark is the time to hit Fantasyland! It was the perfect ending to my night…having that song play through my head all night is never a problem. I’m of the generation that grew up with it in every music class in elementary school!
I figured it might be a good chance to head back over to HM, and I was right. No wait! I really like the very end to see which hitchhiking ghost I'll get. This one was able to switch our heads! How fun!
I was slightly worried at this point about getting back to the resort…I’ve heard “horror” stories about the transportation to the value resorts...so I headed to the front. I got sidetracked (happens to me a lot) and stopped at The Town Square Theater. I hadn't paid attention to what it was and actually thought it was movies. Was I surprised when in less than 5 minutes I was standing in a room with Micky and Minnie!!! Late at night is obviously the time to go!! Next was a slightly longer wait to go see the Princesses. I've never had my picture taken with any Princesses, so this was a real birthday treat!
I floated out to the bus...yes, I was that happy! I was once again surprised to find the bus line was not atrocious. We all got on, and while I had to stand, it wasn't bad!
I stopped for a cup of tea and headed off to my room to check out the wifi. This turned out to be my one disappointment. I got a message that too many people were logged on once. Other times I just couldn’t get anything other than an error message after the terms agreement page. I’m hopeful it will improve.
What a great start to your trip! I love the way you're just doing everything you want and with no plans - for a planner like me, that's bold!
Thanks! Trust me, it doesn't come naturally! I used to make itemized menus and itineraries for camping trips! The combination of my 40's, working for an airline, and having my children (nearly) grown has finally allowed me to embrace my spontaneous side!
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Day 2…slightly more planned.
I got up “early” considering it’s vacation and I’m 2 timezones ahead. I went down for breakfast and coffee (miss it in my room, but at least its not a long walk). There were so many choices it actually took me a bit to decide. I finally decided on an omelet. I will admit to being a bit of a breakfast snob as my Mom has her own restaurant and is a great cook! The omelet was good, and the breakfast potatoes were very flavorful, although seemed a bit underdone. Although the coffee didn’t compare to my Keurig (told you I’m a snob), it was actually good! I wouldn’t hesitate to get more and I’m glad I got the mug!
Off to Animal Kingdom. I wasn’t there at opening, but shortly thereafter. It didn’t seem too crazy and I got in fairly quickly. Although I did seem to get the one overly enthusiastic security lady checking my bag. I’ve never had someone have everything taken out and opened…literally everything, even my wallet. Very odd IMO.
Once again, I decided to do the things I always miss out on when traveling with my boys. I finally got to see the shows! How have I missed out on these all these years?!?!? I really should have been on these forums years ago because you all have given me so much more encouragement about the shows! I feel silly that I had no idea how wonderful they all are!
I knew I had a while before any shows would start, so I headed for the Maharajah Jungle Trek. I was hopeful that it was early enough that the animals would be awake. They didn’t disappoint me! It was the warmest of the 3 days I was here, and this park is always warmer anyway, but it wasn’t unbearable. I spent so much time watching the tigers (I love cats) that I almost lost track of time for shows! One of the tigers was quite active…even going for a swim to cool off. It was great to be able to watch!
It was then time for Festival of the Lion King. What a great show! The audience participation was so much fun…and of course Disney doesn’t do anything halfway, so it was really, really good! It seemed almost like an appetizer for me…now I want to see the big show on Broadway…or Vegas!
From there I was able to get over to Finding Nemo rather quickly. Another advantage to being alone…lol. Don’t worry, I didn’t run over anyone or cut anyone off. I was just able to get around the groups that suddenly stopped in random places.
Wow…I have always been an emotional person, but this show really got me! I know the story line, but I had no idea it would hit it so well! It was easy to forget that there were people there…I just saw the fish and other sea creatures! I’ll be seeing this again, as well!
I was still mostly full from breakfast, but decided I needed an egg roll…I just can’t seem to skip them. I was able to grab one in Asia as I went to Africa to go on KS. Again, the animals did not disappoint. If I was a faster photographer I’d even have a pic of a male lion standing up on the rocks. Unfortunately, he found a comfortable place to lay in the sun before my camera was ready. We also got “stuck” on the ride for a bit. This was my first experience of this happening. We had at least 5 vehicles that were all stopped because an ostrich decided it was time to look for food in the “road”. Since the animals have the right of way, we sat. It was really rather humorous.
Leaving KS put me in the perfect place to go on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. Again, the animals did not disappoint! There was a hippo being a typical hippo, just relaxing. For a minute. Then it was time for a swim. It was great watching the hippo do laps and come right up to the glass! I had so much fun getting pics that again, I lost track of time! I think I had just as much fun watching the children get excited as I did watching the hippo. Children’s enthusiasm is so contagious! Have I mentioned I’m looking forward to being a grandma?!?!?!
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