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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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Hi, bear with me. The whole TA idea is still a bit of a mystery to me. We used one for our recent repositioning cruise, but I didn't feel a connection. I like to call Disney with all my random questions as I think of them but this time they always directed me to her, and although she always answered me in a timely manner, the interactions were short and to the point and missing that "Disney magic" that I have come to expect when planning Disney. Also, she couldn't help me with booking airfare which was where I really needed help. In all, I didn't really see the benefit in having one. (It wasn't anyone on these boards, I checked the list)
Having said that, I find myself wondering if we should consider one for our next Disney adventure to WDW and DCL next November (2015). I've been advised it would be better for planning since we are doing land and sea AND we are that awkward family of 5 that doesn't quite seem to fit as easily AND we haven't been there since 2009 and so much has changed its almost overwhelming. When we went then it was easy to plan...we were a family of 4 and they packaged land and sea for you, easy peasy. Now there's magic bands and Disney Your Way and everything is separate and it all confuses me.
So my initial questions are:
Are there TA's who can help me with ALL aspects of my planning, from cruise to WDW, to all the new stuff, INCLUDING FLIGHTS and help me sort it all out?
Are there TA's who can think of things that I might not and might go beyond just answering the few questions I know to ask?
Are there TA's who can stay on top of deals even after we've booked. I know this is something they are supposed to do, but I have some major trust issues with this one, lol.
When selecting a TA, how do I know who I would work with best? What questions should I ask at the beginning to help me find the right TA for our needs?
Is it better to select a local TA?
Finally, I guess I just don't understand how this all works. TA's don't charge for their services...how can this be? That's a lot of work and research to help someone plan their vacation (and put up with people like me). Maybe its me, but I would feel awful asking a TA to do all the work, and then decide not to book after all, or change my mind and do a different vacation. When I do all the work myself, its just my time I'm out, but when I ask a TA to do it, that just seems mean to me. I feel like I'm not understanding how it works :/
Thanks for reading this far and for any help and/or advice!
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Hi, bear with me. The whole TA idea is still a bit of a mystery to me. We used one for our recent repositioning cruise, but I didn't feel a connection. I like to call Disney with all my random questions as I think of them but this time they always directed me to her, and although she always answered me in a timely manner, the interactions were short and to the point and missing that "Disney magic" that I have come to expect when planning Disney. Also, she couldn't help me with booking airfare which was where I really needed help. In all, I didn't really see the benefit in having one. (It wasn't anyone on these boards, I checked the list)
Having said that, I find myself wondering if we should consider one for our next Disney adventure to WDW and DCL next November (2015). I've been advised it would be better for planning since we are doing land and sea AND we are that awkward family of 5 that doesn't quite seem to fit as easily AND we haven't been there since 2009 and so much has changed its almost overwhelming. When we went then it was easy to plan...we were a family of 4 and they packaged land and sea for you, easy peasy. Now there's magic bands and Disney Your Way and everything is separate and it all confuses me.
So my initial questions are:
Are there TA's who can help me with ALL aspects of my planning, from cruise to WDW, to all the new stuff, INCLUDING FLIGHTS and help me sort it all out?
In this day an age many TA's do not do flights (or if so charge a fee). The airlines decided a couple years ago not to compensate the TA's.
Are there TA's who can think of things that I might not and might go beyond just answering the few questions I know to ask?
A good TA will ask you about your desires and try to help you meet them.
Are there TA's who can stay on top of deals even after we've booked. I know this is something they are supposed to do, but I have some major trust issues with this one, lol.
The TA I use does watch for new deals, and let's me know about them so I can make an informed decision.
When selecting a TA, how do I know who I would work with best? What questions should I ask at the beginning to help me find the right TA for our needs?
See if your TA is asking your questions, or just what you want to book. Let your TA know how much you know about your destination or don't know. Read up on destinations (like Passporter for all things Disney, and I like Cruisecritic.com for non-Disney cruises) before booking and you may be able to express desires to your TA.
Is it better to select a local TA?
I have used both. I currently use one in Florida, and I live in California. Most have 800 numbers in this day and age and websites. Since I am a guide on this forum-I have to be fair to all TA's... so I can't give you my TA's name. Also talk to friends that have travelled and get their recommendations.
Finally, I guess I just don't understand how this all works. TA's don't charge for their services...how can this be? They are compensated by the destination/cruiseline etc. That's a lot of work and research to help someone plan their vacation (and put up with people like me). Maybe its me, but I would feel awful asking a TA to do all the work, and then decide not to book after all, or change my mind and do a different vacation. When I do all the work myself, its just my time I'm out, but when I ask a TA to do it, that just seems mean to me. I feel like I'm not understanding how it works :/
Thanks for reading this far and for any help and/or advice!
Hi, bear with me. The whole TA idea is still a bit of a mystery to me. We used one for our recent repositioning cruise, but I didn't feel a connection. I like to call Disney with all my random questions as I think of them but this time they always directed me to her, and although she always answered me in a timely manner, the interactions were short and to the point and missing that "Disney magic" that I have come to expect when planning Disney. Also, she couldn't help me with booking airfare which was where I really needed help. In all, I didn't really see the benefit in having one. (It wasn't anyone on these boards, I checked the list)
Having said that, I find myself wondering if we should consider one for our next Disney adventure to WDW and DCL next November (2015). I've been advised it would be better for planning since we are doing land and sea AND we are that awkward family of 5 that doesn't quite seem to fit as easily AND we haven't been there since 2009 and so much has changed its almost overwhelming. When we went then it was easy to plan...we were a family of 4 and they packaged land and sea for you, easy peasy. Now there's magic bands and Disney Your Way and everything is separate and it all confuses me.
So my initial questions are:
Are there TA's who can help me with ALL aspects of my planning, from cruise to WDW, to all the new stuff, INCLUDING FLIGHTS and help me sort it all out?
As previous poster said, most TA's do not book flights these days, for various reasons actually. .
Are there TA's who can think of things that I might not and might go beyond just answering the few questions I know to ask? Good TA's do go the extra mile for their clients. Those TA's after speaking with a client or potential client gets an idea of your family and what's important to them on their vacation.
Are there TA's who can stay on top of deals even after we've booked. I know this is something they are supposed to do, but I have some major trust issues with this one, lol. Yes, again, most agencts do this or should anyway. You will find many Disney specialized agents do offer this as a service. When selecting a TA, how do I know who I would work with best? What questions should I ask at the beginning to help me find the right TA for our needs? That's a tougher one. I suppose a phone call or two would be best. That way you can try to suss out someone's personality and see if you think they might be a good fit for your family's vacation planning needs.
Is it better to select a local TA? I don't know if this matters so much today. Unless you know you will only want to deal with someone you can meet face to face with. Most agents have clients all over the country
Finally, I guess I just don't understand how this all works. TA's don't charge for their services...how can this be? That's a lot of work and research to help someone plan their vacation (and put up with people like me). Maybe its me, but I would feel awful asking a TA to do all the work, and then decide not to book after all, or change my mind and do a different vacation. When I do all the work myself, its just my time I'm out, but when I ask a TA to do it, that just seems mean to me. I feel like I'm not understanding how it works :/ I think most TA's do a bit of work and research to help you book your trip. However usually they will only help to a point until you book. If that makes sense. For instance, helping you with resort choice or whether you should get the meal plan or not, but not helping you with your Fastpasses until you book...
Some agents do charge a planning fee, but I think most do not. We earn a commission based on the booking and that is how we get paid. Basically a good TA gives you personalized service at no extra cost to you..
Thanks for reading this far and for any help and/or advice!
Good luck! You'll get lots of good advice here on the boards as you know!
Last edited by Lorelei528; 10-03-2014 at 02:32 PM..
Reason: content
Hi, bear with me. The whole TA idea is still a bit of a mystery to me. We used one for our recent repositioning cruise, but I didn't feel a connection. I like to call Disney with all my random questions as I think of them but this time they always directed me to her, and although she always answered me in a timely manner, the interactions were short and to the point and missing that "Disney magic" that I have come to expect when planning Disney. Also, she couldn't help me with booking airfare which was where I really needed help. In all, I didn't really see the benefit in having one. (It wasn't anyone on these boards, I checked the list)
Having said that, I find myself wondering if we should consider one for our next Disney adventure to WDW and DCL next November (2015). I've been advised it would be better for planning since we are doing land and sea AND we are that awkward family of 5 that doesn't quite seem to fit as easily AND we haven't been there since 2009 and so much has changed its almost overwhelming. When we went then it was easy to plan...we were a family of 4 and they packaged land and sea for you, easy peasy. Now there's magic bands and Disney Your Way and everything is separate and it all confuses me.
So my initial questions are:
Are there TA's who can help me with ALL aspects of my planning, from cruise to WDW, to all the new stuff, INCLUDING FLIGHTS and help me sort it all out?
Yes, but like the others said, flights usually will have an extra fee if a TA books them. I did book a recent client's flights with no charge, but it was through Disney. Luckily for them, the flights they were interested in were the same price through Disney as directly with the airline.
Are there TA's who can think of things that I might not and might go beyond just answering the few questions I know to ask?
A good TA will help you plan all aspects of your trip. Including planning your dining, fastpass+ choices, excursions for a cruise etc.
Are there TA's who can stay on top of deals even after we've booked. I know this is something they are supposed to do, but I have some major trust issues with this one, lol.
Again, a good agent will do this for you.
When selecting a TA, how do I know who I would work with best? What questions should I ask at the beginning to help me find the right TA for our needs?
Is it better to select a local TA?
If you want to meet face to face with someone, then yes you should look locally. If a phone call or having someone available by email or text is good enough that opens a lot of options for you. Definitely try to find an Authorized Disney Agent and find one who will listen to everything you have to say and offers good suggestions without telling you what you should do. Never be afraid to tell them what you want and never be afraid to ask questions.
Finally, I guess I just don't understand how this all works. TA's don't charge for their services...how can this be? That's a lot of work and research to help someone plan their vacation (and put up with people like me). Maybe its me, but I would feel awful asking a TA to do all the work, and then decide not to book after all, or change my mind and do a different vacation. When I do all the work myself, its just my time I'm out, but when I ask a TA to do it, that just seems mean to me. I feel like I'm not understanding how it works :/
Disney agents in particular get paid commission by Disney, it is not added on to your price. You would pay the same either way. Don't feel bad, it's part of the business to do the research and hope that a client will book with you. Sometimes it just doesn't work out. Only you really know whether using an agent will be the best choice for you. Maybe talk to a few and see what you think then go from there.
Thanks for reading this far and for any help and/or advice!
Thank you, this helps a lot also! I understand TA's cannot solicit business on this forum and appreciate that, but am I allowed to use this forum to contact a TA that I am interested in? I don't want to break the rules, but this seems the best place to start my hunt!
Thank you, this helps a lot also! I understand TA's cannot solicit business on this forum and appreciate that, but am I allowed to use this forum to contact a TA that I am interested in? I don't want to break the rules, but this seems the best place to start my hunt!
The TA listing has both email addresses and the 'board' name of the TAs. You should contact them by PM or email, not by a direct post.
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