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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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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Time to get this TR started! It's been almost 2 months - wow!
To refresh: Who: Cast: Me - Coop - Tracy: 49 year old Disney addict. Loves Duffy and Eeyore. Favorite Princess is Cinderella. An RN by trade in the biggest stand alone ER in the nation here near Detroit, MI. By "stand alone" means that we do not have any ancillary services- respiratory, pharmacy, dietary, social work. Nope - we do all of that ourselves. We have no hospital attached. So if we get a patient in that needs a hospital stay - we have to send them out by ambulance. Sometimes, that can be very tricky - for a heart attack or stroke patient. But our record is great! We have had heart attack patients to the Cath Lab before the ER IN the hospital can get them there! So what does all this mean? We are busy and it gets tiring. And after the last year we have had (with Chuck's health issues, as you may recall), we definitely NEED this vacation.
DH - ChukkerB - Chuck: 59 year old. Loves Nemo, Stitch and the fab 5. Favorite Princess is Belle. Ortho Tech by trade - works in the same building as I do, just in the clinic area instead. This may change as we are toying with the idea of retiring him. Mostly for health reasons. As you recall, Chuck has had many procedures in the past year. July 2015 Afib, Aug '15 cardioversion x2, Sept '15 ablation, Dec '15 heart attack, Cardiac Cath/Stents, Pacemaker, Jan '16 Cardiac Cath/Stents, Feb '16 Cardiac Rehab, July '16 Cardiac Cath/Stents. So that makes 7 procedures with all the side effects of such (anesthesia, etc) He's doing great now - still tired but we are working on getting him better! In between all of that, his mother underwent open heart surgery! As I said, we NEED this vacation!
Why: Just said - we NEED it!
When: Sept 24, 2016- Oct 1, 2016
And away we go -
When we got our magic bands - Chuck had ordered grey so he could personalize his. I think it turned out well.
Saturday 24, 2016
After spending a few days getting "ready" - cooking, cleaning (for the kids) and packing, I went to bed "early" on Friday night. For me, that means around 1 am. Unfortunately, I was up around 3:30 am and although I tried and tried to go back to sleep, I fell asleep around 5 am and only got an additional 1.5 hours. I finally got out of bed around 6:45 am. I got up, had tea and showered. Then finished the last bit of packing while Chuck got up and ready. We packed up the car because we were driving ourself to the airport. It was strange because this is our first year where the kids didn't come over the night before. Michael was working midnights and couldn't make it before hand. I was worried about leaving Abby. She saw us pack up our luggage in the car and was worried that she would feel abandoned. But I knew that the kids would be there later that morning.
Abby
Tilley
Mac
We drove to the parking lot and there was a shuttle immediately there. The driver joked about how many bags we were pulling out of our Mini Cooper! LOL. Just 2 checked and 1 carry on. *shrug* The car is BIG!
We got to Delta and there was no line for check in. We got TSA pre-check! We told them about Chuck's pacemaker and they put him through X-ray, while I went through the metal detector. Easy Peasy. Since we were so early, we walked (and some moving sidewalk walk) to the opposite end of the terminal for breakfast at Chik-Fil-A. We had an chicken,egg and cheese bagel and a chicken biscuit. The biscuit was the best! (naturally, I only got a pic of the bagel)
Then we headed back down to our "end" of the terminal but this time we took the monorail/shuttle. We still had about 45" before boarding, so we did the mandatory potty break and got some waters and magazines. The flight was just ok. There was a bit of turbulence which always freaks me out. The entertainment screen in front of my seat didn't work so I just played Gin Rummy on my iPad.
Duffy having a drink
Once we arrived in Orlando - we had our next tradition. Nathan's!
Then we went down to catch DME. Wouldn't you know, there was a bus just waiting for us! Walk on!
We got to OKW around 4 pm and our room was ready! We were in the back of the resort, so we took an internal bus there. We were on the first floor - yay! No stairs. Once we walked in the room, I wanted to take pictures (naturally) only to find my camera was gone! I called the desk because that was the only place I had it out. I thought I may have set it down or it slipped out of my pocket on the bus. I asked if it had been turned in. They looked and couldn't find it. There weren't many photos on it - yet but I didn't want to lose my Cannon! Chuck's comment was "on the upside - you can now get a DSLR". I was bummed but trying to stay positive. So we decided to change into swim suits before heading back to the Hospitality House to check again, in person. (retrace my steps - so to speak) As soon as we opened the door, there was my camera! On the ground right in front of the door! Wow - talk about lucky! It must've slipped out of my pocket on the way in. So we changed plans and went to the quiet pool near our villa. Once we came back, I finally got some pics while Chuck watched some of the U/M game and then we got ready for dinner.
I loved this lamp!
Because we were so far back in the resort (SouthPoint), we had some issues with transportation. We left at 7 pm for our 8:30 ADR at HDDR. We took a bus to MK and then a resort boat to FW. HDDR didn't disappoint. We were down front. I told them that we were celebrating our 20th Anniversary and they worked that into one of their recognition songs. The singer even got some attitude by saying we were from Deeeee-Troooiiitt. Holla! It was funny and embarrassed the heck out of Chuck! Our server was Bob and he was very attentive. LOVE the Strawberry Shortcake! We ate well and had a hoot! Great kick off!
He was posing.
When we came back to the resort, our luggage was there waiting for us. We did a little unpacking, took our meds/vitamins and started watching Star Wars while writing notes. Tomorrow we are planning on taking it easy and then having our big Anniversary dinner at V&A's!
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So glad I'm in at the beginning. We had a two bedroom this last month. Don't you just love all the space! We were also in South Point. Glad your camera was right outside your door. Show looks fun. We've never done that before.
By the way, when you said it was almost two months since your trip, I was like thinking "it can't be", as we flew home the day you guys did and there's no way our trip feels like it was that long ago, but my goodness it is!
Sounds like the perfect start to a relaxing vacation. I am so glad the camera just wanted to get a jump start on the room photos and stayed right outside. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.
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Waiting for our next adventure after enjoying our Alaska cruise. Jenn
A nice start to your trip and glad you found your camera! Your room looks quite nice as quite big with lots of amenities. Looks like you had a fun time at HDDR! Looking forward to your take on V&A's!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Checking in. After the year you folks had I agree you need this vacation. I think your room is great and how lucky to find your camera just outside your door. HDDR is an absolute must for us Surprised Chuck was cast for the finale
As for the fur babies well what can I say. Abby is just beautiful and Tilly Might give our Chubbs a run for her food dish. Mac looks like trouble looking for a place to happen.
Great start! So glad you found your camera! Your room looks beautiful!
Thanks! I was glad too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayraLR
Great start!
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jandsdennis
So glad I'm in at the beginning. We had a two bedroom this last month. Don't you just love all the space! We were also in South Point. Glad your camera was right outside your door. Show looks fun. We've never done that before.
Thanks! HDDR is cheesy but fun and really good food! We loved having all that space! I swear the kitchen is bigger than mine at home!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
What a wonderful start to your trip!
By the way, when you said it was almost two months since your trip, I was like thinking "it can't be", as we flew home the day you guys did and there's no way our trip feels like it was that long ago, but my goodness it is!
Hard to believe, right? I thought "Man, I really need to get going before I have to start my Cruise PTR" I was bummed that we couldn't meet. I also didn't get to meet Cam and Luke or really anyone who was there. We did stop in to say "Hi" to Heather.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Great start!! So glad that you found your camera, and your room is really nice! HDRR sounds like the perfect way to kick off your trip!
Thanks. It was fun. And I'm so glad I found my camera!
Quote:
Originally Posted by manticorjenn
Sounds like the perfect start to a relaxing vacation. I am so glad the camera just wanted to get a jump start on the room photos and stayed right outside. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.
I was glad too! I thought I lost it on the bus or something.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nemo125
What a great start! And smooth day!
A couple hiccups but it was fun!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
So glad you've started! Your villa looks so much like ours did.
Wonder why? Hmmm? It was so great having all that space!
Quote:
Originally Posted by xwewhisper
Great start! The room looks lovely and so glad you found your camera easily! HDDR is such a blast
Thanks, Maci! I'm glad it showed up! I really thought it was gone and I would be photo-less for this trip. Which would have been fine - but. . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
A nice start to your trip and glad you found your camera! Your room looks quite nice as quite big with lots of amenities. Looks like you had a fun time at HDDR! Looking forward to your take on V&A's!
Thanks. It was very big! Nice to have a Washer/Dryer in the room and the bathtub - awesome! V&A's is coming up!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great start! Love your room! Glad you found your camera!
Thanks! Although I am still wanting a DSLR, I really love my Cannon SX 260
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeL
Checking in. After the year you folks had I agree you need this vacation. I think your room is great and how lucky to find your camera just outside your door. HDDR is an absolute must for us Surprised Chuck was cast for the finale
As for the fur babies well what can I say. Abby is just beautiful and Tilly Might give our Chubbs a run for her food dish. Mac looks like trouble looking for a place to happen.
HDDR was great as always. We so did need this trip! I'm glad I could photograph it too! I always take a pic at the beginning of the trip of all the fur babies. Mac is a stinker, Abby is just a big baby and Tilley - yeah , she a chunk. Wouldn't trade any of em.
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thinking "it can't be", as we flew home the day you guys did and there's no way our trip feels like it was that long ago, but my goodness it is! 
Can't wait to hear more about your trip.
Waiting for our next adventure after enjoying our Alaska cruise. 
Jenn
Your villa looks so much like ours did. 
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