Forums Closed
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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 The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk.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!
Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!
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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.
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01-24-2006, 11:42 AM
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#1
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Community Rank: Explorer 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 7,386
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Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - COMPLETED - With Final Thoughts
My wonderful son, Kirk, and I have taken a few trips to WDW in the not so distant past but now we have a brand new adventure to look forward to. About two weeks ago, Kirk surprised me with the announcement that he was taking me down to Disneyland in California for my birthday this July. To say I was stunned would be an understatement but I was also thrilled right down to the ends of my toenails.
My last visit to Disneyland was in 1968 and Kirk has never been there so the first thing I realized was that a lot of research and planning was going to be necessary. It was a tiny bit discouraging to discover that there was not nearly the number of quality sites dealing with DL info that there are for WDW. However, I still kept checking every piece of information out that I could get my greedy little fingers on. This section of the boards probably proved the most helpful to me in this respect. I sent Kirk the URLs for any of the websites that I thought might be helpful to him with his first big choice: which hotel we would be staying at. I already knew that he wanted it to be an onsite hotel so that narrowed the choices considerably. It didn't come as any shock to me at all when he decided on the Disneyland Hotel. He may be 31 years old chronologically speaking but he's really nothing more than an overgrown five-year-old when it comes to all things Disney so it was no surprise that he took one look at the Neverland Pool and fell instantly in love.
The next big decision was how many days to stay for. I'd been hoping for about a week so I was flabbergasted when Kirk declared that he wanted us to stay for two weeks. I did tell him that I didn't think it would take nearly that long for us to experience everything DL has to offer but he just smiled and said, "Well, I also want us to take some of the DL tours that they offer and then we can take day trips and explore the surrounding area." That sure sounded fantastic to me so the length of our trip was now determined. It wasn't a huge leap from there to picking the actual dates as I have a conference that I have to attend in early August so we simply worked around that and came up with the dates of July 20-August 3.
Since Kirk hates the planning stuff and he knows that I absolutely love doing it, he tossed that responsibility over to me at this point. My next step was to call the Disneyland Resort line to book our room. What a delightful experience that was! It was also refreshing to learn how knowledgable and helpful their CMs who handle the calls are. After listening to my criteria, the CM suggested we purchase annual passes which would net us a discount for the room plus a 10 per cent discount at most of the DL restaurants and shops. She booked the room for us incorporating the discount although we don't have to actually purchase the APs until our arrival. I was also thrilled to learn that they do not charge a deposit for the room reservation but simply take your credit card number as a guarantee in case you fail to show up or cancel. You have up to three days before arrival to cancel without any penalty whatsoever.
Already I could see definite advantages to the services offered by DL in the trip planning stages as opposed to WDW but this was just the beginning. The CM then offered to put the charges for both the APs and four character meals that we wanted to do onto our room ressie. And again we would not have to pay a cent until we checked in. This sounded good to me. So was this the end to the perks of booking through them? Not by a long shot.
Since the wonderful CM with whom I'd been talking was aware that Kirk and I wanted to do a few Disney tours and book a few other specialty events like the Fantasmic dessert buffet, she then transferred me to a department called Vacation Planners. Imagine my delight when I spoke to these folks and discovered that they offered free services to all Disney resort guests. What do these services consist of? Well, pretty much everything you can think of when it comes to trip planning. All I have to do is provide them with a list of all the tours I want to take, special events I want to participate in, restaurants I want to eat at, etc. and any particular days and times I might have in mind. Then they do the rest. When the appropriate time window opens up for each item, they will go ahead and book it for me. Then, when we check in at our resort, they will provide us with a detailed itinerary for our stay of all the ressies they've arranged for us. In order to give us a better idea of our choices, they have mailed out to us a complete list of all their services and what exactly they can book for us. This whole thing excited me to no end. It's like enjoying concierge style planning services without having to pay concierge style prices.
With this task out of the way, the next step was to book our flights. I lucked out and through Expedia I found some very reasonable flights and even got times that would allow us the maximum time at our destination.
So for now about all I can do is wait for the Disneyland planning DVD and the information packet from the Disneyland Resort Vacation Planners to arrive plus figure out which restaurants and tours we want to take. I also need to research other places not too far from Disneyland that we can explore during day trips. Oh, and I also somehow have to find a way not to explode from excitement before July gets here.
Joy
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01-24-2006, 12:14 PM
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#2
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RED SOX NATION!!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report
What a great start Joy [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] How great you and Kirk get to spend 2 weeks down there [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] Can't wait to hear all the detailed plans!!
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01-24-2006, 02:20 PM
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#3
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PassPorter Message Board Manager
 PassPorter Guide Author
Community Rank: Legend VIP 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Maidstone, Kent, UK
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 190,285
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report
Wow - how great to be able to spend two weeks at Disneyland! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]
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01-24-2006, 11:41 PM
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#4
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Community Rank: Globetrotter 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: California
Posts: 3,878
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report
Very [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] deals you got. Have fun planning.
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01-25-2006, 12:42 AM
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#5
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Community Rank: Scout 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 4,685
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report
Sounds like fun. Have a great time.
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01-25-2006, 02:47 PM
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#6
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Community Rank: Legend Extraordinaire 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Ohio Football Hall Of Fame
Posts: 42,304
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report
Great start Joy!!! I am really looking forward to your trip report,they are always so much fun to read!!!
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07-08-2006, 02:58 PM
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#7
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 7,386
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report-Updated July 8
Since our trip is now less than two weeks away, I felt that an update was in order. I'm currently staying at my daughter's place for a few days so I don't have my complete itinerary with me but I can certainly outline a few of the highlights.
We will be down there for two weeks. During that time, we're booked to do four tours: Welcome to Disneyland, From Imagination to Celebration, Walk in Walt's Footsteps and the one that involves character interaction (I think it might be called Discover the Magic). We're doing all five character meals and are hitting pretty much every sit-down restaurant available. We decided that since this was probably going to be a once in a lifetime trip, we'd really do it up big. We're also doing the birthday party thingie at the Plaza Inn and the reserved viewing events for both Fantasmic and the Electrical Light Parade. As a surprise for my DS, Kirk, I've arranged for a Welcome to Disneyland basket to be in our room when we arrive.
I really have to take this opportunity to praise the Disney Vacation Planners to the skies. They got me every single thing I asked for and at the dates and times I wanted. Service doesn't get much better than that. Apparently, when we check in, they will be providing me with a complete printed itinerary for us.
As for non-Disney things, we're doing the VIP tour at Universal, a day at Sea World (including dinner with Shamu), and a day at the San Diego Zoo.
Once I'm back home, I'll post again with a complete list of dates and events. I'm getting so excited about this trip that I'm in danger of exploding!
Joy
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07-08-2006, 03:26 PM
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#8
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Community Rank: Scout
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Songtan, South Korea
Posts: 4,681
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report-Updated July 8
I can't wait to hear about your trip. As for your trips to San Diego, are you going to just drive there both days? We are considering doing that. I had thought we would do the zoo and Sea World in one day, but I think SD has too much to offer to try to cram it all in.
Also, what is the Welcome to Disneyland basket? I'd love to hear more!
I can't wait for your tr!!!
Laura
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07-08-2006, 09:06 PM
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#9
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RED SOX NATION!!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report-Updated July 8
Looks like great plans Joy [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] I hope you have a magical time [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
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*
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07-09-2006, 11:54 AM
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#10
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Community Rank: Trekker 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Orlando, Florida
Posts: 1,144
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report-Updated July 8
Sounds like a fun filled trip. I can't wait to hear all about it! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
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07-09-2006, 12:23 PM
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#11
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PassPorter Message Board Manager
PassPorter Guide Author
Community Rank: Legend VIP
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Maidstone, Kent, UK
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 190,285
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report-Updated July 8
Your trip sounds absolutely awesome Joy - I can't wait to hear about all of those restaurants! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]
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07-10-2006, 10:25 AM
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#12
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 7,386
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report-Updated July 8
[ QUOTE ]
As for your trips to San Diego, are you going to just drive there both days? We are considering doing that. I had thought we would do the zoo and Sea World in one day, but I think SD has too much to offer to try to cram it all in.
Also, what is the Welcome to Disneyland basket?
[/ QUOTE ]
Neither my son or I wanted to drive while in California so, with the help of the Disney Vacation Planners we learned of a rather neat deal offered by Grayline to guests staying at any of the three Disneyland resorts. For a total cost of $79 per person, they will provide return transportation to Universal, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo (on three separate days of course). The only proviso is that you book at least 24 hours in advance and you have to book all three trips at the same time when you make the ressies. Grayline also offers a number of package tours throughout the entire area but we thought this bus only package was the best deal for us.
The basket I've ordered for Kirk is actually called the "Family Welcome". It apparently includes a collection of items including something to snack on and a beautiful coffee table book filled with Disney stories. There are a ton of other gift packages available at varying prices. The Family Welcome costs $48 plus tax. You can order any of these or get a complete price list sent to you by contacting the Disney Vacation Planners.
Joy
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07-10-2006, 01:35 PM
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#13
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Community Rank: Scout
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Songtan, South Korea
Posts: 4,681
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report-Updated July 8
Thanks so much for the info!
Laura
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07-10-2006, 01:56 PM
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#14
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Community Rank: Globetrotter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: California
Posts: 3,878
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report-Updated July 8
Your trip sounds like so much fun, we all want to hear all about it when you get back.
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07-10-2006, 11:33 PM
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#15
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Community Rank: Explorer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 7,386
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Re: Dynamic Duo Tackle Disneyland - Pre-Trip Report-UpdatedJuly 10
Now that I'm back home, I can post a more complete itinerary of all our plans:
July 20 - Arrive at LAX at about 10 a.m. and then head to Disneyland Hotel to check in. Spend the rest of the day settling in, unpacking and exploring resort. Dinner at Hook's Pointe and then evening spent at Downtown Disney.
July 21 (my birthday) - Breakfast at Storyteller's Cafe, Welcome to Disneyland tour, late lunch at Blue Bayou, Balcony seating for the Fantasmic Dessert Buffet.
July 22 - Spend day at Universal Studios doing the VIP Experience tour.
July 23 - Lunch at Carnation Cafe. From Imagination to Celebration tour.
July 24 - Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour. Dinner at Ariel's Grotto.
July 25 - Character Breakfast at Plaza Inn. Dinner at Tortilla Joe's.
July 26 - Lunch at Wine Country Trattoria. Dinner at House of Blues
July 27 - Lunch at Yamabuki. Dinner at Vineyard Room.
July 28 - Late breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen. Dinner at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen.
July 29 - Day spent at San Diego Zoo.
July 30 - Discover the Magic Tour. Dinner at New Orleans Cafe (recently opened and now taking ADRs). Reserved seating for the Electrical Parade.
July 31 - Day at Sea World (including dining with Shamu)
August 1 - Dinner at Granville's Steakhouse.
August 2 (Kirk's Birthday Celebration) - Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch. Birthday Party with Mickey and Minnie at the Plaza Inn in the afternoon. Dinner at Napa Rose.
So that's a complete list of our dining plans and special events that we're doing. As for park itineraries, I'm still working on those. I subscribed to RideMax so will probably be using their suggested itineraries as a basis for what we do in the parks on days when we don't have a tour of some sort planned. On tour days, we're going to just wing it with our free time. I hope to spend a lot of time browsing through all the shops and hanging out at the Neverland pool. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
If anyone has any feedback on any of the tours or restaurants we've booked, it would be greatly appreciated.
Joy
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