Preserving Memories with PassPorter

Many people have the attitude that they paid a lot for the vacation, so they have to fit everything in. I think we all know that time seems to go much faster when on a Disney vacation. Don't let those moments pass you by in the rush. Your PassPorter already has an area that is great for jotting down those memories. Yes, it's behind all the "good stuff" in the back of the book.

If you are waiting in line for an attraction, waiting for your family to finish eating, waiting for everyone to get ready, or simply have some time to kill during a ride on Disney transportation, use that time wisely. Grab a pen (the big autograph Mickey pen will even work), your PassPorter, and jot down the things you want to remember about the day.

If you purchase the Deluxe PassPorter, it's even easier. I simply remove just the PassPocket for that day from the ring binder, and throw it in my bag. This way, I'm not carrying around the entire book. It is then super easy to just grab the pocket and start jotting. Once that day is over, I simply put it back in my PassPorter.

After our trip is over, I take my PassPorter and get to work. I compile those moments into a typed journal of everything that happened on that trip, and place it in a scrapbook. My hope is that someday, when my children are older, they can read the journal and be taken back to that place and time, and remember the wonderful memories we made. Not only is it great for legacy, it's great for those moments when you need a bit of Disney magic. Nothing beats sitting in the living room curled up on the couch with a nice cup of coffee, watching the snow fall and reading about your past vacations in your Disney journal.

As the years fly by, many times I forget if we ate at a certain restaurant, of if we liked it. I use my journaling as a resource. I take a peek in a scrapbook! I can then read what all of us thought about a certain restaurant or attraction.

I will never forget when my (then) 5-year-old daughter became so disappointed that the stunt show was cancelled by a tropical downpour that she said, "Mom, it's okay, they can wear nachos! We have our nachos to wear?" Of course, she meant our rain ponchos, not snacks! Would I have remembered that moment if I hadn't taken a second to jot it down? Probably I wouldn't, but I did jot it down and now six years later my husband will still tease her on our way out of the hotel room and ask, "Do you have your nacho in your bag?"

PassPorter Prototype - PlayTimer Cover
The first PassPorter prototype edition, "PlayTimer," circa 1996/1997.

Our next trip will be my children's sixth visit to Disney, and they already have a four- to five-page journal of memories for every trip we've gone on. Time goes so fast at Disney and in our children's lives! They gone from being in awe of princesses and pirates, to autograph books and character meals, to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Yetis, and Test Track in what seems like a matter of minutes. Take a moment to jot down how you felt the first time your children saw Cinderella Castle. Write about the feelings you had when you watched Wishes or IllumiNations as a family.

Remember, Disney trips are blessings. Don't take them for granted. "Celebrate today, and remember tomorrow," is my motto! Take a few moments to answer the "Memories" section in your PassPorter PassPockets. Years from now, you and your children will be glad you did.

About the Author: Leslie works in the computer industry by day, coaches a high school cheerleading squad in the evening, and is the proud mother of a 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. She is always saving for or planning the next Disney getaway for her family or her friends! She is a lover of Central Florida and everything in the Walt Disney World Resort!