Leaderboard

OK so working on 6-year-old code that Apple's development environment "helpfully" updated to modern times is cool and good and entirely not making my hair turn greyer at a faster rate than my teenager does already. Here's where we're at: The old, busted version of the app that was released lo these many years ago still works great- if you haven't upgraded past iOS version 10 or so. (I think that's right, might be version 8, your experience may vary, consult your dealer for details, for external use only, etc.) But nobody's using that who has anything close to a modern iPhone, so you probably don't even see it in your app store yet. So I have to figure out what is making it not work. Most of that work is so boring that even I don't want to get into it. Just clearing out digital cobwebs, mostly. But the big stopper was that we store the site images on this very site, hidden off in an obscure corner of our web space. And the URL to get to it was a plain old http:// address, just like everything else. Apple had the fabulous idea a couple of iOS versions ago to require any app that makes a call to the web to retrieve something must make it via a secure connection. Since that was failing, no images were coming through, which is a Bad Result. So I had to fix that. I think I have that working now, and I'm about to try switching it on, so we can throw two stones at one bird (to coin a phrase): As a result of all that back-end mucking around, we're going to flip the switch and make fortfiends.net light up your browser as a secure site. This is a Good Thing, because it will help our Google rank, and hey, it's secure. Secure is good, and I have it on good authority that it's at least somewhat better than Not Secure. And if all that works, one of the main barriers to having an app update out that actually works for everyone will be gone. I don't like giving myself deadlines, but I would say that before the week is out, you Apple folks should have a little gift waiting for you. Thank you, once again, for reading all the way through another episode of Chris Talks Way Over Everyone's Head About Web Stuff. I love you.

Still working, folks. Good news: I have a working version under iOS 11.4 and below now uploaded to the App Store. Bad news: I have to update all the screenshots that go into the App Store page and write all the update copy, and then we have to wait on Apple to review the whole business and post it. I have no idea how long that takes these days. Used to be at least a week or so, but that was back in the day, and this is an update and not a brand new app, so things may be different. I'll keep everyone posted.

I know I am in the minority but I enjoyed his description of the battle he has been waging. I like learning new things. I am always happy to battle trolls. :-)

Not sure I’m crazy about being able to see one from the other.

I have made an updated set of files designed to print the park maps on standard paper. I often see people who want to print them out to be able to easily mark them up but they file from Disney does not print well. If you know anyone who would like to have some send them to this link. I update them every so often. https://www.facebook.com/pg/JasonWithMouseCounselors/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2126204557422053

Thanks Jason!

Thank you!

Thank you to our #fiendsonthescene for this timely information! We love you!

Thanks

I took off work early yesterday to beat the traffic heading towards WDW on the dreaded I-4. Things went pretty smoothly. There was a slight slowdown as soon as we got onto I-4 from I-75. Once that cleared up, it was smooth sailing all the way to WDW. Not even a slowdown at 27. My wife and I wanted to enjoy our extended Silver Pass time bonus time before it expired on the 29th (yeah, we cut it close) and go see the Guardians show and try to score some Donald passholder magnets. We got to the American stage a few minutes after 5:30 and it was empty. The CM said there was lightning within 5? miles so the show had been cancelled and to come back at 6:45. So we went over to Morocco and ate at the Tangerine Cafe. We had the pita slider plate that we split. It was really good and filling enough for the two of us. We were able to catch the boat from the World Showcase over to FutureWorld. It's been years since we rode on one of those. We got to Mouse Gear, went to the register where they had sold passholder items in the past and asked for the magnets. The CM said we needed to head over to the fitting rooms. We figured there was a register there, but when we walked up there was a CM with a tablet and a carpenters type apron around her waist. We asked about the magnets, she scanned our bands and pulled the magnets out of her apron pocket. It was time to head back to see the Guardians show. We got up to the bridge between China and the outpost and they were starting to shut the gate because the firework barges were coming out. We scooted around the one barrier and got thru before it was totally blocked off. They bring those barges out early, it was only 6:30. We made it to the show a couple minutes after it started. Overall it was a good show. The music and special effects were great. The banter/acting was a little hokey, but overall it was a show you should definitely see. Afterwards it was a trip to France to get ice cream, then a walk over to Canada to see their newest musical show. It was the Blueberry Grass Band. They covered a lot of rock songs bluegrass style. Again it was a great show and worth taking the time to see. This was the second or third time we've done a late afternoon trip to WDW and it's definitely a nicer experience. It's not as crowded and the temps did drop a little. If I get a chance I'll try to upload some pictures of the Guardian show.

This is why as soon as I hit the Fort, the clothes come off.

Long stories so I'm only posting the links.... and I didn't know what category to put them under... It really looks like Busch Gardens Tampa will be getting a new roller coaster next year https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/06/19/it-really-looks-like-busch-gardens-tampa-will-be-getting-a-new-roller-coaster-next-year?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=articleblog&utm_campaign=endofarticle&utm_content=MorebyThisAuthor SeaWorld goes all in with new high-tech raft ride but will it ever open? https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/06/25/seaworld-goes-all-in-with-new-high-tech-raft-ride-but-will-it-ever-open?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=articleblog&utm_campaign=endofarticle&utm_content=MorebyThisAuthor

Let me lead with what you all want to know. Campsites are not included. With that out of the way... Walt Disney World released an unanticipated discount this morning. You can save up to 20% on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels! Book through Oct. 7, 2018 for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights Oct. 8-Nov. 8, 2018. Book through Dec. 24, 2018 for stays most nights Nov. 11-Dec. 24, 2018. The number of rooms available for this is limited. Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom Grand Villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Campsites at Fort Wilderness, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid standard rooms. 20% savings is for select Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available at other select Disney Resort hotels. You can request a Free No Obligation Quote at [email protected]

Donald is now ready to join Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto.

Interesting article. https://www.disneytouristblog.com/dynamic-pricing-disney-world-disneyland/

Update: The app is uploaded to Apple and we are awaiting notifications. We will let you know as soon as we do. (It was uploaded late last night)

Indeed it does. My wife just updated the app, and that's one of the first things she mentioned.

Tomorrow, June 19, is the day Walt Disney World is releasing the 2019 dates. 2019 looks to be a year of change for me. As some of you know I still have a day job but that looks to be coming to an end in the next half a year or so. Not certain yet but I am prepping as if it is happening. What does this mean for all of you? I am intending to go full time at this as a Travel Agent. I will be working on lots of new photo series, videos, and other informative content to make your travel planning even better. It also means I need your support even more for next year. If you are thinking about Disney travel in the next year Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or one of the other Disney Theme Parks around the world let me help you plan it out. It wont cost you anything and you end up with concierge level service, planning dining, Fastpass+ planning, help figuring out what days in each park, answering questions whenever they come up. Basically I am here for as much or as little help as you need. I also book almost all of the major cruise lines, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, and MSC to name some of the ones I have booked for clients. And I am working on the training for Sandals and Beachs to offer clients and all inclusive option as well. So reach out to me if you are thinking about travel. It costs you nothing and supports a small business at the same time. Tell your friends and family too. And pretty soon I will be available even more than I already am now to take care of your travel needs when they come up even faster than I do now. Thank you all for your continued support in my business of making your travel time more enjoyable and less stressful. Jason Adams [email protected] p.s. tomorrow is when we can book to October 31, 2019 for all you Halloween Fans it is time to get me your dates for Halloween travel next year. Lets get you booked before the pickings get slim.

They have the different meals for the receptions but you can modify. For example, my daughter got married at the Wedding Pavilion at 10:00am and the reception was at the Atlantic Dance Hall, starting around 11:30. The food was a mix of really good lunch/dinner entrees along with some breakfast food since my daughter wanted Mickey Waffles served. All was served buffet style. You also get a session with the chef prior to the wedding where he cooked and served full servings of quite a few entrees for us to taste so we could pick the food for the reception. We were stuffed but it was delicious. You'd be surprised that it is possible to plan a wedding comparatively priced with other venues, or you can have the cost skyrocket. We had a dessert party outside of Italy at Epcot for Illuminations after the reception that was also outstanding. And, the cost was not as high as I was fearing, but it could have gone MUCH higher. It all depends on the venue, day of the week, and what "additions" you choose. I will say the wedding planner was outstanding, she really did a great job.

Thanks Jason. As always, you are: The Man ☺️

He has been tapping on the computer and my son's phone most of the night since he got home. I saw some progress and then he started saying words at it (the computer). So, he is typing more and clicking the mouse more. I would imagine he will have the problem fixed by morning, but not before this lady hits the bed. If you are not seeing the app in the store yet and you have an Apple phone, keep checking. He is fixing the kinks. Remember, Apple has made MANY version changes since he originally coded it so it showed up in the store if you had an Apple 5. (I think). He says he is in the middle of fixing all the little issues right now.

I always liked this ad. It's not at all misleading....

You mean like this one?

Disney needs to repurpose the drones into drink delivery drones.