Swilley Family Finally Does Disney 'Right'!~Trip Report~**Updated 9/29** - Page 14 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I don't know how I've missed your report until now. I just read everything now including the preTR. Great stuff! I love all your crafty things(I'm the same way) and as I've told you before your kids are absolutely beautiful! I'm lovin your TR!
Whew- marathon PTR & TR reading for me tonight! It is great! You've got me hooked! Side note- add me to the list of people who have found your kids too cute for words in your sig pic. You have a beautiful family.
Whew- marathon PTR & TR reading for me tonight! It is great! You've got me hooked! Side note- add me to the list of people who have found your kids too cute for words in your sig pic. You have a beautiful family.
Now, the groveling... More please!
Thanks for joining me! I'm determined to finish this week (but, I may have said that before )
Quote:
Originally Posted by wayneava81
I don't know how I've missed your report until now. I just read everything now including the preTR. Great stuff! I love all your crafty things(I'm the same way) and as I've told you before your kids are absolutely beautiful! I'm lovin your TR!
Glad you found it! Thanks for your kind words!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArielsMomto2
What an awesome birthday gift. Can't wait to hear how you used it. Great pics.
Now, you are braver than me, cause I just send the kids up to stand with Pocahontas. But seriously, she can't hold a candle to you.
Hurry back. Can't wait to hear more.
I know, next year maybe Leah will be brave enough to go on her own!
Quote:
Originally Posted by DyanKJ130
Oh my goodness! Sounds like your birthday is off to a wonderful start!! Spending time with your parents and dream FPs!! More please
Dyan!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Princess_Wantabe
You're family picture is very cute! Glad your mom & dad were able to join you on your Bday...and how to get Dream FPs on that day
Looking forward to hearing how you used them
Not as well as we could have, sadly..read on.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KandJluvdisney
what a great start to your birthday
congrats on the fast passes
how awsomw that your parents were able to join you - that pic rocked
hurry back with more please
Thanks! We did get some fun pics that day!
__________________
Read all about it in my TR, "Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!" Jill Phil. 4: 13
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On the train ride back, we decided it would be fun to give away our ripe FP's to someone at the end of the 80 min. wait line! I wanted it to be someone with kids to put them out of their misery; DM thought it would be fun to give them to someone from IL or OH (our home states)! We didn't have much time to decide as when people got wind of what we were offering, everyone wanted to qualify! We had 6—which really bummed out our first try of a family with 7 (and two double strollers). But, we quickly found a family that fit just right! Then we were off to use the first tab of our Dream FP's in Kilimanjaro.
The line went pretty quickly (my DD was super impressed with how FP worked) and we boarded our jeep and were on our way! We had two lenghtly stops with a big fat view of nothing waiting for pelicans to cross the road —our driver was very entertaining, though and kept us in good humor. I had been on this one previous visit and it was pretty much the same; not crawling with creatures, but the usual suspects all showed up—here are a couple of my pics: I can agree with everyone else who thinks this park is the Hottest and today was no exception. We headed for the tree of life next to get inside and use another of our FP's. ITTBAB was closed due to technical difficulties so we moved on hoping to catch it later. It was almost time for Nemo to start, so I suggested we head that way.
We were first timers to this show and I thought it was just beautiful! I was amazed at the beauty and creativity and we love Nemo, so it really kept the kids captivated. (The seats are brutal—and the theater is huge—but overall I give it two thumbs way up!)
We left Nemo to torrential downpours!! Thankfully I had packed enough ponchos for everyone, but I thought this may be a deal breaker for my parents. We hid under some trees until it slowed to a slow pour and decided to find some lunch.
At the suggestion of my PP friends, I thought we should try Flame Tree BBQ. My family knew that I had done major research and planning so no one dared question my decision. My parents both opted for the pork sandwiches; DH the beef; and I had the smoked turkey breast sandwich. The kids were happy to have hotdogs. For dessert, it was key lime pie for Shannon and the chocolate cake for me—which I did share with everyone else, so I think I only got one bite! We thought the food was “fine” but next time would chose somewhere with indoor seating to beat the heat!
The rain looked like it would hold off for a while and I was dying to try EE (especially since I already had a FP in my hot little hand)-- but was having trouble convincing someone in my party to join me! We checked ITTBAB again- but it was still down, so we headed to Asia to ride the rapids. Micah was excited to be able to be big enough to ride this so it really made him feel like a VIP. They really do stick by those height requirements if anyone was wondering—they measured him twice, even though he had on a braclet to say he'd been measured the first time! Then he got to sit in a spcial “little people" seat that had a pull down bar kind of like a roller coaster. He was happy to sit by Nana, I sat by Isaiah and Shannon sat by the other family who shared our raft (which was really humorous to all of us because they looked like the type who, let's just say, probably hadn't had much interaction with “darker races.” (Grandpa was happy to keep Leah and watch the money's outside). Micah was visibly nervous and almost freaked when there were fire explosions (he has a real thing with fire—which made us acutely aware of how many attractions use it at Disney)-- he never threw a fit (I think only because he's super shy and the “deliverance” crew would have looked at him) but he said it was scary and did not want to ride it again! My little dare devil did, however and since we still had two FP's (they gave one to Leah too!), Grandpa and Isaiah went back for a second time! While we waited we ducked into a bathroom and try to dry off a little—of course my butt got more wet than anything else; but our attempts were futile since it had started raining again! Family united, we walked the Maharajah Jungle Trek. We really enjoyed seeing the bats and watched this tiger for a long time.
After that, ITTBAB was finally open and we had just enough time to squeeze it in before the parade started.
This attraction is so unique! I was actually the one hesitant to venture in here because I HATE bugs!! (I mean scared to death- I once called my dad and made him come home from work to kill a spider). I didn't think it sounded like fun to have them coming at me in 3D. But, everyone else was game and I went. I actually thought it was a close second to Mickey's Philarmagic. Really fun effects—creeped me out at the end (I won't ruin it for those who've yet to try), but great, and I'd do it again.
On the way out we stopped to admire the tree: It was just a few minutes before parade time and we were in a great spot just off the exit to ITTBAB as they were just putting up the ropes. The men skipped across to get us treats and we enjoyed our first Mickey ice cream bars during the 'Jammin' Jungle Parade'.
Cont. in the next post....
__________________
Read all about it in my TR, "Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!" Jill Phil. 4: 13
Sounds like a nice time at AK so far. I loved Tought to be a Bug. The kids look so cute with their glasses on. That's one picture I forgot to get. How were those Mickey bars? More please.
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Great update Jill!! Great time at AK!! Sorry Micah got scared on KRR. The same thing happened to Alexa (she's averse to fire as well) and she still won't ride it 3 or 4 years later
What a fun parade! I thought the “floats” were fascinating! I just love how every parade and show is so different; but always perfect in it's own way! I wish I was an imagineer! Hot again, we were ready for something inside, (no one for EE yet). I really wanted my parents to see FOTLK. It was my favorite show last time and again did not disappoint! The voices on those people!
And, back in the day, I was a gymnast, so I want desperately to play with the tumble monkeys! I wish they asked for audience participation here!
Unfortunately we again exited to pouring rain. Like walking through 3” of deep water rain. My family had been such troopers all day—but it was time to give in—this one was obviously here to stay. So we left AK with unused FP's around our necks and I went without conquering Everest again! We were soaked to the core and had wet shoes and socks, but were still in good spirits as we headed back to ASMu to get ready for my birthday ADR @ Boma.
There really wasn't much time for anything but to get dry and changed before it was time to head to the AK lodge. After taking the buses twice already that day, we decided it'd be easier to pack into my parents rental and drive over since it was still raining!
What a beautiful place! I'd love to stay here someday! I was able to grab one of my favorite shots as we waited in the lobby to be called to dinner.
Leah wore her authentic African attire (my sister bought for her while on assignment for the Peace Corps)—I had hoped that we'd run into some CM's from there that would notice; but, I think it was too late and there wasn't anybody out. We did get lots of comments from other guests, though!
The meal was great, but as it was so long ago, the only part I remember was the dessert table!! So many great ones, I could've made a meal out of those! DH's favorite was the pineapple cheesecake that had a piece a white chocolate for the crust. They brought me a birthday cupcake, too, so we left with very high blood sugar, but exhausted after a long and soggy day!
Overall it was a great and very memorable birthday! I highly recommend spending your birthday with you whole family at the happiest place on earth!
Up next: we go international at Epcot!
__________________
Read all about it in my TR, "Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!" Jill Phil. 4: 13
Great update Jill!! Great time at AK!! Sorry Micah got scared on KRR. The same thing happened to Alexa (she's averse to fire as well) and she still won't ride it 3 or 4 years later
More please
Thanks Marnie! Oh no, I hope we haven't scarred him for life!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lissybri
Sounds like a nice time at AK so far. I loved Tought to be a Bug. The kids look so cute with their glasses on. That's one picture I forgot to get. How were those Mickey bars? More please.
Thanks Liz! Micah was having a moment and refused to put his on.... The Mickey bars are fabulous--not your average ice cream bar!
Quote:
Originally Posted by CountryTink
Great update! Love the pics of the kids, especially your little girl with the upside down 3D glasses. Looking forward to more!
Isn't that fun--I wonder how they instinctively know that they'll stay on better that way!
__________________
Read all about it in my TR, "Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!" Jill Phil. 4: 13
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you make a beautiful family
boma does rock though I never saw the pineapple cheesecake - hope they have it when we go back in may
I found flame tree to be disappointing last year also
hurry back with more please
you make a beautiful family
boma does rock though I never saw the pineapple cheesecake - hope they have it when we go back in may
I found flame tree to be disappointing last year also
hurry back with more please
Thank you! The pineapple cheesecake was wonderful--although they're small so you have to eat 5 or 6 to get the full effect .
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great pictures of the parade!! I'm so sad I missed it. Again!! Glad you had a great dinner at Boma!! Love Leah's dress!!
Thanks Marnie! She looked straight out of Africia!
__________________
Read all about it in my TR, "Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!" Jill Phil. 4: 13
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to get Dream FPs on that day 
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Pixie Dust
But seriously, she can't hold a candle to you. 
)
Dyan!
I wanted it to be someone with kids to put them out of their misery; DM thought it would be fun to give them to someone from IL or OH (our home states)! We didn't have much time to decide as when people got wind of what we were offering, everyone wanted to qualify! We had 6—which really bummed out our first try of a family with 7 (and two double strollers). But, we quickly found a family that fit just right! 
—our driver was very entertaining, though and kept us in good humor. I had been on this one previous visit and it was pretty much the same; not crawling with creatures, but the usual suspects all showed up—here are a couple of my pics: 
Thankfully I had packed enough ponchos for everyone, but I thought this may be a deal breaker for my parents. We hid under some trees until it slowed to a slow pour and decided to find some lunch.
We checked ITTBAB again- but it was still down, so we headed to Asia to ride the rapids. Micah was excited to be able to be big enough to ride this so it really made him feel like a VIP. 
They really do stick by those height requirements if anyone was wondering—they measured him twice, even though he had on a braclet to say he'd been measured the first time! Then he got to sit in a spcial “little people" seat that had a pull down bar kind of like a roller coaster. He was happy to sit by Nana, I sat by Isaiah and Shannon sat by the other family who shared our raft (which was really humorous to all of us because they looked like the type who, let's just say, probably hadn't had much interaction with “darker races.” 
(Grandpa was happy to keep Leah and watch the money's outside). Micah was visibly nervous and almost freaked when there were fire explosions 
(he has a real thing with fire—which made us acutely aware of how many attractions use it at Disney)-- he never threw a fit (I think only because he's super shy and the “deliverance” 
But, everyone else was game and I went. I actually thought it was a close second to Mickey's Philarmagic. Really fun effects—creeped me out at the end (I won't ruin it for those who've yet to try), but great, and I'd do it again. 
and we enjoyed our first Mickey ice cream bars during the 'Jammin' Jungle Parade'. 
![[SIGPIC]](signaturepics/sigpic27594_7.gif)
So many great ones, I could've made a meal out of those! DH's favorite was the pineapple cheesecake that had a piece a white chocolate for the crust. They brought me a birthday cupcake, too, so we left with very high blood sugar, but exhausted after a long and soggy day! 
Glad you had a great dinner at Boma!! 
Love Leah's dress!! 
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