Swilley Family Finally Does Disney 'Right'!~Trip Report~**Updated 9/29** - Page 6 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I concur that this is the epitome of the vacation pic! It makes me want to go anywhere they're going because it MUST be fun!
Quote:
Originally Posted by I live with a 'Stitch'!
This was the scene when we arrived @ ASMu. The one advantage to arriving this late—no lines! (It never looked like this again our entire stay!)
The kids were happy to be entertained (and needed it by then).
We're staying at the ASMusic Family Suites during our vacay in January so I'm loving these pics!
Quote:
Originally Posted by I live with a 'Stitch'!
While we were eating breakfast, Shan got a call saying our Garden Groc. order had been delivered (we had asked for a delivery between 10-12, boy are they prompt )! We had added a tip to the online order, so there was nothing else to do which was super convenient.
What a perfect show for my PHD fanatics! Leah's response made me cry- (I did eventually stop crying about everything) she was sooo excited! It was precious. Look how intently she watched...one of my favorite pictures....
That seals the deal for Garden Grocer - we've been thinking about how much easier it would be to have someone else deliver milk and such for the little ones right to our room... Me thinks we'll do it!
And as for crying... I'm going to be a blubbering mess of tears for days... or longer! I just know it.
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Loving the TR Jill! We are going to be arriving at our hotel around the same time you did. One question for ya: Did you request to have your bags delivered the next morning? Would they have brought them that night? My DMIL is coming with us and this issue is stressing her out for some reason! Thanks!
When we arrived in our room, there was already a message blinking on our phone. It said that our luggage had arrived and if we would like it delivered to call; otherwise, they would deliver it first thing in the morning. Since we already had our pj's; we decided not to call, and our luggage was there by 8:15 the next day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sarilas
I concur that this is the epitome of the vacation pic! It makes me want to go anywhere they're going because it MUST be fun!
We're staying at the ASMusic Family Suites during our vacay in January so I'm loving these pics! Yeah! I'm sure you'll love them. We really thought they had great space. There'll be many more pics in my next update! (coming today)
That seals the deal for Garden Grocer - we've been thinking about how much easier it would be to have someone else deliver milk and such for the little ones right to our room... Me thinks we'll do it! I will use them from now on!
And as for crying... I'm going to be a blubbering mess of tears for days... or longer! I just know it.
[/left]
Isn't is great!
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Read all about it in my TR, "Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!" Jill Phil. 4: 13
After our delicious meal at Mama Melrose, we headed toward 'the streets of America' for a long awaited encounter with the Power Rangers ! You may have noticed that the boys were wearing their PR tanks, and this meet, along with seeing Fantasmic (which we had been rained out of last year) were my reasons for planning our first day @ DHS. I wanted this vacation to start out with so much magic and excitement that we would energized for the rest of the trip! The torrential rain had slowed to a drizzle, so we headed to the spot where their sign was 15 min. early in hopes of these coveted autographs. As you can guess, they never showed—major bummer. I promised the boys' we would have another day here, and not leave until we had met them . (stay tuned)....
The Honey, I shrunk the kids playground was also temporarily closed, as was the backlot tour. (It's hard to not waste time, or tour in an organized manner when you encounter closings )! Aerial came through for us, though, so we grabbed our first FP's for VOTLM . While we waited, we went to check out 'The Magic of Disney Animation.' I knew what to expect from last year; I love this show/exhibit because I find all that Disney does to produce their wonderful movies just fascinating. It makes me feel like I'm getting some real "behind the scenes" info! (However, the CM hosting the chat with Mushu seemed very bored—maybe he was tired this late in the day ).
As we headed out of the movie we looked over a really cool 'Wall-E' exhibit. We had seen it a few weeks before, and that's the stuffed animal Isaiah brought with him for the trip, so they were excited to see the “real“ Eve and Wall-E in their plexi-glass cases and wanted their pictures taken with them. <-- Look Dyan, I flipped my pictures! Next, we had a really magical moment. As we made our way down the hall, we ran smack dab into 'Fantasmic Mickey' (as the kids like to call that costume)!! He was just heading to his meet-n-greet location and Micah spotted him first and took off running to him. That was a moment I would have killed to know about in advance to have my camcorder ready—priceless. That little boy was so genuinely excited to see his pal! Mickey didn't see him coming from behind, and we had realized that we'd have to get in line to say 'hi' so we called him off and quickly jumped in the 10 min line. I think that's when the magic hit Shannon. Our kids were so happy at that moment. He kept saying, “Did you see how he took off after him? He's so excited!” And, the entire line Leah kept shouting and waving frantically, “Hi Mickey—Mickey—hi Mickey!” (So, you know by now, I was all...) . Now, she wouldn't have anything to do with him when we were arms length, but she enjoyed him immensely from afar!
We met Frozone on the way out, so we were all in good spirits heading to the little mermaid show. We caught that (beautiful and fun; two thumbs way up), and the great movie ride (a little boring and scary for the kids; one thumb, not very high) before we needed to head to Fantasmic! My favorite scene in TGMR; one of my favorite movies as a child.
We really enjoyed getting to use the dinner package holders entrance for Fantasmic (like I said, I'm a sucker for anything that seems “behind the scenes”). Although, it's a long hull up there with two strollers. We would take off jogging trying to race each other, then stop panting and laughing at how much our thighs were burning! We had gone only 20 min early because we were promised these “reserved, good seats with our package,” so it was already packed by the time we got there. What a huge place!
We scooted as close to center as possible, then Shannon went to get us pretzels and drinks for our nights' finale. We Fantasmic! What a beautiful and unique show that encompasses just about as much Disney as one show can hold. Brilliant! It will be on our list of “must see's” every trip from now on . I took tons of pictures, but only a few turned out, so I'll share those with you:
Up next: 'This is the suite life!'
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Read all about it in my TR, "Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!" Jill Phil. 4: 13
I am determined to at least finish Day one of this trip today! So, here goes!
We headed home using Disney buses and thankfully did not wait more than 10 min. We did quickly notice though, that one of the disadvantages to staying at a value resort is that your bus stop is always the farthest away from the exit ! We would hike it out there mumbling things like, “rich people get everything,”or,”shouldn't they know that the people who can't afford nice hotels have multiple kids to carry!” It became quite the joke between us by the end of the week; trying to outdo each other with our comments, and keep our sense of humor about it!
When we arrived back at ASMu, we checked in with the front desk so they could activate our room keys. They must have alerted luggage services right away, because by the time we walked to our room our luggage and GG order was there waiting! The rooms were great- clean, spacious, and lots of room for storage. We felt like we could really unpack and not have to live out of our suitcases for the week. And, there was plenty of room, so we weren't tripping over anything. There was no way we could have managed with all of us and our stuff in one of the standard rooms (without killing each other, that is). Good choice, Mom! Thank you very much!
Here are some pics for you:
The kitchenette. The Master Bedroom. The kids thought it was really cool to have their own beds. But, by the second night, we had found more permanent sleeping arrangements....mom and Leah in the bedroom; and Dad with the boys' in the living area. Everyone just slept better that way and let's face it, no one expected a (ahem) romantic vacation! Two little monkey's jumping on the bed! I unpacked while Dad got the kids down for the night. We had had a wonderful, but exhausting first day, and had a big day planned for tomorrow. We went to bed so glad to be there!
Up next: Day two- The Magic kingdom
__________________
Read all about it in my TR, "Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!" Jill Phil. 4: 13
What a great first day Jill....the parade sounded like a hit and so did MM for dinner...everything sounded delicious.
So sorry about the rain...hope the autograph books dried out and stayed together for the rest of the trip. I am so glad the rain stopped so you could enjoy Fantasmic. I love that show. The suite looks great and a lot of room.
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Sounds like a great first day at DHS...minus the Power Rangers being AWOL. Glad the rain did not put a stop to Fantasmic. Can't wait to see what is next.
__________________
Margaret
I am not a Disney employee. The postings here are my own and do not represent the positions or opinions of the Disney Company
Great updates!! I don't know about anyone else, but I read your TR updates with a great big !! There is just something about them they just captures the magic!! I think it's the positive attitude you embrace in everything that you do!
Sounds like everyone is having a wonderful time! Glad you enjoyed Fantasmic - we it, especially when all of the characters burst out at the end! Your suite looks really nice - for sharing photos!
Quote:
Originally Posted by I live with a 'Stitch'!
<-- Look Dyan, I flipped my pictures!
WOO!! HOO!!
Anytime! Glad you were able to figure it out! Dontcha just love technology?!?
Great updates!
Glad your enjoying the family suites!
Quick Question: The pic with your kids on the bed, is that two fold out chairs and a fold out couch? And there is also one additional bed? I have 5 kids , so this would be good to know.
Great updates!
Glad your enjoying the family suites!
Quick Question: The pic with your kids on the bed, is that two fold out chairs and a fold out couch? And there is also one additional bed? I have 5 kids , so this would be good to know.
The couch folds out into a double; the chair and the ottoman fold out into singles. The chair one is a little bigger and could probably sleep 2 little ones in a pinch; but the ottoman is quite small. DH said they actually were pretty comfy!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcc0313
What a great first day Jill....the parade sounded like a hit and so did MM for dinner...everything sounded delicious.
...
I highly recommend both .
Quote:
Originally Posted by bsblady01
more please
Just as soon as I can! Our laptop is dying a slow death, and won't move as fast as I'd like.
Quote:
Originally Posted by piratefreak
Sounds like a great first day at DHS...minus the Power Rangers being AWOL. Glad the rain did not put a stop to Fantasmic. Can't wait to see what is next.
Margaret!
Quote:
Originally Posted by DyanKJ130
Great updates!! I don't know about anyone else, but I read your TR updates with a great big !! There is just something about them they just captures the magic!! I think it's the positive attitude you embrace in everything that you do! It's easy to do there!
Sounds like everyone is having a wonderful time! Glad you enjoyed Fantasmic - we it, especially when all of the characters burst out at the end! Your suite looks really nice - for sharing photos!
WOO!! HOO!!
Anytime! Glad you were able to figure it out! Dontcha just love technology?!? NO!!
!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great update Jill!! Sorry about missing the PRs Glad you enjoyed Fantasmic!! Great pictures!!
Don't worry, we'll catch up to them later! Have fun on your trip Marnie!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RobDVC
Great installments!
Thanks Rob!
__________________
Read all about it in my TR, "Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!" Jill Phil. 4: 13
Last edited by I live with a 'Stitch'!; 08-13-2008 at 12:37 PM..
Reason: spelling error
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Just got caught up. I can't say how much I adore the picture of your kids in the airport! We stayed at ASMu last time so I can completely relate with that last bus stop thing. It just seems so darn far away after a day at the parks. And how we wished the bus waiting area at the resort had covers, we were melting in line half the time. Can't wait to see what's next!
What a wonderful first day (except for the bus situation - been there, done that ). It's so cute that your kids were so excited to see Mickey (and that it gave Shannon a good dose of Disney magic! ) Glad you enjoyed Fantasmic! That's my favorite (but still not as good as Disneyland's version). The Family Suites look really great (and your little ones jumping on the bed cracked me up). Ready for more!
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
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)! We had added a tip to the online order, so there was nothing else to do which was super convenient. 
) she was sooo excited! It was precious. Look how intently she watched...one of my favorite pictures....
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Pixie Dust
! You may have noticed that the boys were wearing their PR tanks, and this meet, along with seeing Fantasmic (which we had been rained out of last year) were my reasons for planning our first day @ DHS. I wanted this vacation to start out with so much magic and excitement that we would energized for the rest of the trip!
major bummer. I promised the boys' we would have another day here, and not leave until we had met them 
. (stay tuned)....
)! Aerial came through for us, though, so we grabbed our first FP's for VOTLM .
). 
<-- Look Dyan, I flipped my pictures! 
That was a moment I would have killed to know about in advance to have my camcorder ready—priceless. That little boy was so genuinely excited to see his pal! Mickey didn't see him coming from behind, and we had realized that we'd have to get in line to say 'hi' so we called him off and quickly jumped in the 10 min line. I think that's when the magic hit Shannon. Our kids were so happy at that moment. He kept saying, “Did you see how he took off after him? He's so excited!” And, the entire line Leah kept shouting and waving frantically, “Hi Mickey—Mickey—hi Mickey!” (So, you know by now, I was all...
) . Now, she wouldn't have anything to do with him when we were arms length, but she enjoyed him immensely from afar! 
We had gone only 20 min early because we were promised these “reserved, good seats with our package,” so it was already packed by the time we got there. What a huge place!
Fantasmic! What a beautiful and unique show that encompasses just about as much Disney as one show can hold. Brilliant! It will be on our list of “must see's” every trip from now on 
. I took tons of pictures, but only a few turned out, so I'll share those with you: 
! We would hike it out there mumbling things like, “rich people get everything,”or,”shouldn't they know that the people who can't afford nice hotels have multiple kids to carry!” 
Margaret
WOO!! HOO!!
). It's so cute that your kids were so excited to see Mickey (and that it gave Shannon a good dose of Disney magic! 
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