January 8-14, 2005 Swan club stay - report finished About This Page:

[kv3291]

Our Party - myself, dh (33), ds (4), dmom (51), ddad(61)

Our Journey - departing January 8, 2005 returning January 14, 2005

- Our Lodging/Stateroom - 2 Swan club level rooms that connected with a view of Illuminations

- Our Special Plans - family magic tour, Illuminations cruise thanks to Denise

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14
Everyone was ready to go early Saturday morning and we left for the airport. Good thing we got there early, USAir had no record of us flying with them...we bought tickets through United because of the bankruptcy. We had a wonderful woman that helped us and apparently they had records of someone flying, just not our names, because we had seats on the full flight. Eventhough we had seating assignments all together, that went out the window, but magic was worked and the 5 of us sat 2 in one row and 3 in the next. Pittsburgh had no lines at security that day, we got thru rather effortlessly, but my bag with stacks of quarters and pennies were searched...TIP- PUT YOUR COINS FOR PENNY MACHINES IN ZIP-LOCS AND PUT THEM BY THEMSELVES IN THE TRAYS!! As the security guard was searching my bag, he just kept laughing at my bags of chocolate coins, crayons, and other misc. mom stuff for Mackinly. But, we were right behind Jarome Beattis in the security line...nice to know I'm not the only one that has to take off my shoes on a cold wintery day and stand on a cold ceramic floor! He gave a nod to Mackinly before trying to make it thru the metal detectors. After that we were headed off for the gate with a pit stop at Au bon pain...had to have a cherry turnover and muffins for the flight. We were trying to prepare for a the whining on the 2 hr 10 mn flight. And, wouldn't you know it, as soon as we got on the plane it started...I wish they would hurry up...I'm hungry...anyone have anything to eat...It is so hard traveling with your Dad!! However, for his first plane trip, Mackinly was rather apathetic to the whole thing. I got the "yeah whatever mom, I'm trying to watch my movie." He is rather sensitive on noises but was unphased by the flight. We landed a few minutes early to find Roger (the limo driver from the Swan) waiting for us right where he said he would be. He directed us to our baggage area, took all the carry-ons, stroller, and misc. stuff that he could carry and took us to meet our baggage. While we were waiting, he got the limo ready with the movie of Mack's choice...Toy Story. We jumped in the limo and headed to the Swan. Checking in was a breeze. I waited an entire 2 minutes before I was handed 4 room keys programed how I wanted...all keys opening all the doors to both rooms. The bell hop took everything up to 2 great connecting rooms...1 king and 1 with 2 queens...just like they guaranteed. And the heavenly beds are quite heavenly. So heavenly in fact, that my parents want to throw out their king bed and buy the heavenly bed because "this one just doesn't compare." To which ddad responds..."and everyone says Disney is expensive? I haven't even got out of the hotel room yet!"

After unpacking, we jumped on the boat right in front of the hotel and headed towards Epcot with leisurely stops at Y&B and Boardwalk. At the International gateway, everyone upgraded tickets to AP's. Everyone had 5 day park hoppers bought at discount at Disney Store. The CM's that upgraded us made certain we didn't miss the loose the discount and we were credited the 5 day park hopper price at gate towards the AP. The CM's admitted that the computer system was changed and weren't quite sure on what to do, but we were done with 5 upgrades in under 10 minutes and it was off to find somewhere to eat with a very cranky and very hungry grandma, and Mackinly was starting to get hungry too! Mind you, we didn't have any ps made for today, not knowing what was going to happen. With this in mind, every decides to eat at Coral Reef. Yes, that's right, we all know that getting a seat there is absolutely no problem for dinner! Right? To my surprise, the answer to my question is a resounding RIGHT! We went right in and were seated in a booth directly across from the tanks...What can I say about Coral Reef, good food, good atmosphere, good use of my new DDE letter, and less than good service. The service was the only disappointing feature of Coral Reef. Our waiter greeted us and said he would be right back for drink orders...10 minutes latter gets those and when we inform him everyone, including a hungry 4 year old is ready to order he replies, "right back." After 10 minutes he brings our drinks but is still not ready to take our order. Another 10 or so minutes go by before he takes our dinner order and finishes bringing drinks...of course Mackinly's is left for last. The food was good. The crab cakes were good...not great...they lacked jumbo lump crabmeat for those used to Maryland crab cakes, but not many fillers were used. The salmon that Mackinly ordered was the best of the bunch. I asked for his with no sauce, just grilled, and it was moist and tasty. We did want dessert, but low and behold, it was at least 15 minutes after everyone was long done with dinner before our waiter would come back and we all voted on holding him until we got a check in case he got lost again. We wondered into the living seas and, I know we will be in the minority, but everyone was less than thrilled with the living seas and the finding Nemo incorporations. The only good part was the Bruce the Shark. We quickly headed out and went into some countries and then called it a day. It was nice having the boat that dropped us off 20 feet away from the front door of our hotel after a long day!!!

[kv3291]

Day 2

Everyone woke up early and went to the club for breakfast. There was a great selection of fresh fruit, danish, croissants, cinnamon rolls, bagels, cereal with the all important fruit loops included on the list, fresh squeezed OJ, apple juice, 2% milk, skim milk, chocolate milk, etc...for more Swan info http://www.passporterboards.com/ubb/...;page=0#702375

After breakfast, I was having a problem and didn't have any tampons. I called downstairs, just like the book says, and tell them I am leaving in 10 minutes and I need tampons. Well, low and behold, within the 10 minutes, a poor young guy shows up at the door with about 8 tampons in hand. The best was that since we bolted out the door after said package arrived, I did not receive the standard phonecall asking if I got what I had ordered. SO, after AK, there was voice mail. When I called down to get it, another gentleman starts ready my note..." Mrs. Adams did you receive your...pause, pause...ummmmmm, sanitary......products...........?" TIP-YOU CAN SAY THE WORD TAMPONS WITHOUT TURNING INTO A WOMAN!!! Well the day was bright, sunny and down right hot. Before heading into the park (the gates weren't open yet) we stopped to get a hat for Mackinly...so the pin trading starts...yes, we got the safari hat with pins on it! The pins stuff added about 10 lbs to my luggage on the way home... After that, we walked straight back to Safaris and walked right on. I really was interested in the Safari because we are zoo lovers. We are members to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Mackinly goes to Zoo classes and zoo camps, etc. So, at the Safari we got a chance to see the baby elephant sired by one of the elephants from our Pittsburgh Zoo. This elephant is a new bloodline in the US and has been making his rounds. After the safari, we walked the trail to see the hippos under water, etc. This was not a thrill to Mackinly because we are always at the zoo and this part of AK was nothing beyond a normal zoo, plus the trails are smaller than the normal zoo so you couldn't get a good look because of all the people. It was congested and crowded with rude people pushing around...we opted for a quick getaway and ventured to Camp Minnie-Mickey with a stop to see Lilo and Stitch...after seeing all the characters in a total of 15 minutes (no lines at all) we went to the dinosaur playground. Mackinly did like this. Then of to Rainforest Cafe for late lunch/early dinner. Eventhough I had a PS, it didn't seem to matter much. No one else had one and we were all seated in the order we came in. The wait was not that long though. I had the appetizer platter for my meal, which, to my surprise, was actually good. Granted, this isn't gourmet dining, but when I go to rainforest, I tend to expect the worst. I go because Mackinly loves the decor, but this was, by far, the best rainforest we have eaten at. That might not be saying alot, but everyone enjoyed their meals and the crabcake was as good as coral reef...again it is not a Maryland jumbo lump crabcake, but it was good. Again at this meal, we were not blessed with the best server, our servers tend to get lost in the deep dark depths of the restaurants, but we escaped fairly quickly but again without dessert!!! We went back to the hotel...first drop off of the buses which was always nice with an exhausted mom and dad and grandma and grandpa...Mackinly was tired too. With a respite on the heavenly bed for a bit, we went to the club for some snacks, stocked up on milk for before bedtime, and off to Epcot. We just did a bit of shopping, Mackinly had to get the monorail and Contemporary compliments of dear grandma and grandpa....getting that home was fun!!! After some shopping, it was time to go to YC for our Illuminations cruise. I do have to thank Denise for this. I wasn't planning on going until she said she had an extra boat. I'm glad I took her up on her offer. It was a great highlight of the trip. Our boat driver was very entertaining and took us for a spin past the studios then off to Epcot. We saw Illuminations, only traumatizing Mackinly slightly...remember he doesn't like loud noises. I just put my hands over his ears and he was fine. But, everynight after, he HAD to watch Illuminations from our room...he LOVED it! Our driver new that we were staying at the Swan so he took us for another spin around the lakes, dropping us off at the dock right in front of the Swan. That was a very nice touch, not having to walk back from the YC or wait for another boat at the YC after a long day.

[kv3291]

Day 3 - Monday

Well, this is the big day, the first time Mackinly, grandma(my mom) or DH sees the castle. My dad and I have been there before. My great Aunt(my grandfather's sister) lived in Orlando, so my grandfather would take the grandkids down to visit all the time, so I was excited to be with Mackinly and DH when they saw it for the first time...everyone was in amazement. I just loved the look on Mackinly's face and the fact that he is still talking about it. Today we did Peter Pan ride several times, the honey pots, Cinderella's carousel, the teacups, Donald's boat, Spaceranger spin (with my dad (grandpa) beating everyone with over 110,000), Tomarrowland Transit, Tom Sawyer's Island, the train, and watched the parade. We ate at CP for lunch...and again Mackinly was happy because they had a very good salmon on the buffet. Everyone enjoyed the food and we had good service!!!

[kv3291]

Day 4 - Tuesday

After an exhausting day at the MK, we decided to sleep in and go to the pool and miniature golf before heading to the park later. The pool at the Swan and Dolphin was great. We went to the grotto pool which was huge and included a waterfall, slide, volleyball net, several spas, a separate spring pool, a kiddie pool, and a near by beach that was cleaned and raked everyday. After we cleaned up, Mackinly wanted to play miniature golf...the downfall of the Swan, right next door to the miniature golf course!!! Mackinly LOVES golf and the sad thing is, he is better than I am. The cm at the counter warned that the sandtrap course was HARD---implying Mackinly might not like it! Well, he wasn't the one that didn't like it. I gave up after my second hole and opted to watch. Mackinly had a great time and faired rather decently on most holes. After golf, we headed to MK on bus again. We only shared the bus with the Dolphin, so we always made a rather quick getaway. Once in the park, we headed for Adventureland today. After making it thru there and having a frozen OJ, we headed for Chef Mickey's. We had a 5:00 seating, which is great for character interaction. Plus, Donal brought my parents a decorated cupcake for their anniversary. I planned a rehitching ceremony, but refurbishment kind of changed those plans. At least Donald did embarass them. What more could I ask for.

[kv3291]

Wednesday -

We are off by boat, bright and early, to the studios!!! Our first stop is playhouse Disney, and we are first inline...guaranteed good floor! While we are waiting, the cm gives us the list of where the characters will be and when...very good info! And, as it turns out, she used to live in the town over from us in PA. It is a small world! After she finds this out, she gives us a few good tid bits of info on the new stunt car show coming up and then it is time to go in and see Bear. The trouble is, I don't know who likes bear more, Mackinly or dh!!!



After playhouse disney show, we walk around and go to Honey, I shrunk the kids! But, it isn't long before we are heading to Sci-Fi for lunch! What can I say about sci-fi...everyone like sitiing in the car and the cheesey clips...that's about it. The food was probably the worst on the entire trip! The hamburgers were so salty you couldn't taste anything! This was a one time deal...never again!!!

After lunch, we went to the Muppets movie. Everyone enjoyed that and then it was off to meet Jojo. After Jojo, Mack, grandma, and I headed back to the hotel while dh and grandpa headed for star tours. Later that evening, we ventured to Gulliver's at the Swan for a character meal. The food was very good. Mack had a great buffet, not the typical stuff only offered at Disney. He had corn on the cob, fresh green beans, corn bread, bow ties with meatballs, and then they also had chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. The kids dessert buffet included several jellos, dirt complete with gummy worms, giant cupcakes, some candy, and more stuff that I can't remember. I opted for the adult dessert buffet. It was $8.00 or $8.50, I can't remember which, but it was incredible!!! Especially the raspberry shortcake and cheese cake. Those were my 2 favorites of the bunch. Grandpa (my dad) liked the keylime pie, and dh liked this chocolate cup filled with a chocolate pudding with a peanut butter filling. There was also a tiramisu, creme brulee, carrot cake and other goodies. The highlight of the dinner was the playtime Mackinly got with the characters. 1 character is there and then 30 minutes later another character comes. This day we had goofy and Pluto. Mack got to play with them and hug them as much as he could ever want. There were only 5 tables occupied at this time. The characters were even seating the few people that did stroll in. And, if there can be such a thing as too much character time, this was it. I couldn't get Mack to eat anything once the characters were there. They were too busy playing, doing silly things, and just having the kind of fun with a character that you could not imagine! The Swan and Dolphin have many good restaurants with many good desserts, and during the day, they make all the desserts close to Gulliver's. On the right side, immediately before Gulliver's is a large window. Here, you can watch them make all the desserts for that evening. Mack would like to wander by the window whenever we were near to watch.

[kv3291]

Thursday -

Mackinly, dh and myself head for the park while grandma and grandpa (my parents) head for downtown disney to buy yet more stuff for their poor, deprived grandson that mom and dad will have to lug home some how! And can I just offer another TIP - if you plan to buy the monorail and the contemporary to go with it plus lots of other stuff....have it shipped home if you can. And, by if you can, I know that Disney will ship, I mean if your child can stand the thought of parting with it for the 15 days it takes to ship home. That was our problem... I did ship some stuff home right from the store, but got stuck toting the ever beloved monorail and contemporary home. But, that is another story, in and of itself. Well, today is the day for the family magic tour...and no matter what they tell you on the phone, you DO NOT go straight to the courtyard. You go to the first building on the left side of the MK as soon as you come under the train. Here they give you special name tags which everyone MUST wear (I found out why later). And they offer you bottled water to take on you excursion through the park. After you have your name tag, you meet at the courtyard right next door. I will tell you that your tour guide, our tour guide was Adam, comes out and says you will be searching for hidden Mickey's all day and has everyone introduce themselves Disney-style then suddenly and to his disammay, his beeper goes off. He has one of the older children read the beeper which says something like..."big problem and need your help...call me ASAP...MM" Everyone knows MM is Mickey Mouse and Adam excuses himself because when the "big cheese calls you answer." He comes back and says that there has been an emergency and Mickey needs his help so he can not take us on our search for hidden Mickey's today and go back for a refund while he tries to figure out what he is suppose to do with all this stuff. The kids are intrigued and he recruits them to help prevent the pirates and Captain Hook from taking over the MK and all of its rides, but Captain Hook has already been causing trouble because Peter Pan took his hook..............after 1 1/2 hours of searching, we happen upon a roped off courtyard. Here we find Peter Pan and Wendy. This was the highlight of our trip and of everyone else in the tour. Peter Pan and Wendy take time for every child and pose for photos and sign books and just talk to the kids. Pocohontas and Meeko join us in the closed courtyard while CM's are at both entrances to the courtyard stopping everyone that doesn't have the special name tag. They explain the Peter Pan and Wendy are on a special mission and will be a Pirates later in the day.




Peter Pan and Wendy take all the children by the hand and walk with them to Mickey's Philharmagic. Everyone was escorted in to the front row and sat with Peter and Wendy. After the show, Peter and Wendy pull the children aside to take the oath to become official lost boys and girls. After the oath, everyone is presented with a special certificate for helping to save the magic kingdom. This was a truly magical experience with lots of surprises along the way. We started the tour at 9:50am, found Peter Pan and Wendy about 11:30 and did not say good bye to them until 12:45.




Afterwards, we were planning on meeting up with everyone at the GF for tea. But, we get a call from grandpa telling us that they are going back to the room because grandma (my mom) is sick. We decide to cancel tea since it was for my mom. Instead I call ps and get a table at the castle in 1 hour for lunch. In the mean time, Mack played in the fountains at Ariel's. We all enjoyed our meals...and yes, Mackinly got salmon AGAIN with sweet potato chips. I couldn't tell you how the salmon was...I did not get to try any...but, I did get the sweet potato chips. They were yummy! Our server told us that they are a special recipie that they make fresh daily. After a prince sundae complete with chocolate crown, we head out to use our fastpass for what else but Peter Pan's flight. After, we headed for the monorail and rode infront to TTC and took the monorail to Epcot. We walked around then headed back to the hotel for some snacks before going back to Epcot to go around the world. After a very long day, we realize that it is our last night. So, I decide to call and get a ps for 1900 Park Fare for breakfast before we head to the airport.

[kv3291]

Our last day. We head on out for a late breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. Today, it decides to rain, so we opt for a town car to take us. It is only $12 + tip. When we head thru the gates at WDW we are asked to pay the parking fee of $8...TIP - if you are AP holders, just show your card, even in a town car or cab, and you can go thru. At breakfast everyone samples some strawberry soup, Mickey waffles and ice cream and fresh fruit. Mackinly likes Alice but gives Pooh and Eeyore a couple of big hugs bye.


Then we decide to resort hop since we have sometime. We go to the Poly and WL. I was never a fan of the poly, but grandma wanted to see it...everyone agree that it is in need of some updates and that their theme pool is rather small. Next it is onto WL, I have never been there! I love lodges and we often visit a lodge by Algonquin Provincal Park, and to my dismay, I was not in love with WL. In fact, I immediately called my travel agent and told her to move us out of there for our spring trip. Thankfully we will be going to AKL. DOn't get me wrong, WL has some great points, one being the lobby, but it is not my type of place. What really killed it was the only way to get to MK was by boat, we rode that boat, not like the boats taking you to Epcot. This boat sounded like it was going to die, smelled horribly of deisel, and was quite the putter. If I ever have to ride that again, I know I would scream. The smell just made me queasy. And, I was not impressed with wl's grounds. After we headed back to the Swan, our limo driver arrived 20 minutes early, warning us of horrific traffic because of a large convention that has taken over Orlando. We went on our way back to the airport. Our limo driver gave our luggage to the curbside check-in and walked us to our ticket counter. We did have problems with our tickets and we dreading this, but, USAir saw the problems and had new seating assignments for us that were all together. Roger, our driver, walked us to security and pointed us in the right direction, and we were off the the air side only to find out our flight was delayed by 25 minutes. The ride home was uneventful. It was night and the lights were beautiful and then the pilot tell us we will be flying over Heinz Field. Leaving WDW was sad, but seeing your hometown in lights is always a welcome sight!

[luvnwdwgal]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!!

[Tara O'Hara]

What an awesome report!! Your son is adorable!! Thank you for sharing your magical trip with us!!

[Colexis Mom]

What a great time you all had Thanks for sharing your trip with us

[pparm]

Just read all of your trip report. Sounds like you really enjoyed yourself! Thanks for sharing!

Paula

[Courtney]

Mackinly is always SO adorable! I'm so glad you guys had a good time!!

Now when we crash the party in January, you will know why!!

[mrskpete]

wonderful trip report!

[kv3291]

[ QUOTE ]

Now when we crash the party in January, you will know why!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Crash the party??? You are PLANNING the party...REMEMBER! And your off to a good start saving me all that money at the Swan. I have the hats and noise makers!!!