Hey all,
I wanted to make sure that I dropped a line regarding what I feel was one of the best time the family ever had at the World.
Our trip was in May (May 21-28). Fantastic time to go and we were able to take advantage of all the Happiest Celebration new pieces without the major crowds or heat. In any case we decided to take the Family Magic Tour this time.
For those of you who are not aware this tour is designed for families and is not a sightseeing adventure but rather an adventure all in itself. You are gathered right next to City Hall in the small courtyard while you await you guide. Our guide Greg was phenomenal. He was able to get all (adults as well) involved and interested. The premise was that Greg has just recieved a call from Mickey saying that Capt Hook and his pirates were going to take over the Magic Kingdom if he did not get back the Hook Peter stole from him that previous night while he slept. Peter has left a map with clues so that you could find the hook and we have to follow the clues.
For the next two hours we crowed through the Hub, Flew to Tommorrowland, Scared Sonny Eclipse, wished upon a star, and got to the spot where we might find the hook. We were met by Peter and Wendy who to our great surprise told us the whole story of how they did it (while using Greg as Hook to demonstrate upon). They then took pictures with each family and each child.
No one wanted it to end. So it didnt. We were given the choice by Peter and Wendy of which ride we would like to ride with them. Since we had such a large group it would be between Small World and Philharmagic. Philharmagic won out and we skipped, jumped, hopped, leapfrogged and ran up behind the castle to the secret entrance. The kids got to sit with Peter and Wendy through the show and afterward they signed autographs, took more pics and gave each family a certificate of a magical moment signed by them.
This was simply perfect!
Now for the particulars:
1) Make the reservations early (about a month if not before) to get your choice of day. We went late in the week after we had been to the Kingdom twice already to avoid the "I wanna ride" etc. It copuldnt have worked out better.
2) They do have a break in the middle for about 10 minutes.
3) Cost is $25 per person but mention you are AAA and they give you a 10% discount.
4) Ask for Greg he was very very good
5) Dont tell the kids anything! Tell them you are headed to the Kingdom but you have some things to do before we go to the lands. The surprise factor is great but it is also great to suck them into the story. They really believe it.
6) Take a ton a pictures. You will want these later. My girls are 7 and 5 and they made a scrapbook from them. This is also all they talk about when someone asks them about their trip.
7) Most Importantly:Be prepared and ready to act like a child. If you take this tour it is not just for the kids. You need to participate! Dont take it to be a spectator because you actually look totally out of place. Who cares who sees you. Who cares what they think. Have fun and be a kid again!
I read a trip report that summarized it for me and I wanted to pass it on so that someone else may enjoy it. Hope I did it the proper job. Have fun.
Hank Hill
I wanted to make sure that I dropped a line regarding what I feel was one of the best time the family ever had at the World.
Our trip was in May (May 21-28). Fantastic time to go and we were able to take advantage of all the Happiest Celebration new pieces without the major crowds or heat. In any case we decided to take the Family Magic Tour this time.
For those of you who are not aware this tour is designed for families and is not a sightseeing adventure but rather an adventure all in itself. You are gathered right next to City Hall in the small courtyard while you await you guide. Our guide Greg was phenomenal. He was able to get all (adults as well) involved and interested. The premise was that Greg has just recieved a call from Mickey saying that Capt Hook and his pirates were going to take over the Magic Kingdom if he did not get back the Hook Peter stole from him that previous night while he slept. Peter has left a map with clues so that you could find the hook and we have to follow the clues.
For the next two hours we crowed through the Hub, Flew to Tommorrowland, Scared Sonny Eclipse, wished upon a star, and got to the spot where we might find the hook. We were met by Peter and Wendy who to our great surprise told us the whole story of how they did it (while using Greg as Hook to demonstrate upon). They then took pictures with each family and each child.
No one wanted it to end. So it didnt. We were given the choice by Peter and Wendy of which ride we would like to ride with them. Since we had such a large group it would be between Small World and Philharmagic. Philharmagic won out and we skipped, jumped, hopped, leapfrogged and ran up behind the castle to the secret entrance. The kids got to sit with Peter and Wendy through the show and afterward they signed autographs, took more pics and gave each family a certificate of a magical moment signed by them.
This was simply perfect!
Now for the particulars:
1) Make the reservations early (about a month if not before) to get your choice of day. We went late in the week after we had been to the Kingdom twice already to avoid the "I wanna ride" etc. It copuldnt have worked out better.
2) They do have a break in the middle for about 10 minutes.
3) Cost is $25 per person but mention you are AAA and they give you a 10% discount.
4) Ask for Greg he was very very good
5) Dont tell the kids anything! Tell them you are headed to the Kingdom but you have some things to do before we go to the lands. The surprise factor is great but it is also great to suck them into the story. They really believe it.
6) Take a ton a pictures. You will want these later. My girls are 7 and 5 and they made a scrapbook from them. This is also all they talk about when someone asks them about their trip.
7) Most Importantly:Be prepared and ready to act like a child. If you take this tour it is not just for the kids. You need to participate! Dont take it to be a spectator because you actually look totally out of place. Who cares who sees you. Who cares what they think. Have fun and be a kid again!
I read a trip report that summarized it for me and I wanted to pass it on so that someone else may enjoy it. Hope I did it the proper job. Have fun.
Hank Hill
