ASMo, Grand Gatherings, and more!!!!!

[karynnix]

We stayed at ASMo and LOVED IT!!! The rooms were spotless and the CM's were wonderful. Check-in was a little slow, but we weren't upset. It was much quieter than I anticipated. We stayed in the 101 Dalmations and we could see Fantasia and Mighty Ducks from where we were. The Fantasia pool is MUCH better than the Mighty Ducks pool. Laundry rooms were small, but since they were close to the pool, I could get some sun while the clothes washed! The food court was AMAZING!! Everything that we ate was good. Try the philly cheese subs. Out of this world! Bus transportation was great, too. We didn't wait long for a bus coming or going to the parks. It was nice not having to drive.

I took my DD5 to the Perfectly Princess Tea Party at the GF. It is worth every penny. So classy and fun . She loved it and it was a once in a lifetime experience. I think that if we did it again, it wouldn't be as special.

We booked as a Grand Gathering and did the Magical Fireworks Voyage. Again, worth every penny. Our captain was excellent and we had a great time. We also did the Good Morning Gathering at Tony's in MK. That was the highlight of our vacation. Do it if you can. You won't regret it. The food was wonderful and the singing was great. My son is autistic and was excited to see all of the characters. On the voyage and at the breakfast there is LOTS of character interaction. Lots of one on one time. Let me know if you would like more details.

Crowds were not bad at all at Epcot, but it was wall-to-wall at MK. I have never been when there was so many people!! We ended up leaving a little early because of the crowds.

It was a great vacation, and I hated leaving. But it sure feels good to be back home!!

 

[dzneelvr]

What a wonderful report. I got in the Disney mood just reading it. We are an ASmo family; stay in the Mighty Ducks area and love it. So great for the kids. Thanks for the update.

 

[hojo]

Staying at ASMo at the end of September into October. Not sure which building yet though. Any recommendations for a building or other helpful hints?? I will be traveling with DW, DS's 4 & 6.. Thanks!

 

[karynnix]

Honestly, I would go back and stay at any of the buildings. We were in 101 Dalmations and were close to both pools and the food court building. Fantasia and Toy Story would be closer to the food court and pool, but would probably be louder. I don't know that there could be a bad building! We absolutely loved everything about ASMo!!!

 

[fizz13]

Good to hear a positive review of All Stars and that you had a great time. Thanks for sharing,
Claire

 

[hojo]

I read on another thread that milk and apple juice were beverages that you could use with your refillable mugs. they said that since these beverages came out of a spigot they were ok for the mugs. Do you have any info on this?? I am heading down in Sept and the family is not soda drinker so I was going to bag teh mugs. But if milk adn juice are included, count me in!

 

[3lilprincesses]

i would love to hear more about the Good Morning Gathering. what was the food like, what characters were there, how many people do you think were there? we are going as a Grand Gathering in january, and i am trying to figure out what to do...i really want to do the Magical Fireworks Voyage, but i read it was "seasonal" so i don't want to get my heart set on something i might not be able to try. the Good Morning Gathering is the other one i would like to try. TIA!!

 

[karynnix]

My information lists the following as free refill items:
coke, diet coke, cherry coke, caffeine free diet coke, pink lemonade, root beer, sprite, unsweet tea, coffee, water (hot and cold), and hot chocolate.


The Good Morning Gathering was WONDERFUL!!! We got to go into Magic Kingdom early because the breakfast starts at 9:30. We were able to spend about an hour walking down Main Street before the crowds got in! We checked in at Tony's and sat for a few minutes. They call you in by your group name and seat you inside. Immediately, the waiter was at the table taking drink orders. You had a choice of a traditional breakfast (bacon, sausage, asiago hash browns-yum,yum,yum, scrambled eggs, and french toast with strawberries) or a healthy breakfast (granola with yogurt and berries). Of course, we all got the traditional!! For the kids, they get french toast and berries. The food wasn't too filling and since it is all you can eat, we were happy! Tony came out and sang some songs and brought out Chip and Dale, Goofy, and Pluto. He did the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken dance with the kids and had a great time. It was like a party!! The characters stayed out in the dining room the entire time going from table to table. Once they had made the rounds, they just visited as the kids came up to them. Pluto was playing pattycake with one baby at one point! ONce everyone had met with the characters, they started calling families back to see Mickey one-on-one. We got great pictures, adn they didn't hurry you through at all. The whole thing was over about 11:00 and we left feeling the Disney magic!! I would definately do it again!!!

 

[3lilprincesses]

the breakfast sounds like it was great! i'll have to book it, especially if i can't get the fireworks voyage.

thank you!