Spirit of America Mid Atlantic tour

[Stepht5]

Anybody else going on a Spirit of America tour???

If I oculd have fit it into our busy summer schedule I would have loved to have added the Imperial Cities tour!!!

 

[vick1s]

We got backpacks and info yesterday... daighter was a bit underwhelmed. Seems like Disney is doing less "special stuff" for programs in the states. WE are excited, but hoped for journals, or something more.
i'D like to see how others have felt about trip... Is there enough time for seeing D.C? Want to fit in a concert somewhere as well. Anyone done this, or doing it this summer? wE will be doing July 26th
Any info appreciat4ed. 10 year old daughter and I are reading Ben and me this summer to prepare for Philly.
hAVE a magical day with whatever you are doing.
Vicky Spencer
Vacation bY V

 

[DisneyKevin]

HI Vicky,

When we took our trip to Italy, we recived our backpacks prior to departure, but all other goodies were given upon arrival.

Hope this helps.

Kevin

 

[Stepht5]

We got backpacks and info yesterday... daighter was a bit underwhelmed. Seems like Disney is doing less "special stuff" for programs in the states. WE are excited, but hoped for journals, or something more.
i'D like to see how others have felt about trip... Is there enough time for seeing D.C? Want to fit in a concert somewhere as well. Anyone done this, or doing it this summer? wE will be doing July 26thAny info appreciat4ed. 10 year old daughter and I are reading Ben and me this summer to prepare for Philly.
hAVE a magical day with whatever you are doing.
Vicky Spencer
Vacation bY V

I hope you post when you get back! We (myself, 16dd & 9ds) are going on the trip August! We are sooo excited!

 

[Stepht5]

Oh my gosh!!! We recieved our backpacks, booklets and luggage handles yesterday!!!!

We everything!!! The summary booklet was fantastic!!! How handy!!!! We can't wait for our trip! We leave a month from today!!!

 

[dingoballs]

Hi Stephanie,

We received our ABD stuff the other day too. After reading the material, I can't WAIT to see all those places too! We'll see you guys in a month!

Allen

 

[Stepht5]

Hi Stephanie,

We received our ABD stuff the other day too. After reading the material, I can't WAIT to see all those places too! We'll see you guys in a month!

Allen

It should be easy to figure out which person is me! I'll be the middle aged woman with a tall 16dd (dark haired) and a short 9ds (blond)! LOL!

 

[vick1s]

Yes, I have returned home... exhausted, educated, and glad we did it. Laundry in dryer, so I'll attempt a little bit

I went on this Adventure with my 10 year old daughter. This is a great age, as she can learn about American History. I wanted to let her experience the capitol, and see some of the challenges in our past.

First day : Arrival was very smooth. We had people waiting for us, offering to take the bags, load a nice car, give us water, and head into Philly. We had the afternoon to explore, and went to Betsy Ross house. House was okay, but outside "plays" in court yard were hysterical. Tried Franklin's Fountain for ice cream, then returned to change for meeting the group.

Tip 1: Wear walking shoes cause you will be walking lots!
Tip 2: Definantly better to get here early, and relax than rush in at last minute.

Meeting with the Group
Nice introductory meeting, with getting to know you activities. Group had lots of children, 4 girls in my daughters age group. (She was thrilled!) We meet Tracey and Trevor who were very enthusiastic, and great with everyone. Dinner is a don't miss, talking to someone from the 1776 era.
Hotel was nice. It is on a river, and had great views. I got a much better feel about our navel, and ship history here. Don't pass up chance to eat philly Cheese steak.
CLosing now, as I finished day one. Any questions? EMAIL ME.
ps. I know most of the new places disney is adding to Adventures next year.

 

[dingoballs]

Yes, I have returned home... exhausted, educated, and glad we did it. Laundry in dryer, so I'll attempt a little bit

I went on this Adventure with my 10 year old daughter. This is a great age, as she can learn about American History. I wanted to let her experience the capitol, and see some of the challenges in our past.

First day : Arrival was very smooth. We had people waiting for us, offering to take the bags, load a nice car, give us water, and head into Philly. We had the afternoon to explore, and went to Betsy Ross house. House was okay, but outside "plays" in court yard were hysterical. Tried Franklin's Fountain for ice cream, then returned to change for meeting the group.

Tip 1: Wear walking shoes cause you will be walking lots!
Tip 2: Definantly better to get here early, and relax than rush in at last minute.

Meeting with the Group
Nice introductory meeting, with getting to know you activities. Group had lots of children, 4 girls in my daughters age group. (She was thrilled!) We meet Tracey and Trevor who were very enthusiastic, and great with everyone. Dinner is a don't miss, talking to someone from the 1776 era.
Hotel was nice. It is on a river, and had great views. I got a much better feel about our navel, and ship history here. Don't pass up chance to eat philly Cheese steak.
CLosing now, as I finished day one. Any questions? EMAIL ME.
ps. I know most of the new places disney is adding to Adventures next year.

Thanks for the report. How was the rest of the trip?

We're going on the August 14th tour and we're very excited. I have a question about the ABD luggage rule. Did anyone in your group exceed 1 luggage per person?

 

[Stepht5]

Thank you so much for posting about your first day! My children and I are very excited to be going on this trip!!!

The biggest question I have is about the bike tour...... 9ds is a couple of inches shy of the height to get his own bike (he is NOT happy about that!) and 16dd doesn't know if she wants to ride a bike! LOL!

 

[vick1s]

1. I would talk with Disney about biking issue. If he is with you, maybe he can be official camera man. It is a long, hot ride,or at least ours was.
2. Bag/luggage... Keep it to the 1 per person if at all possible. There is a lot of moving inand out of hotels on this trip.

DAY 2
Philidelphia We woke to nice buffet breakfast, and our first real tour. We went to learn about the Decllaration of Independance. Wonderful presentation, and neat exhibits. Daughter got to try on robe of supreme court judge. There is tons of history around Philly. We went to the mint, and liberty bell before lunch. Kay, a lovely lady dressed in period costume the swimming pool of hotel, then explored the riverdocks, and had seafood dinner. Beautiful ending to quite educational day.
Trevor and Tracey have helped a number of families with dinner choices, and other suggestions today. They truely do seem to know the "lay of the land" well. The families are getting to know each other a bit, which makes things a lot more fun. My daughter wants to hang out with the other girls her age, so I am happily enjoying a little adult conversation.
Until day 3...
Vicky

 

[vick1s]

1. I would talk with Disney about biking issue. If he is with you, maybe he can be official camera man. It is a long, hot ride,or at least ours was.
2. Bag/luggage... Keep it to the 1 per person if at all possible. There is a lot of moving inand out of hotels on this trip.

DAY 2
Philidelphia We woke to nice buffet breakfast, and our first real tour. We went to learn about the Decllaration of Independance. Wonderful presentation, and neat exhibits. Daughter got to try on robe of supreme court judge. There is tons of history around Philly. We went to the mint, and liberty bell before lunch. Kay, a lovely lady dressed in period costume the swimming pool of hotel, then explored the riverdocks, and had seafood dinner. Beautiful ending to quite educational day.
Trevor and Tracey have helped a number of families with dinner choices, and other suggestions today. They truely do seem to know the "lay of the land" well. The families are getting to know each other a bit, which makes things a lot more fun. My daughter wants to hang out with the other girls her age, so I am happily enjoying a little adult conversation.
Until day 3...
Vicky

 

[Anything Disney!]

I homeschool my dd15 and as a sophomore this year, one of her classes will be US History. Do those of you who have taken this adventure think it would be a good supplement for educational purposes? She was also invited next summer to go to Japan by the people to people organization, but we don't know much about that program as of yet. Disney seems to do things well, so I feel comfortable with the idea of a group trip. It will most likely be just her and I.

 

[Stepht5]

I homeschool my dd15 and as a sophomore this year, one of her classes will be US History. Do those of you who have taken this adventure think it would be a good supplement for educational purposes? She was also invited next summer to go to Japan by the people to people organization, but we don't know much about that program as of yet. Disney seems to do things well, so I feel comfortable with the idea of a group trip. It will most likely be just her and I.

We just got back this afternoon from this Adventure. We homeschool our 16dd (9ds & 6dd, also!) and we are definately using this as part of her *school*. It was fantastic!!!!!

I will be writing at trip report soon! Tonight I am way too tired! LOL!!!!!

We loved the amoutn of information given and the manner that it was done!

 

[Anything Disney!]

Wow! I guess I'll be booking!! Looking forward to your trip report! I've been looking for trips like these for a while and was really excited to see that we could incorporate education and quality family time Disney style!

 

[dingoballs]

Wow! I guess I'll be booking!! Looking forward to your trip report! I've been looking for trips like these for a while and was really excited to see that we could incorporate education and quality family time Disney style!

I totally agree with Stepht5. We were on the same tour as Stephanie & her kids. This particular tour is perfect for anyone who wants to see and learn about the history of our country's founding and also be entertained as only Disney knows how. Our 2 ABD guides (Cheryl and Tracy) were fantastic!

Hey Stephanie, I'm looking forward to reading your TR too!

Allen

 

[Stepht5]

Hey Stephanie, I'm looking forward to reading your TR too!

Allen

It will take a couple of weeks to get it all done BUT, I hope to have at least part of it posted this weekend.

Tell Angela that Samantha already misses listening to her stories and smart mouth!

The kids got up this morning and asked me where the breakfast buffet was located!

 

[Stepht5]

The biggest question I have is about the bike tour...... 9ds is a couple of inches shy of the height to get his own bike (he is NOT happy about that!) and 16dd doesn't know if she wants to ride a bike! LOL!

I'm going to answer my own questions (I will be including this information in my trip report).

The bike tour was/is FANTASTIC!!! It really is for all ages (and ability). Remember to dress for the weather and wear loose fitting clothing so, as not to get *too* hot!
They were able to fit 9ds for a bike -- although the set up if it didn't work out was a great *add on bike* and several of the kids did that!
Even though it was very hot that day while you are riding you get such a nice breeze (and ABD does give you *cooldanas* in your arrival package!). There is also water in a holder on your bike. There are plenty of stops along the way -- in case you can't coordinate drinking water and biking at the same time.
The bike tour guides are lots of fun and informative. You get to see many of the sights and monuments.
There were 3 people on our tour that needed the use of electric scooters instead of bikes -- they didn't have any mobility issues except they didn't know how to ride a bike. So, if you don't bike don't worry Disney has it worked out! They had a seperate tour from us but, they did meet up with us at one of the monuments.
On our bike tour we did have a couple of casualties -- including one woman that had to fly home early. She was an older woman that fell off of her bike within the first 5 min. Her dd & 2 grandsons were on the bike tour (her dh had decided not to do the bike portion) and her dd told me that her mother was very accident prone. I was grateful that 16dd didn't see her fall since that would have caiused ehr to freak and jump off her bike -- I've seen her do that before at home.
The other *casualty* was a woman (30's?) that became very overheated but, didn't want to give up. She and her dh wore jeans for the bike ride (it wsa in the 90's). Her face was a deep red color after the bike ride -- the last half block is an incline up to the hotel. But, by the time dinner rolled around she looked fine! And I really thought she might need to see a Dr! LOL! I guess she had become extremely overheated.
If anyone has any specific questions I will be happy to answer what I can in my report!
I want to make sure that I report the type of information that would have really helped me!

 

[dingoballs]

It will take a couple of weeks to get it all done BUT, I hope to have at least part of it posted this weekend.

Tell Angela that Samantha already misses listening to her stories and smart mouth!

The kids got up this morning and asked me where the breakfast buffet was located!

Hi Stephanie, I'll tell Angela... and I tried to keep her stories rated PG13. We really enjoyed your company. It made the trip that much more enjoyable... and we miss those breakfast buffets too!

Allen

 

[Stepht5]

Hi Stephanie, I'll tell Angela... and I tried to keep her stories rated PG13. We really enjoyed your company. It made the trip that much more enjoyable... and we miss those breakfast buffets too!

Allen

LOL! I cracked up everytime you said *No swearing* to Angela! LOL! I've said that many times to my dh over the years!