Around the Resort

When choosing our accommodations for this trip over 8 months ago, I had a very difficult decision to make.  I knew I wanted to stay on Disney property, but WHERE???  The resorts are all unique and offer many different options for rooms, dining, transportation, swimming, and activities.  They also vary hugely in price (which was my key factor).  After talking with many friends who have stayed on property, I decided to go with a Disney value resort.  Although the amenities aren't quite as extensive as the pricier options, how often would we really be in our room?  Well I can happily report, we truly enjoyed our stay at the All Star Movie Resort!  The room was average, but the main pool was huge and the decor was 100% kid friendly!  We were in our room to sleep and that was about it.  We spent all of our free time at the pool or in the arcade and cafeteria.  We never waited more than 5 minutes for a shuttle to the parks and the staff was outstanding.  The kids especially enjoyed the poolside entertainment and nightly movie under the stars.  Aron and I enjoyed the poolside bar:-)  Here are some fun pics taken around the resort.

We walked by Daisy and Donald everyday to get to the pool.

The resort is divided into sections: Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, The Mighty Ducks, Fantasia, and Herbie the Love Bug.  We were able to choose which section we wanted.  At first, I thought we'd pick Toy Story since that is the movie the kids are most familiar with.  Then Aron suggested a less familiar movie might mean a quieter room.  So, we opted for Herbie.  The kids loved it!!!  Now they keep asking to see the movie.  And...  our room location was extremely quiet.  We literally woke to birds singing outside our window every morning.  Bonus points for Aron's good thinking!!!

Russell hanging out by Herbie.

Fantasia Pool.  It's hard to see how big this pool is, but it was enormous.  We never had to look for chairs or a table.  There was plenty of room for all.  I took this picture in the morning before the pool was open.  Can you see sorcerer Mickey spraying water?

The kids did have to check out the Toy Story section.  We have lots of pictures here.  I don't have any of the other sections,but imagine HUGE Dalmatians and hockey gear.

Sloane next to Woody.

Under the Buzz blocks.

Russell's turn.

A game of checkers anyone?

Can you see Russell at Buzz's feet?

Woody's blocks.

Rex the dinosaur.

Bucket of soldiers.

Out in front of the resort where we waited for our shuttles.  Huge letters spelling ALL STAR MOVIES.  Sloane was sure the S was for Sloane.

And R for Russell.

My two All Stars!

Fun in the sun!  We are ready for winter to be over!!!

If we were not at a park, she was in a swim suit.  She literally ran from the shuttle bus to our room, let herself in, changed, and danced her way to the pool.  She swam into the night everyday and made friends with every little girl at our resort.  Every time we were at the food court, I heard someone say "hey there's your friend from the pool."

When not in the pool showing off his swimming technique, Russell was learning to play ping pong with Aron.  He also enjoyed the arcade.

The Magic Kingdom

We spent two days at the Magic Kingdom (my personal favorite) and it was exactly as it should be - Magical!!!  The first day we arrived fairly early and played hard!  We were ready to head back to the resort after dinner for some relaxation poolside.  On the 2nd day we slept in, swam all morning, and headed to the Magic Kingdom after a poolside lunch.  We had plenty of energy to enjoy everything we missed the first day plus stayed late enough to watch the fireworks, laser light show, and the electrical parade.  Some of our favorites at the Magic Kingdom include the Swiss Family Robinson tree house, the pirates of the Caribbean, thunder mountain railroad, Tom Sawyer's Island, the haunted mansion, Aladdin's magic carpet ride, the spinning tea cups, Cinderella's castle (especially the Bippity Bobbity Boutique and the Royal Table restaurant), Ariel's undersea adventure, and the Beast's castle!  There was much, much, much more, but I have to stop somewhere.  I never thought I'd say this but...  I can't wait to go back!!!  And... next time I will stay longer!!!



Entering the Magic Kingdom - This place is magnificent!

Princess and Prince

Swiss Family Robinson Tree House

While the boys adventured around pirate parts, Sloane enjoyed Aladdin's magic carpet - two times!  She's a wicked carpet driver!

She also enjoyed spinning me around in a tea cup.

Getting ready to visit Cinderella's castle for her appointment at the Bippity Boppity Boutique.

Sloane's personal fairy Godmother.  Starting with hair.

Another Godmother came over to apply nail polish.

And make-up.

Getting the crown in place.

Add a little fairy dust and "Bippity Boppity Boo."

The BIG reveal!!!  Can you tell she is happy?!?!

A princess needs royal portraits.



Then off to Cinderella's Royal Table for dinner.  A SUPER fun place to eat!  We were treated like royalty.  It was quite the experience.

Sloane met several princesses at dinner, but she was most excited to meet her twin Aurora the Sleeping Beauty.

What was Russell up to while Sloane was becoming a princess?  Why he was at the Pirate's League of course!

He spent an hour learning about pirates, taking a pirate oath, and transforming into a pirate.

On our second day at Magic Kingdom we visited Tom Sawyer's Island for the 2nd time.  Russell insisted on being our tour guide.

An island with caves and a fort - this place is made for Russell!

In front of Rapunzel's tower.

On our way to the Beast's castle for dinner.

For dessert, Russell enjoyed the Grey Stuff.  This is mentioned in the song Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast.  "Try the grey stuff, it's delicious.  Don't believe me, ask the dishes."  It was indeed delicious!

Sloane had Belle's favorite - a strawberry mousse cupcake.

After touring the castle, we met the Beast.  Sloane had NO interest, but Russell couldn't wait.

Family photo with the Beast.  Sloane was a bit apprehensive.

Watching the electrical parade.  This picture is not good, but the parade was spectacular!  I personally loved the laser show displayed on Cinderella's castle.  It brought tears to my eyes.  A very touching show honoring Walt Disney.  When it was over, Russell said "Wow!  That was my favorite part so far.  Do you think I can get a book about Walt Disney?"

 

Hollywood Studios

We went to Hollywood Studios on our last full day in Florida.  Our day began a little rough.  Russell had the stomach flu one week earlier just before we left for Florida.  We thought it was a 24 hour bug since the vomiting only lasted a day.  However, all week in Florida he seemed a little off.  I tried not to worry and he kept saying he was fine, but I knew something wasn't quite right.  Well, Friday morning I woke everyone up early because this was the day Russell had been waiting for - Jedi Training day!!!  In order to secure a spot in training camp, you had to be in line and waiting when the park opened at 9:00 a.m.  When Russell woke up, he instantly said he did not feel well and had a stomach ache.  He however did not want to miss Jedi Training so we headed to our shuttle bus at 8:00 a.m.  Things went from bad to worse quickly.  Russell vomited several times before making it to the shuttle.  I did not know what to do!?!  The right thing would be to turn around and tuck your baby in bed with a bucket next to him.  BUT... then he would miss the ONE thing he wanted to do and had been dreaming about for TWO years!  So...Aron and I made the snap decision to go anyway with plastic bags in hand (just in case).  Luckily (and thank God) Russell was not sick again and was able to secure his training spot.  He had a BLAST!  We took it easy most of the morning and kept our day short.  Russell was back to the resort by early afternoon and in bed by 7:00 p.m.  What a day!!!

Family photo upon entering Hollywood Studios

Russell designed his own droid.

Star Wars EVERYWHERE!

Entering the Star Tours ride.  It was fabulous!  We traveled with C3PO through space where we encountered many troubles, but ended with a safe landing back on Earth.

While Russell trained to become a Jedi, Sloane had her face painted.

Jedi Training Academy - This was so much fun to watch!

The young Padawans had to conquer Darth Vader

Russell preparing his light saber.

Practicing his moves.

Let the battle begin.  Russell volunteered to go first.

Big kid and little kid designing and building their own light sabers.

I forgot to mention earlier the 2nd reason Russell HAD to go to Hollywood Studios - the Indiana Jones stunt show!  We had front row seats for this 30 minute stunt production.  Aron volunteered to be an extra and was chosen.  Check him out in the center.  Russell loved every minute of this show and was completely jealous when Indy shook Aron's hand.  It was fun for us all!

Meeting Phineas and Ferb.

Russell was excited to meet Sorcerer Mickey.  He chose to wait in line for this picture.

Fun!  Fun!  Fun!  Toy Story Mania!  Thankfully we had a fast pass for this ride since it had a 2 hour wait!!!  I would have loved to repeat this one.