[painted_lady1]

The Magical Gatherings Program was wonderful, there was four or 5 of our group that had computers and downloaded the Magical Gatherings Trip Planner. We corresponded with one of our group from Florida, too and they kept us up to date on everything. My sister planned all the events for all the days, Unfortunately, it is very hard to get 16 people together all the time, some want to sleep later, others want to get going earlier, lol. And we were in two different resorts, both VClubs, Old Key West was where my group of 8 and I were located and the Beach Club Villas was where my sister and her group of 8 were. It was fun, even though I have been a few times down there, some of the kids and my daughters was the first time, so it was an experience.

[painted_lady1]

Originally Posted by llama

Hey, I watched that parade, You're a good-looking bunch! Welcome to DC!

Thanks lama, lol

[painted_lady1]

Originally Posted by asp8tis

Welcome to DC! That sounds like an absolutely wonderful experience. It must have been so exciting to be a part of the magic for those 2 days. I hope you have a copy of that parade on tape so that you can watch it and experience it over and over again!

The Disney People sent us all a copy without commercials, which was wonderful of them. They bought us all the t-shirts and they also gave my sister $1,000.00 disney dollars for arranging all of that with them. I mean for 3 months she was on the phone with them, they had to do background checks on all of us, so they needed each individual id on each one, they called me directly, and I gave them my info.....but i'll tell you, filming is not easy and very tiring, wouldn't want to do that all the time, lol. Going over and over on the same rides, 3 and 4 times was a kick, lol.......

[painted_lady1]

Originally Posted by tinkermommy

I too, am a horrid shade of green. But also very happy that they use REAL people for things like that. It had to be a once in a lifetime dream and i'm sure the kids will never forget it. (Adults too!) How do you people get picked for things like this! Congratulations

Because they were doing that magical gatherings thing for friends and families, any large group that had booked a vacation around that time the first week of december, when they normally tape the parade, they contacted. so they had more than one family in line for the spot, it was just a matter of picking out the one they wanted. Lol, dont know how we got picked, my sis had to send pictures of us, too, along with the background checks, they really do a thorough job, lol.............

[painted_lady1]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

painted lady1... that is the coolest thing ever! What a wonderful way to enjoy yourselves at WDW!
HOWEVER... here at DC, we want more -- no, make that NEED more --- details please! You are dealing with a bunch of crazed fanatics here, and we crave every morsel of detail!!! What hotel did you stay at? Where did you eat? What characters di dyou meet and what rides did you ride? What cast members took care of you and how did they do it? How did you get around -- by car, bus, limo, monorail, bus? Did you have excorts everywhere you went? Etc. etc. etc... You have given us a tiny peek of your fantastic trip, and we want ALL the scoop!!! Please, painted, please tell us everything!!!

My sister is a vacation club member and has to club memberships, one at Old Key West, first one, and the other at Beach Club Villa's, new one. We were picked up at our respective homes-away-from homes by a van driven by the DW Guides. And we were taken into the back way of the Magic Kingdom, which is where we filmed on the Monday, and then again on the following Saturday, which was when Regis was there, Clay Aiken and Raven and all sorts of other stars taping there parts of the parade. We were hoarded in that circular section just inside the gates, and just before Main Street, waiting for our turn to be taped, lol. We had breakfast at the castle, just before shooting, on the Monday.........and we also did a family photo shoot at the rose garden just before you get to the castle. They kept a constant supply of cold drinks and snacks for us all day, and we broke for lunch which they took care of too. Dont remember where, because we went there through the back way too.......

They broke us up into two groups, cuz 16 was too much to try and tape while doing rides. So one film crew went with us and the other was with my sister. After lunch, they took us over to boardwalk, where we filmed riding the surrey bikes around the resorts. And thats where they interviewed my sister, because she narrated the special, which was introduced by Miss America, during the parade. Hope that answers some of your questions, lol..........