As reported earlier, my family of nine (2 grown children and their spouses, 3 grandchildren, (aged 5 1/2, 5, and 2 1/2), DH and myself) was the "family reunion/grandparent -empty nest" that was chosen for the new ½ hour DVC commercial to be aired in August on the Travel Channel, ABC Family and HGTV. While there was a certain amount of stress involved, (not knowing what was going to happen during the interviews) it turned out to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life! I have so much to share. It was like being in a dream. I'll try to explain without going on for too long...
We were originally scheduled to stay at BWVs for 8 nights. Just before departure, we were contacted that DVC would be refunding our points for the last 4 nights at BWVs and moving us to a grand villa at BLT for the last 4 nights of our stay (all complimentary). They wanted to film our interviews at the grand villa on one of the two days that we were scheduled to be with the film crew. They also gave us monetary gift cards and 3-day park hoppers. (One day was to be used during our filming in the park day). This was their way to thank us for giving up 2 days of our vacation to film. Sweet!!
We were moved to room 8416 on the 14th floor facing the Magic Kingdom. It was amazing! The view of the fireworks from each room in the villa was unbelievable. Add to that the piped in music from channel 20, a glass of wine, and we were in heaven.
Our first day with the film crew began with make-up for our entire family. It didnt amount to much, as the women in my family already applied their own. It was hysterical to see the men sit for cover-up and powder however.
The first thing they had us do was walk in to Magic Kingdom as a family and react as we usually do when we go. We always have a group hug at the Main Street hub.
Then we had a private meet and greet with Cinderella in the Rose Garden where they took family photos. I then presented my 5 year old granddaughter with her birthday gift (my 54 year old Cinderella watch). It was very sweet because I had it placed in a jewelry box that needed a key to open. I gave her the key and explained the story of how I got the watch when I was 5 from my mother (her great grandmother). Cinderella participated and told me she remembered how much I loved that watch. There was more to the story, but you get the drift it was very special!
We then moved on to the tea-cup ride where the camera man got in the cup with me and my two 5-year old granddaughters. I can only imagine what those close-up shots look like! Everyone in the family rode along next to us. It was so much fun that I didnt even remember the camera guy was there!
After the ride they gave the kids snacks and everyone drinks. The film crew was about 10-12 people. I cant remember for sure, but it was quite a group moving along side of us. They couldnt be nicer or more accommodating. They even shaded us with umbrellas! I felt like a movie star! So funny
We then rode the carousal 5 times! Apparently we didnt do too well on that one! I had to start a smile contest with the kids just to get us off!
Then it was back to the Rose Garden for another surprise for my grandchildren. We were asked to distract the kids by looking toward Tomorrow land while they worked on something. When we were told to turn around, Mickey and Minnie were standing in the garden with us! My granddaughters ran full steam ahead into their arms. It was the sweetest thing I ever saw. Then they danced and twirled around with them. It couldnt have been more perfect. My 2 ½ year old grandson was kind of slow warming up, but within a few minutes he was kissing Mickeys nose.
Then it was time for lunch
(Ill finish day 1 afternoon filming story tomorrow) If you have any questions Id be happy to answer
We were originally scheduled to stay at BWVs for 8 nights. Just before departure, we were contacted that DVC would be refunding our points for the last 4 nights at BWVs and moving us to a grand villa at BLT for the last 4 nights of our stay (all complimentary). They wanted to film our interviews at the grand villa on one of the two days that we were scheduled to be with the film crew. They also gave us monetary gift cards and 3-day park hoppers. (One day was to be used during our filming in the park day). This was their way to thank us for giving up 2 days of our vacation to film. Sweet!!
We were moved to room 8416 on the 14th floor facing the Magic Kingdom. It was amazing! The view of the fireworks from each room in the villa was unbelievable. Add to that the piped in music from channel 20, a glass of wine, and we were in heaven.
Our first day with the film crew began with make-up for our entire family. It didnt amount to much, as the women in my family already applied their own. It was hysterical to see the men sit for cover-up and powder however.
The first thing they had us do was walk in to Magic Kingdom as a family and react as we usually do when we go. We always have a group hug at the Main Street hub.
Then we had a private meet and greet with Cinderella in the Rose Garden where they took family photos. I then presented my 5 year old granddaughter with her birthday gift (my 54 year old Cinderella watch). It was very sweet because I had it placed in a jewelry box that needed a key to open. I gave her the key and explained the story of how I got the watch when I was 5 from my mother (her great grandmother). Cinderella participated and told me she remembered how much I loved that watch. There was more to the story, but you get the drift it was very special!
We then moved on to the tea-cup ride where the camera man got in the cup with me and my two 5-year old granddaughters. I can only imagine what those close-up shots look like! Everyone in the family rode along next to us. It was so much fun that I didnt even remember the camera guy was there!
After the ride they gave the kids snacks and everyone drinks. The film crew was about 10-12 people. I cant remember for sure, but it was quite a group moving along side of us. They couldnt be nicer or more accommodating. They even shaded us with umbrellas! I felt like a movie star! So funny
We then rode the carousal 5 times! Apparently we didnt do too well on that one! I had to start a smile contest with the kids just to get us off!
Then it was back to the Rose Garden for another surprise for my grandchildren. We were asked to distract the kids by looking toward Tomorrow land while they worked on something. When we were told to turn around, Mickey and Minnie were standing in the garden with us! My granddaughters ran full steam ahead into their arms. It was the sweetest thing I ever saw. Then they danced and twirled around with them. It couldnt have been more perfect. My 2 ½ year old grandson was kind of slow warming up, but within a few minutes he was kissing Mickeys nose.
Then it was time for lunch
(Ill finish day 1 afternoon filming story tomorrow) If you have any questions Id be happy to answer
