A 2 Week Grand Villa Extravaganza! 2.5 Years Late... FINAL DAY!!
- Thread starter Duffy Lover
- Start date
Duffy Lover
What?!?!? No!
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2011
The Island was so cool. What a great place for kids to play and make some wonderful memories - I think you'll enjoy it immensely!
Set aside some time on your next trip. It was worth spending an hour there!
Crazy wait, but we made some good memories. I have TONS of pics of VGF, it was a truly spectacular stay.
Wow you guys were patient! I would've been out of there at 6 when they said they still couldn't seat you until 6:45! Cool they comped the meal and gave the FP's tho. The kids were real troopers!!
You know, I don't know that it ever occurred to us to just leave. Hmm. That is actually a very logical solution! We actually did enjoy just hanging out in that time...
Speaking of witch, here is a link to the video of Brie dancing as we waited... You can see that the waiting area was completely empty:
Hopefully it works!
Pirate Granny
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2007
You are right I was more than unhappy with O'Hanas and while a comp meal was nice, I have more than enough money to fund meals. Waiting over 90 minutes past the reservation was unacceptable.
tinkerjlee
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2013
Caught up! Wow, what an unpleasant experience at O'Hana's. It's nice to see they comped the meal, but not great to have to wait almost 2 hours for your meal. Can't wait to see pics from VGF!
Duffy Lover
What?!?!? No!
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2011
That wait was unacceptable, Mom. I'm still kind of amazed that it never occurred to us to just leave and have dinner back at the park or at Cpt. Cooks. Go figure. Regardless, I still have fond memories of that evening, and those "Golden" Fastpasses were invaluable on our last day! Don't you just love the video of Brie dancing?!?
Yes, unpleasant, but in the end all was atoned for. Moving for two nights at VGF was so worth it! I love these high end DVC resorts, and I can't wait to stay at the Poly!
On an unrelated topic, has anyone tried viewing Disboards on their mobile device? I LOVE it!! I always feel like my pictures come out too big on my computer, but they are just perfectly sized on my phone. You should check it out!
ilovebassets
Animal Kingdom fanatic!
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2007
Lovely trip report so far. I've always been adamant about NOT going with extended family, but now you have me rethinking possibly going with my sister's family two years from now. (I know so far away...but overplanning is what we're best at, right?!)
Duffy Lover
What?!?!? No!
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2011
My sister and I didn't plan on having babies at the same time, but it worked out that way. Our kids have spent A LOT of time together, and their relationships, in particular Josh and Eme, sometimes tends towards a competitive one. BUT, they do have an amazing time together. The kids are quite honestly best friends, despite "sibling" rivalry. Their smiles are make me so happy. Honestly, I don't want the trip report to end either. I love looking at the pictures... Such a good trip!
Travelling as a large family can be tricky. If you don't travel a lot with family, I recommend taking a weekend trip somewhere to make sure that there are not general issues while vacationing together. Although we live very far away from our family, we spend most of my vacation time with family. If you clash on a weekend, rethink the trip, or plan more weekends to get into a vacation rhythm before dropping big bucks on a vacay.
Big family vacations can be amazing, so don't give up! Good luck, planning is the best...
Duffy Lover
What?!?!? No!
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2011
A 2 Week Grand Villa Extravaganza! Day 13:A Disney Pirate Adventure! 4/26
Day 13: Thursday June 12– Resorts: OKW & VGF – Park: None!
Hi Folks! I hope you all had a good week. Clara recovered nicely from her ear infection, but today Caz came down with a mystery virus and has been laid out all day. Poor guy. I only have four more weeks at my current job, and then about six after that until I start my new one! Exciting times. Anyways, on the evening of day 12, Eme was up the night with something she has coined “the shakies” and I was worried it was turning into a full blown illness. Luckily (and honestly unbelievable, if you ask me) she was fine in the morning. Which was great, as the four kids were scheduled for a Pirate’s Adventure embarking from the marina at the Grand Floridian. Drea, Buszia and I, along with the kids, were out the door and in a cab by 8:15. Papa, Brie and Caz took on the job of coordinating the transfer of our luggage to VGF. On the way, Drea and I spoke to the kids about having polite manners for the elegant hotel we were about to stay in. They took us to heart, and were well behaved for the last nights of our vacation. We had been to the Grand Floridian before for shopping and meals, but the kids seemed awed that they would be staying there.
We wandered the grounds, waiting to check the kids in for their adventure:
We checked in the kids, and they got decked out in their safely and pirate gear:
There was one other group of siblings/cousins who were to join in on the fun:
and after hearing the pirate code, they heaved-ho:
With the children on their way, we set out to check-in to the last resort of our stay. I sent Caz a message telling him to get a few last pictures at OKW before joining us on the beach.
What a lovely and relaxing resort… The others joined us and we headed over towards the villas, stopping along the way for some pics:
We checked in, and requested that we get in our room as early as possible (who doesn’t) as we didn’t want to get ready for the whole family photo shoot in the locker rooms. Everyone was gracious, and the lobby looked and smelled beautiful, but oddly enough, the penguin fountain was without water. We schlepped over to the pool and changed, and by 10:30 we were sprawled out on the beach. It wasn’t quite sunny, but nothing beats a lounge chair on the edge of the Seven Seas Lagoon:
We had an hour before we had to collect the children, and we were all intent on enjoying every moment of pure relaxation. I’m bushed, so I’ll wrap this one up here. Next up, the villa, the photo shoot and a night out for the adults… See you real soon!
Day 13: Thursday June 12– Resorts: OKW & VGF – Park: None!
Hi Folks! I hope you all had a good week. Clara recovered nicely from her ear infection, but today Caz came down with a mystery virus and has been laid out all day. Poor guy. I only have four more weeks at my current job, and then about six after that until I start my new one! Exciting times. Anyways, on the evening of day 12, Eme was up the night with something she has coined “the shakies” and I was worried it was turning into a full blown illness. Luckily (and honestly unbelievable, if you ask me) she was fine in the morning. Which was great, as the four kids were scheduled for a Pirate’s Adventure embarking from the marina at the Grand Floridian. Drea, Buszia and I, along with the kids, were out the door and in a cab by 8:15. Papa, Brie and Caz took on the job of coordinating the transfer of our luggage to VGF. On the way, Drea and I spoke to the kids about having polite manners for the elegant hotel we were about to stay in. They took us to heart, and were well behaved for the last nights of our vacation. We had been to the Grand Floridian before for shopping and meals, but the kids seemed awed that they would be staying there.
We wandered the grounds, waiting to check the kids in for their adventure:
We checked in the kids, and they got decked out in their safely and pirate gear:
There was one other group of siblings/cousins who were to join in on the fun:
and after hearing the pirate code, they heaved-ho:
With the children on their way, we set out to check-in to the last resort of our stay. I sent Caz a message telling him to get a few last pictures at OKW before joining us on the beach.
What a lovely and relaxing resort… The others joined us and we headed over towards the villas, stopping along the way for some pics:
We checked in, and requested that we get in our room as early as possible (who doesn’t) as we didn’t want to get ready for the whole family photo shoot in the locker rooms. Everyone was gracious, and the lobby looked and smelled beautiful, but oddly enough, the penguin fountain was without water. We schlepped over to the pool and changed, and by 10:30 we were sprawled out on the beach. It wasn’t quite sunny, but nothing beats a lounge chair on the edge of the Seven Seas Lagoon:
We had an hour before we had to collect the children, and we were all intent on enjoying every moment of pure relaxation. I’m bushed, so I’ll wrap this one up here. Next up, the villa, the photo shoot and a night out for the adults… See you real soon!
Last edited:
Duffy Lover
What?!?!? No!
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2011
A 2 Week Grand Villa Extravaganza! Day 13:Insane amount of pics of VGF! 5/3
Day 13: Thursday June 12– Resorts: OKW & VGF – Park: None!
No intro needed, as I’m eager to just get to it… We picked the kids up, they had a blast, despite having to stop the boat multiple times to break up fights. Not with our kids, but with the siblings/cousins not related to us. Regardless, Clara in particular had stars in her eyes after the adventure. I still gather “gems, treasure and booty” scattered around our house to this day, that came from this adventure. We got lunch to go, some of us at Gasprilla and some at the Beaches Grill, all of which was delicious. Swimming and playing at the splash pad ensued:
Clara was put off by the amount of water spilling everywhere, so she kept to the traditional pool. Otherwise the kids were in seventh heaven and enjoyed the fleeting sun…
My mom and I took the monorail to MK’s guest services and got Josh and Eme annual passes that would cover them through the trip they are about to embark on in just over three weeks. All of a sudden, the skies let loose, despite the sun in the area, but by the time we reached GF the rain had ceased, and our two bedroom, a lock-off was ready. The question is, are YOU ready? Ready for the insane amount of photos we all took? Well ready or not, here they come….
What a view:
We all got ready for the photo shoot, and were on our way shortly…
Clara was particularly disappointed that the fountain wasn’t working…
Everyone was in good spirits, and the weather seemed to be done with its anger…
Pictures, pictures and more pictures. Yep, another professional Diseny photo shoot is yet to come! See you real soon!
PS: We’re approaching our one year anniversiary of this trip, and with it, I’m hoping to wrap up the final two days of our amazing trip. I only have three weeks left of work - so hopefully this goal should be met!!
Duffy Lover
What?!?!? No!
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2011
Nice update!! Room looks beautiful!!
It was a beautiful room. I wish we had more time to just enjoy the villa, the way we did over at OKW.
VGF was an amazing way to end the trip. Most likely a once in a lifetime type deal... I'm excited about staying at the Poly this fall, probably another once in a lifetime deal as well, at least until I can convince my hubby to buy our own DVC points. Thanks for the compliment on the dress - Old Navy for like $20!
Angeejoe
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2012
Are you thinking of buying DVC?
Duffy Lover
What?!?!? No!
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2011
I would love to some day.... It sure is fun to dream though!
Angeejoe
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2012
I love to dream too!
Duffy Lover
What?!?!? No!
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2011
A 2 Week Grand Villa Extravaganza! Day 13: Photo Shoot & the Cali Grill 5/20
Day 13: Thursday June 12– Resorts: OKW & VGF – Park: None!
Just when I thought everything was settling down, we decided to move. We’ve been in our current home for ten years this June, and since then had two delightful babies, and acquired a lot of stuff. The last few weeks we’ve been purging - selling, donating, recycling- you name it. There’s loads of other boring little details I could share, but how about we get back into the report! On-y-vas!
The rain had slowed as we approached the time for our second photo-shoot of the trip. The men were wearing Disney themed tropical shirts, and all the ladies were dressed in white (you may have noticed that in the last post). I’ll let the photos do the talking for the next part…
It actually worked well that it had just rained. It wasn’t super bright out, and there weren’t tons of people walking around the grounds. I wish we could’ve had some pictures done on the beach or docks, but we had only 20 minutes (more like 35, actually). In the end, I thought they turned out great.
While Buszia and I hung around, Brie and Drea went back to the villa, as Caz and Papa took the kids over the the Cub’s Den at the Wilderness Lodge. I was hoping the children’s center at the Poly would open early, but no dice. So over to WL they trooped. :
Papa snapped some pretty photos on the way:
We had dinner planned at the California Grill, and had decided a night out without the children was a good idea. The kids had a great time when they spent a few hours at the Sandcastle Club earlier in the trip, so we got no push back from them.
We met up with Drea (looking gorgeous!)
and Brie and headed out on the monorail. Can I express how much I love the monorail? With all my heart. I am so jazzed to be staying at the Poly in just four months! No busses for us, as we’re only going to MK and Epcot. Brie was obviously also delighted to be riding the monorail:
We met up with the men-folk at the Contemporary and headed up to the Cali Grill. I believe this was my selection for dining on this trip. We got settled at our table and my Mom and Brie were surprised when they saw our waiter was the same fellow from when they were there in September of the previous year. Go figure! He even remembered them (or pretended to, at least). We had a lovely spot, with a great view of MK and the Seven Seas Lagoon (we were seated right next to this table).
Everyone was all smiles…
I was super stoked to try the sushi, which the young folks shared as an appetizer…
And then our meals rolled out…
After dinner, but before dessert, Caz and I went out on the fireworks viewing platform. Great views!
And then it was time for dessert! The staff went all out to celebrate little Ryan’s birthday, even though he wasn’t with us. Oops!
Ryan was tickled pink when he saw this picture and read the note in the little envelope. We wrapped up another one of my favorite meals and headed out to get the kids, who had a great time and loved WL. This is where they are staying for 8 of the 9 nights, when Papa, Buszia, Eme, Josh and Brie go in just one week! I’m so excited for them!!
We got home and chilled out in the villa. I may update this ending as I don’t have my journal with me, but it was another great day at WDW. I only have two more days to go. Sigh. See ya real soon!
Day 13: Thursday June 12– Resorts: OKW & VGF – Park: None!
Just when I thought everything was settling down, we decided to move. We’ve been in our current home for ten years this June, and since then had two delightful babies, and acquired a lot of stuff. The last few weeks we’ve been purging - selling, donating, recycling- you name it. There’s loads of other boring little details I could share, but how about we get back into the report! On-y-vas!
The rain had slowed as we approached the time for our second photo-shoot of the trip. The men were wearing Disney themed tropical shirts, and all the ladies were dressed in white (you may have noticed that in the last post). I’ll let the photos do the talking for the next part…
It actually worked well that it had just rained. It wasn’t super bright out, and there weren’t tons of people walking around the grounds. I wish we could’ve had some pictures done on the beach or docks, but we had only 20 minutes (more like 35, actually). In the end, I thought they turned out great.
While Buszia and I hung around, Brie and Drea went back to the villa, as Caz and Papa took the kids over the the Cub’s Den at the Wilderness Lodge. I was hoping the children’s center at the Poly would open early, but no dice. So over to WL they trooped. :
Papa snapped some pretty photos on the way:
We had dinner planned at the California Grill, and had decided a night out without the children was a good idea. The kids had a great time when they spent a few hours at the Sandcastle Club earlier in the trip, so we got no push back from them.
We met up with Drea (looking gorgeous!)
and Brie and headed out on the monorail. Can I express how much I love the monorail? With all my heart. I am so jazzed to be staying at the Poly in just four months! No busses for us, as we’re only going to MK and Epcot. Brie was obviously also delighted to be riding the monorail:
We met up with the men-folk at the Contemporary and headed up to the Cali Grill. I believe this was my selection for dining on this trip. We got settled at our table and my Mom and Brie were surprised when they saw our waiter was the same fellow from when they were there in September of the previous year. Go figure! He even remembered them (or pretended to, at least). We had a lovely spot, with a great view of MK and the Seven Seas Lagoon (we were seated right next to this table).
Everyone was all smiles…
I was super stoked to try the sushi, which the young folks shared as an appetizer…
And then our meals rolled out…
After dinner, but before dessert, Caz and I went out on the fireworks viewing platform. Great views!
And then it was time for dessert! The staff went all out to celebrate little Ryan’s birthday, even though he wasn’t with us. Oops!
Ryan was tickled pink when he saw this picture and read the note in the little envelope. We wrapped up another one of my favorite meals and headed out to get the kids, who had a great time and loved WL. This is where they are staying for 8 of the 9 nights, when Papa, Buszia, Eme, Josh and Brie go in just one week! I’m so excited for them!!
We got home and chilled out in the villa. I may update this ending as I don’t have my journal with me, but it was another great day at WDW. I only have two more days to go. Sigh. See ya real soon!
Leleluvsdis
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2007
Eeeeee!!!! I love the pictures!!! We are planning for pictures in December for our little's 1st birthday!!
BellaBaby
(Im)patiently waiting for next trip to Disney!!
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
HaHa! We've been cleaning clutter from the basement and selling/donating as well! Just had a garage sale this past wknd! My youngest had a ball with his lemonade stand.
We will be at the World next week as well!! CANNOT WAIT!!
Also, your pictures turned out beautifully!! Wonderful update.
We will be at the World next week as well!! CANNOT WAIT!!
Also, your pictures turned out beautifully!! Wonderful update.
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