Oh Florida! An East Meets West Girl's TR: 8/9 p56 & 8/17 p57

[Steppesister]

thank you, despite the drama, for staying on top of this. I am obviously MIA. Crazy weekend with houseguests, college graduation for one, college girl missing flight home (and the ensuing drama) and just the normal drama that goes with both of those events and dueling families for kids attention.

Mean people do suck and aren't worth my energy. LOL!

I can't agree with that last bit more fully.

As for the drama, hang in there! That's a lot to be dealing with for sure.

 

[saintstickets]

Great update and fantastic pics, especially those of the GF! You've been to 3 of the GF restaurants so now you've got to talk Denny into the grande dame of all WDW restaurants - V&A!! We are on a waitlist to stay at VGF during our December trip but I doubt it will come through. We happen to be at WDW the day VGF opened and took the DVC tour. It was fantastic!!! Since it has the fewest rooms of the DVC resorts at WDW, it is unlikely that we will ever stay there since it is not our home resort. I guess that means we have to look at adding on?

 

[Dugette]

I am sure I don't follow as my TRs as you do.

Oh, I'm sure you do. I think I see you posting on nearly every one I follow, plus some that I just peek at. Who knows, though - I think we are both clearly following far too many.

I guess I thought this would make a good B&W photo

I love this! It actually makes the Grand Flo seem more appealing to me. It's like a 1930's movie now and I expect to see Clark Gable descending the staircase!

Thanks for all the pictures, especially of the Poly - miss that place, we didn't even make it over there last trip.

 

[natebenma]

Starting to get caught back up...

EPCOT Rocks... MEK

Love that you had an enjoyable meal at Beaches & Cream in spite of the fire alarm. At least it wasn't at midnight like the one we had last year at the Beach Club.

Speaking of B&C- one of my not so deep secrets is that I have never had a meal or ice cream there. Breakfast once, when they were testing a quick service, but that doesn't count. Monday morning, I finally made a reservation for one, on my arrival day on the August gals trip. And I will be cancelling that because we are all going to Blue Zoo instead. Someday...

I haven't seen the movie in France since 2008 (I was also dodging a deluge). Love the music and whenever I hear it, it makes me think of the movie.

Cynthia answered a question I had about your Dole Whip- yours had coconut rum. How was it?

I agree with you, the flowers in the water are gorgeous.

Love, Love, Love the pictures of Test Track, inside and out!!!


Paparazzi, Soarin' Supper

Your Nemo pictures are great! So hard in there.

The butterfly tent is so pretty.

Once again, great pictures around the World Showcase. The 7 dwarf topiaries are neat- I love your shot of Doc.

Love all of bride pictures, especially the ones with the fireworks in the background.

"Shiny" People. BWHAHAHA!

What a fantastic shot of the Club Cool sign in between the fountains.

Run EP Dinner e&e

Loved that you jumped into the pool with your clothes on.

Been there. Done that. Didn't mean to!

What is in the Dark & Stormy?

 

[natebenma]

I love it when an image like Rafiki holding up Simba is meaningful and brings a smile.

My poor kids and husband have yet to make it here.

(Via)

Of course, from what I hear the "décor" would not necessarily appeal to them.

Reviews are always decent, though

I haven't made it there either!

The shadow in your nighttime topiary pictures are cool!

:

 

[natebenma]

Really pretty, and interesting pictures from your run to DTD

The breakfast sandwich looks SOOOOO good. Glad that you found something to make up for Olivia's. Bet it was a lot less expensive too.

You gotta do what you gotta do for a meet.

Love your Mine Train pictures. You know, when there is a (relatively) new subject, you have to snap away.

This T-shirt cracks me up

Sorry, Gaston, you're still not as interesting as these lovely ladies!!!


Your pool time looked wonderfully relaxing!

Getting artsy!

Thought you wrote "Getting Antsy" and I started looking for Flik!

Seriously!

 

[natebenma]

I'm almost afraid to answer, because if I find out we are just missing each other by a day or two I am NOT going to be happy. OK - here it is - Are you ready?


We arrive in the evening on the 15th and right now are staying of sight and then checking into the BWV on the 16th. We leave on the 22nd.

We arrive (to US) on the morning of Wed Aug 26. Mark, Nate, Ben and I will be staying at US/Hard Rock until mid-afternoon on Saturday. Then the boys fly home and I head over to the Beach Club for a 3 night stay with some gal pals.

So I guess we miss by more than a day or two (it is 4)

So close!!!

 

[GoofyFan1515]

We may or may not have ducked into the gift shop before dinner. I don’t think I’ve seen these in the gifts shops before, but then again its not a product I normally buy. lol

OMG MEK, only YOU!!!

Hmmmmm - Denny and I already ate at Narccoossees during an anniversary trip, cynthia and I ate at Citrico’s during our F&W trip, which leaves the Grand Floridian Cafe.

Pat and I had a really nice evening and a wonderful dining experience at the Grand Flo Cafe! We chose it on a whim, and for some place new to try, but it is certainly on the list of places to go again sometime!!!

The splash pool

I thought this was a really cool pool too...........loved the theming!

As we rounded the bend on the little path leading towards the wedding chapel we were greeted with THIS view!

We made that walk from Grand Flo to the Poly. It seems like it would be a rather lengthy walk, but with sights like this to enjoy along the way, the walk goes very quickly!

Great pictures of the resorts, and back towards MK. And of course you couldn't resist an open gate............especially when you might be able to stalk a wedding party.

 

[Pinkocto]

Oh VGF, how do I love thee thank you for all those gorgeous pictures!!! I have yet to eat in a single restaurant at the GF... Perhaps in January I can sample some tasty morsels.

 

[MEK]

I SWEAR I am going to work on replies tonight.

 

[Tracy161]

Amazing update, Mary Ellen! You can NEVER post too many pictures, so post away!!! And I really loved the ones you had the filter on for. Beautiful!

Your dinner picture looked amazing - I LOVE anything with grits in it.

So not only do your pictures have YOU wanting to go there right now... but they also have ME wanting to go there right now too!

 

[MEK]

I'm sorry you had that experience.

Thanks! I got wrapped up in it. Maybe a little too much. I just hope I don't see that happen again - EVER!

I'm sorry about whatever this was that happened. I guess it's not someone who's TR I'm following. Hopefully it gets better.

Thanks! It's bad. It was just about as bad as it could get. I can't go into specifics other than to say it was cruel, heartless, and unfounded.

Hey. We're here. Well most of us. I'm not going anywhere. I've never read one of his reports but I'd seen him around and intended to try to get up to speed on his current one when I had some time. The name calling and accusations were certainly inappropriate in a public forum. You handled yourself well as @Leshaface said.

So inappropriate. I just don't know how some people can live with themselves. It was a great TR, too. That makes it all the much worse.

I"m catching back up after my parents were in town all week. I'm so sad about the other board drama that has affected so many of my Dis friends. I love reading everyone's reports and seeing your pictures. I hope things work out. Mean people suck.

Jill in CO

I couldn't agree more. It was a very sad experience. It really shock me up for awhile.

I understand completely, Mary Ellen. I am still so disturbed by the wild accusations I saw last night on the DIS, and heartbroken for those whose reputations have been falsely called into question.

Heartbroken is completely the right word. Well said Kristy. The mop mentality really stinks and I can't believe how persuasive it can be.

 

[MEK]

I'm all caught up! Like others, I'm not sure what happened on another TR, but it makes me sad to know that there can be something so unpleasant on a website that usually brings such happiness. I hope that you realize the joy that you bring to others through your photos and storytelling.

Thank you! There are so DIS members that bring joy to other people. It's unbelievable to me that people would jump on these boards and do things to ruin that. It makes no sense at all.

Speaking of that, I really loved your update with the photos at the pool. They all made me want to be sitting right there with you. That resort is a so beautiful but you find all of the details that I would miss. That is a gift!

OKW is an awesome resort. It's so laid back and relaxed. It really is fun to find the beauty in details. That's one of the reason I enjoy photography.

(Also, hi @Duggette . It's nice to be back, even if it is sporadic. I'm going to have to read some of you old reports to get caught up on your life!)

You totally have to read Duggette's TRs. They are the best. She has a new one that she just started.

MaryEllen, you can never post too many pictures...yours are beautiful, as always. We had an ADR at the GFC and ended up cancelling it last year. We have one next month and hopefully we won't cancel.

Thanks Kathy! I'm glad you like them.

I hope you don't cancel your reservation next month. I would really like to go there for breakfast or lunch sometime. It's such a pretty resort and I don't think you can go wrong with any of the restaurants.

Your pictures of the GF and the Poly are simply stunning. I still can't convince Mark to stay at the GF, but I enjoyed your "tour" of the resort.

I think you just need to work on Mark a little bit more to get him to change his mind. Denny loved the villas. He really enjoyed watching the monorail from the balcony. I think that was his highlight of the stay.

 

[Nermel9]

OMG I love every single picture in this update! The Grand and the Poly, 2 of the most beautiful Disney resorts! The wedding chapel is so pretty, I really need to remember to check it out someday!

 

[MEK]

Yeah, a great retirement gig for you! You have a great voice. I'd probably only be good as a greeter

Oh stop - You crack me up! But thank you for the compliment. I have definitely seen more older people in entertainment in Florida, so maybe I can get a retirement gig one of these days.

Wow, literally every piece of Disney music?!

I think so! Geeze!

I bet you're the first person to take a picture of this!

Am I? I swear I have not seen this picture before, so perhaps I am.

Cute! Never paid attention to the splash area.

It's super cute! I would imagine that children love this place. They did a great job designing it.

Love the filter

Thanks!

I want a wedding re-do here please!

Me too, right? It's just SO gorgeous there! Perfection!

All your pics make me want to go Right now, too! Nice views here. I would love to stay at the Poly someday.

Me too! I am also dying to stay at the Poly. I swear I would have done it this use year, but I am just too low on points. I would love to stay there February when we are staying at VGF for part of the trip.

Sorry for the drama over the weekend.

Thanks. I hope that never happens again.

So I somehow got unsubscribed to your TR and was almost a month behind! No idea how that one happened.

Well back! Glad you were able to find me again. I know its easy to get unsub'd and I hate when that happens. No fun at all!

But I'm all caught up now, only going to comment on the latest post since my memory isn't good enough to remember everything.

I'm exactly the same way!

I had about the same experience at the Grand Floridian Cafe back in December. The food was good but nothing really memorable.

It was nice, but I have had better meals for sure. I would really like to try it again for lunch or for breakfast. I have seen some yummy breakfast pics from there.

I really enjoyed all of the pictures from the GF and the Poly!

Thanks. Two beautiful resorts!

 

[MEK]

thank you, despite the drama, for staying on top of this. I am obviously MIA. Crazy weekend with houseguests, college graduation for one, college girl missing flight home (and the ensuing drama) and just the normal drama that goes with both of those events and dueling families for kids attention.

I would like to get this TR done before our family trip in August. I know you are super busy now with a lot going on. I can't believe Taylor just graduated. It seems like it was only yesterday that he decided last minute to go to college. That was a fast 4 years. Congratulations to him!!!!!

Mean people do suck and aren't worth my energy. LOL!

These mean people left a lot of destruction in their path, that's for sure!

Great pictures of the Grand and the Poly. Love the wedding pavilion. I have to try the Grand Floridian Cafe...everything looks so yummy there!

Jill in CO

Thank you! That was just the perfect night for taking pictures and the wedding pavilion is pretty amazing.

I really want to try the Grand Flo cafe for breakfast or lunch. That's on my bucket list now.

The portions are bigger at Vic's in Savannah!

I think you are probably right. Vic's was better, no doubt about it. Once you've had shrimp n grits everything else pales in comparison. Vic's was pretty amazing.

I always thought this fountain was pretty cool.

It is a really cool fountain. Great theme. They did a beautiful job with the lobby. Love it there!

We sat where that guy in the green shirt is, along the right front. Pretty good seats!

Nice! I was totally thinking about you when I took those pics. I really would like to see that show someday. It looks like a lot of fun!

 

[MEK]

We had toured the villas lobby at the Grand Floridian when I saw pictures of it in someone's trip report. I love the whimsical penguins in the fountain. I would love to stay in one of the villas here some day, since they look gorgeous.

The villas ARE really gorgeous! We absolutely loved the studio room - So much so that we are staying there for 4 nights in February. We are staying standard view again because Denny loved watching the monorail (well, that and the fact that I only have so many points). The bathroom in the studio was really awesome.

Your photos are still really something to be impressed with! I loved them all- especially the filtered ones! I had a sneaking suspicion you'd end up at the Chapel at some point during this trip. You stalker, you! (Lucky us!)

Oh - I AM the total stalker, we all know THAT by now! I just love that wedding chapel. It is amazing!

Thanks for the compliment on the pictures!

The clouds were really impressive, nice work!

Thank you!

The GF is such a pretty resort. I don't think I'll ever stay there, but I love to visit it and listen to the live music in the lobby.

It's a gorgeous resort. I'm happy I got a chance to stay in the villas. It would probably be lovely to stay in the regular hotel, but I absolutely loved our studio room in the villa. It was awesome.

That kids' pool is one of the coolest I've seen. I love how well themed it is.

It really IS so well themed. So creative. Kids must LOVE that place!

Pretty neat that you got to preview the villas before you stayed there with Denny.

It just made me want to stay there that much more. I would love to stay lake view, but for right now all I have the points for is standard view. That worked out OK because Denny loves the monorail.

What an awesome view of the castle through that arch! I couldn't imagine having that kind of view for your wedding ceremony...

I know, right? How amazing is THAT????? I remember the first time I saw that chapel. I was completely blown away. It was open and there was no one in there so yours truly had to sneak it. Shocking, right???

Ahh, the Poly. I can't blame you for walking over there on your evening stroll. It's a hard resort to stay away from. I don't think I've ever gone on a trip and not stopped by there. I know right now there's all kinds of construction happening and they are still working out the kinks in the DVC villas, but one day you should definitely stay there. It's a beautiful place and the rooms are so relaxing.

I really want to stay there in one of the studios. I am too point poor right now to even consider it, but I'll eventually make my way around to it. Once I stay there I will have stayed at all the resort except the Yacht club, AoA, and All star music. Maybe I should try Music first.

 

[MEK]

Yeah... I can't say as I've noticed them there before or not. But I guess they might as well supply what someone might need for an overnight stay...

Exactly! See, I decided to take that picture because I want my fellow DISers to know they can ALWAYS be prepared when staying at the Grand Flo!!!!!

I can always use another castle view.

Me too! Love that castle!

MEK, never one to shy away from paparazzi wedding pictures. Even if it is just a wedding rehearsal or being planned.

You got that right!!!! Would you expect anything less?

Great pictures, as always. I enjoyed the tour of the GF grounds and the new villas. That splash area really looks cool. I've never been a big GF fan, myself, but there's something about the villas that has me kind of intrigued.

The villas are really awesome. We loved our studio there. It's just great. I would love to have the points to stay in a 1BR. THAT would be awesome!

Loving all of the picture! I really want to stay at the GF someday soon, but I'm telling you that resort has been elusive! Since we don't own there, I haven't been able to get close to it.

Tell me about it. I own there and there was NO WAY I could get anything around Christmas time. I could have waitlisted, but I decided to stay at VWF for Christmas and I had to borrow points to complete my stay. So if my VGF waitlist came through then I would have borrowed points that I would have had to use and, quite frankly, I didn't feel like dealing with all that.

I can't agree with that last bit more fully.

All I can say is UGH!

As for the drama, hang in there! That's a lot to be dealing with for sure.

I can't believed how MESSED up that whole situation was and still is!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Fantastic pictures of the Monorail resorts. How cool would it be to be staying so close to MK?

Looks like a great evening!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

The Grand Floridian is really a beautiful resort. I love your pictures of the splash pad!

I also love that you managed to get sneaky pictures of the chapel and the luau. Nice work!