Hey, all!
We are home from a wonderful month and a bit in the U.S. Most of that time was spent at WDW and our GF! As we travel so far, we like to spend a bit of time in each place. This time we spent several weeks at WDW! We were booked in a deluxe Club level room and on arrival we found that it was the room we enjoyed on our last trip - 4320. It was a comfortable and relatively quiet room on the third floor of the Main building. It overlooks the courtyard pool, so we could see any progress made in that area. (There wasn't much progress) There was a bit of work done on the DVC site, mainly on the roof. But, we were not disturbed by any construction during our stay. The room was in fairly good order. Engineering was called - by mousekeeping, not by us - to fix a slow-running sink in the bathroom. But, considering the rooms are in line for a renovation in the not too distant future, we were content with our stay.
The RPC staff was so welcoming. In fact, it was like Old Home week as cast members we have known for years offered hugs and good wishes for our stay. Two members of the concierge staff - Janice and Vonnie - went above and beyond in their service to my DM, who was not particularly well at the beginning of our stay. I am grateful to them.
I must add my approval of the new Gasparilla's. The added seating and the fresh decor is welcome and comfortable. We had the added joy of seeing the last minute touches being finished as we stood at the open doors a couple of days before the grand reopening. They have done a fine job. We ate there on one or two occasions, so I can't comment on a lot of the menu. Although, the menu has not changed much from the old. I may be quite wrong here, though. It has been a couple of years since our last visit.
The GF looked wonderfully festive. The tree, the wreaths and garlands, the gardens, the music, Mickey and Minnie in festive attire and, of course, the gingerbread house created a special atmosphere. In fact, the only downside to being at the GF during the festive season is the large, very large number of people who arrive just to admire the scene. It is sometimes difficult to make your way past the house or tree, through the crush to the elevators. But, it is a relatively minor thing when you are surrounded by so much joy. While we are unlikely to visit during the Christmas/New Year again, we are glad to have seen the the GF and the parks decorated and full of so many good things. We are already planning our next trip for next year!
Now, for the pile of laundry...
Happy planning
