3 Brits and 3 weeks at Disneys Grand Floridian (**Completed**)

[Sweet Pea UK]

At last I have a little while to do the next day – this weekend has been manic!!!

Thursday 26th August 2010 – Day 5

We were up at 7 and finished off the packing. We called the Bellman who took are luggage to the front of the hotel – we tipped him. I went and checked out. I have to say that although I knew about the parking costs I was still a little miffed when I had to part with $60 just for keeping our car at the hotel. It isn’t even like we valet’d. Anyway it was a minor thing in a very enjoyable stay at Portofino Bay. We took a couple of pictures at the front as we left. One of the Valet workers helped us to put our cases in the car so we also tipped him.

We then drove the few miles over to Disney – I couldn’t wait. Before long we were pulling up in front of my dream hotel – I was quite overcome. I couldn’t actually believe I was finally staying here when I had been dreaming about it for almost 20 years!!!

We pulled up at the front of the hotel and the valet helped us unload our luggage – we tipped him.

The Check in process was very simple and we were given our keys to the world and the lovely green folder that held all our hotel information.

We were also told that despite it only being 9am our room was ready!!! I had been debating a room request but had decided against it. Had a made one it would have been for Big Pine Key for its proximity to both pools – can you believe it – we got Big Pine Key, 3rd floor, I was so excited.

We made our way out to the Bellman and he loaded everything onto a golf cart for us and gave us a little tour of the hotel. He helped us up to our room and guess what – we tipped him! We had driven about 10 miles to move hotels and had parted with about $50 in tips!

We were really pleased with our room. We didn’t have the best of views but “Hey” – We were at the Grand Floridian!!

We unpacked all our cases at last! We had only unpacked what we needed at Portofino Bay so it was really nice to get everything out and tuck the cases out of sight – we wouldn’t be needing them for another 17 days!

We went over to Gasparillas to get a light snack before heading over to Typhoon Lagoon but it was absolutely packed so we didn’t bother.

Continued in next post ...

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

Day 5 Continued
We drove to Typhoon Lagoon.

We got in and went straight to get a quick snack as we were now all feeling a little peckish.

We went and got our locker and towels and found a spot near the crush n gusher. We love that slide and Amber did to.

We then went on the storm slides and then spent some time in the wave pool.

It was then time for our first Dining Plan experience. I queued up and spent a little while trying to see what everybody else was ordering. In the end I just confessed to the cashier that it was my first time and she explained it perfectly. We had burgers and fries and dessert – I never have dessert at lunchtime! I was definately on vacation!

We went back and had some more time in the wave pool and then decided to head back to the hotel. It was really busy and very hot.

On our way out we bumped into ….

We spent some time looking in the shop and Amber decided that she would like to collect pins so she bought a Lanyard and a starter pack of pins.

Once back at the hotel we all got showered and changed and then headed over to the monorail station to catch the monorail to the Magic Kingdom.

We stopped for a few pictures on Main Street and soaked up the atmosphere for a few minutes.

It was so hot that we headed over to Tommorrowland and sat and had a drink. We went and got some fastpasses for Space Mountain and then while we waited we had a go on Buzz Lightyear, the PeopleMover and Jonathan and Amber went on the Indy Cars. It was now time for Space Mountian. I have to say as much as I like the ride I really can’t see why it was shut so long for refurbishment – apart from it being a bit darker and there being more to do in the queue I couldn’t notice any difference.

We went over to the Crystal Palace and registered for our dinner reservation. We had about a 20 minute wait but I enjoyed all the people watching outside. I always like the buffet here. The food is fine and the character interaction really good.

Amber received her first birthday cupcake which was a nice surprise for her and a card signed by the characters.

The characters really liked the autograph book I had made but it was obvious that it wasn’t going to last the duration – the pages were already starting to fall out – I was really cross, The book cost £50 and I didn’t expect that to happen.

As it was now almost 8:45 we headed straight over to the Tomorrowland Noodle Terrace for our Wishes Dessert Party. We checked in and found this on our table.

It was dessert time. It was set out really nicely and I had a mini crème brulee, mini tiramisu, a donut, a chocolate strawberry and some raspberry lemonade. It was all very good.

And then … Wishes began. Tinkerbell came right over our heads, landed on the roof above and gave Amber a little wave. It was fantastic and so nice to be able to sit and watch it without being pushed or the person in front suddenly putting their child right up on their shoulders so you can’t see. Wishes was as incredible as always and brought more than just a tear to my eye!!

Once it had finished we made our way out – it was packed. We headed up to the Monorail and took it all the way round back to the Grand Floridian. We walked over to our room and this is what we found waiting for Amber which I thought was a really nice touch.

Exhausted - we flopped into bed. A very full and amazing first day at Disney.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Goodness....I couldn't believe how much it cost you just to park your car at the Universal resort. That's a lot of money just to park.

The Grand Floridian is absolutely beautiful. I am sure you were glad that, even though you hadn't made any requests, you received a great room.

We've always enjoyed the character interaction at the Crystal Palace too. It's the last meal we have every trip.

Thank you so much for posting the Wishes Dessert Party pictures. I am hoping that they continue the party until next May so I can take advantage of it.

 

[Joyciemc]

Still loving your trip report!

The Grand Floridian looks amazing... I am thinking that is where DH and I should have stayed on our recent trip!

The picture of Amber and you DH watching Wishes is so sweet!

 

[disneybarbie]

looks like a wonderful first day at Disney!

Your photos of the Grand Floridian has got me soo excited for honeymoon!!

Really like your yellow dress too.. perfect evening-park outfit


Emma x

 

[Purple Opal]

As it was now almost 8:45 we headed straight over to the Tomorrowland Noodle Terrace for our Wishes Dessert Party.

It was set out really nicely and I had a mini crème brulee, mini tiramisu, a donut, a chocolate strawberry and some raspberry lemonade. It was all very good.

.

What an amazing first day! Sweet Pea, I have a question about the Wishes Dessert Party. From your vantage point, were you also able to see the Electrical Parade? (if it was being performed that night?)

We are thinking about doing the dessert party and i'm wondering if you can see both the fireworks AND the electrical parade.

Thanks for the great photos!

 

[Sleeping*Beauty]

Sounds like you had a great first day. I'm sure Amber loved all the special birthday attention.

 

[hill6]

What a great review. Can't wait to read more.

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

Goodness....I couldn't believe how much it cost you just to park your car at the Universal resort. That's a lot of money just to park.

The Grand Floridian is absolutely beautiful. I am sure you were glad that, even though you hadn't made any requests, you received a great room.

We've always enjoyed the character interaction at the Crystal Palace too. It's the last meal we have every trip.

Thank you so much for posting the Wishes Dessert Party pictures. I am hoping that they continue the party until next May so I can take advantage of it.

You should definately do the dessert party if you can - it was great!!

Still loving your trip report!

The Grand Floridian looks amazing... I am thinking that is where DH and I should have stayed on our recent trip!

The picture of Amber and you DH watching Wishes is so sweet!

Thank you - the GF really was amazing. It may sound silly but you kind of appreciate it more once you are home and look back on all your pictures!!

looks like a wonderful first day at Disney!

Your photos of the Grand Floridian has got me soo excited for honeymoon!!

Really like your yellow dress too.. perfect evening-park outfit


Emma x

It is going to be your turn before you know it Emma! You are really going to love it - especially with your view

That yellow dress was a really cheapy from Matalan but was perfect for the holiday - I am definately going to look in there for next year!!

Sounds like you had a great first day. I'm sure Amber loved all the special birthday attention.

She loved it to start with but decided to take her badge off after about a week as I think she was all birthday'd out!! Bless her!!

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

So proud of myself - just worked out how to multi-quote!!!

 

[disneybarbie]

So proud of myself - just worked out how to multi-quote!!!

lol I only worked it out a while ago... and more recently how to put links to other websites into text (the little globe symbol with the link in front on it) learning so much from the Dis boards hehe.

I've not been in Matalan for ages.. it's a good idea for some summery dresses/skirts for next year though, thank you

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

What an amazing first day! Sweet Pea, I have a question about the Wishes Dessert Party. From your vantage point, were you also able to see the Electrical Parade? (if it was being performed that night?)

We are thinking about doing the dessert party and i'm wondering if you can see both the fireworks AND the electrical parade.

Thanks for the great photos!

Hi Purple Opal.

I have to be honest we couldn't see the electrical parade very well at all but we weren't really trying. I am sure if you stood at the front you could see it but not a very good view.

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

[Friday 27th August 2010 – Day 6

We decided not to set our alarm for this morning as last night was so late. We woke up at 9am – the bed was so comfortable!!

We popped over to Gaspirillas and got some muffins and my refillable mug to go. Todays plan was to head over to the Kennedy Space Centre.

It was a long and boring drive and it was really hot – thank heavens for Air Con.

We parked up and it was like stepping into an oven!! I had pre-purchased the tickets from Virgin and as I approached the ticket booth I realised that the voucher I had picked up had Continuation printed on it! I had obviously picked up the second part and not the first – oops!! I gave the operator a sob story and said we had come all the way from Orlando and would not have time to come back. She phoned through to somebody and then said we could go through. We were very grateful – was not relishing a wasted journey!!!

Once through we went to get on the bus tour.

We headed out to the Observation Centre and it soon became apparent that Amber was a bit too young. I had last been in 1996 and thoroughly enjoyed the visit but you could see she really wasn’t taking it in.

We climbed up the Observation Tower and had a good look around – it was unbelievably hot!!!

Once back on the bus we headed over to the second stop, we decided that that we would just stay on the bus and head back. She just wasn’t enjoying it and to be honest it meant that we were struggling. I am sure in a few years time we can go back and she will have a great time.

Once back to the car we headed back to Orlando and Downtown Disney.

We were really hungry so went to Earl of Sandwich for lunch. We really love that place and it didn’t disappoint. I had the Caprese (my favourite!), Jonathan the Hawaiin BBQ and Amber the grilled cheese. There was then the compulsory desserts!!

Amber went for a play in the water fountains so I nipped over to the Pin Trading Shop and got her a few pins and a vinylmation character for her birthday the next day!

Continued in next post ...

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

Day 6 Continued


We headed back to the Grand Floridian and Amber and Jonathan went for a swim and I went for a quick rest. For some reason I was really struggling today!

Once they were back we got ready and caught the Monorail to EPCOT.

We took a leisurely stroll around to World Showcase and Amber stopped to buy a Baby Dumbo – just what we needed – another plush!!

Once at the United Kingdom we checked in at the Podium for the Rose and Crown. This was our first visit here and it did not disappoint.

We started with some delicious bread and then I had the fish and chips, Jonathan a surf and turf and Amber the bangers and mash. We all really enjoyed it.

For dessert Amber had an ice cream sundae, Jonathan the bakewell tart and I had the sticky toffee pudding – excellent.

They then brought Amber a birthday card signed by all the Servers. She was very pleased.

It was now about 8:30 and we decided that we would skip Illuminations and head back to the hotel. We knew there would be further opportunities to see it and it was starting to look a lot like rain!

I told Jonathan to head on to the Monorail as I wanted to nip in to Mouse Gear to get Amber some wrapping paper – trust me to forget that! I said that they should get the first monorail that came and I would meet them at the room. Once I got in there it was a minefield – I couldn’t get any paper or a gift bag so I ended up with a cloth bag and of course had to get a couple more things to pad it out a bit. I had been about 20 minutes so once I stepped outside – my goodness!!! The sky had burst – it was teaming!!! I dashed back in and reluctantly bought a Poncho. By the time I came out AGAIN – it was like a river running past. I dashed over to the Monorail and ended up getting back to the room about 40 minutes after Jonathan – he was getting a bit panicky!

A strange day, but another fun one!!

 

[disneybarbie]

interesting to read your thoughts on the Space Center.. I've never been there (being one of three girls, there was never much interest in Space in our household growing up! )

I love Amber's Minnie tshirt.. how perfect for a meal in the UK Pavillion

That Dumbo is soo cute, he is one of my favourite Disney characters.. DF's niece asked us to buy her a 'Simba in a leaf' last year (she'd been to Orlando with her Mum a few months before we went) .. we realised she meant the baby Simba plush in the green blanket, like that Dumbo is!

x

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Great update! Really enjoying your trip!

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

Saturday 28th August 2010 – Day 7 – Ambers 9th Birthday!!!

I had arranged for Mum to phone at 7am our time to act as our alarm. Amber answered the phone and my Mum said to her “Did I wake you sweetheart” and Amber said “No Nanny, the phone did” – how funny was that!!

So after her birthday wishes from back home we let her open her cards and presents.

We all got ready and headed over to Discovery Cove. We were there for 8am and checked in at the front desk.

For those of you who have read my pre-trip report will know that I had wanted to book Amber a cake. In order to get a cake I needed to book a Cabana. So … we were advised to go to Guest Relations to meet somebody who would take us to that Cabana.

When we arrived at it we were so pleased! We had to enter via our own little gate and we had a lovely secluded area with 4 sun loungers, a table, fridge,s tocked with drinks and a cupboard that locked!!! We also had a beautiful view over the dolphin lagoon. We really were pleased.

I popped back to Guest Relations just to check that everything was OK with the cake and it was.

We went over to get our breakfast and took it back to eat in our Cabana. It was lovely. The setting was beautiful and the weather was gorgeous. The last time we were here it was November 2007 and it was cold !

After breakfast we went and got our wet suits sorted out and then spent a couple of hours going round the Lazy River. It was lovely.

At 11:30 we went over to the Cabana for our Dolphin Swim. There was a problem with a couple of the dolphins so the swim was a bit late getting started. Now .. this was the third dolphin swim for Jonathan and I so we knew the procedure. They put us in Group B and we had to go out quite deep. Also they asked Amber to go first, they kept telling us to watch the rock but as you are feeling the way with your feet I missed it and tripped. One of the girls said “watch the rock” under her breath. I decided to let that one go. Jonathan was holding Amber up by her wetsuit and they said he had to let her go and she had to stand on her own. Well she wasn’t tall enough so we asked if we could move to the other end and were told there was no point as it was the same depth. Not a good start. It was really hard for her to reach out and feel the dolphin as she was trying to tread water at the same time. In the end one of the girls said would she like a lifevest! They got it for us and it did help. When we were called forward again the instructor said again “watch the rock” and guess what I tripped over it again! She then said “I wonder why I bother to say”. I pointed out to her that I wasn’t hurt so it really didn’t matter!!

Anyway apart from the attitude of both instructors it was a really good experience and Amber really enjoyed it. At the end they called her over and Sindy our dolphin brought her over a buoy with a birthday message on.

Once back on the beach she was greeted by a man who gave her some more birthday treats. She got a bag, a dolphin plush, an underwater camera, a T-shirt and a voucher to get the DVD, some photos and a frame. She was really pleased. Our cabana boy was there as well so we arranged for him to take the bag back to our Cabana and for him to bring the cake round for 3pm.

Once we had sorted all our photos we went and got our lunch. Jonathan and I both had burgers and Amber had a hot dog. We had red velvet cake for dessert and it was all delicious!

Jonathan and Amber went off for more swimming and I laid on a sun lounger and read my book. It was so lovely.

At 3pm our cake arrived and it was lovely.

We spent a lot of the afternoon swimming in the pool and getting in with the fish and the rays.

We decided to leave about 4:30 so after a look in the shop and letting Amber buy a huge Dolphin Plush – what were we thinking – we picked up our photos and DVD and our cake and made our way to the car park. Luckily as we were driving off Jonathan spotted that the cake said Edwards on the box and when I opened the box it was a blue cake – not our pink one. Jonathan went back in and they said it had to be ours as they only had one cake order that day. Hmmmm seeing as we have just eaten some and it was pink they had to be mistaken – they agreed to go and have a look and came back with our cake. Our Cabana boy had put it in the fridge for us. We were so pleased we had left him a tip, he had been so helpful and courteous throughout the day.

Continued in the next post.

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

Day 7 Continued ..


Once back at the hotel Amber phoned home to tell Nanny and Grandad all about her day and I switched my phone on so she could get all her birthday messages.

Once showered and changed we got the monorail over to the Contempory for our reservation at Chef Mickeys., We had a lovely photo take as we arrived which I later bought. We were seated on time.

We went up to get our starters as the characters were not quite ready to come to our table. A couple of minutes later our server walked past and left the cake on our table. He didn’t even say Happy Birthday. He saw me look at him funny and came back and said “I wasn’t sure if you wanted candles”. I looked at him in shock really – it was a $130 cake – I was sure we could have had a candle and a rendition of Happy Birthday! He appeared back with a cupcake with the candles in so we started to sing ourselves and then the neighbouring tables joined in.

The cake by the way looked fantastic and was exactly what I wanted – Amber was thrilled.

We saw all the usual characters there and they were lovely.

When it came to get the bill our server went to great lengths to point out all our different tip options. I really didn’t think he deserved one but I tipped the 18% of our bill but I did not tip for the cake bill. He only placed in on the table.

We sliced the cake and each had a slice – it was absolutely amazing! I had requested red velvet with cream cheese frosting and it was fantastic!

We got the monorail back to the hotel and sat in bed talking for a while about our fabulous day! What an amazing 9th Birthday Amber had had.

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

interesting to read your thoughts on the Space Center.. I've never been there (being one of three girls, there was never much interest in Space in our household growing up! )

I love Amber's Minnie tshirt.. how perfect for a meal in the UK Pavillion

That Dumbo is soo cute, he is one of my favourite Disney characters.. DF's niece asked us to buy her a 'Simba in a leaf' last year (she'd been to Orlando with her Mum a few months before we went) .. we realised she meant the baby Simba plush in the green blanket, like that Dumbo is!

x

It was a shame really because we could have done more with the day but the bits we saw were interesting. I am sure in a few years time she will love it there, it is an interesting day out.

That Minnie T-Shirt is cute. It was another bargain - £5 is ASDA!!

The Dumbo is lovely and Amber has that exact same baby simba! I think we must nearly have the full set

Great update! Really enjoying your trip!

Thank you - I feel back in the swing of it now!!

 

[klacey1]

Wow, I had three days to catch up on! You're moving fast, girl!
I loooove Amber's Minnie top-- the sparkles on the bow are really cute! I also love that you had to buy a couple more birthday presents for her just to fill out the cloth bag! That's ALWAYS the problem I have with gift bags-- I hate to see them half empty!
It seems like Amber really had an amazing birthday!! I'm sorry that were was a theme of bad service though! I probably would have said something snarky to the woman that said "Watch out for the rock" three times! You got it-- it's not like you were ignoring her and skinning your foot and bleeding!
Glad the cake was perfect-- but uh, duh! Who wouldn't want candles on a BIRTHDAY cake! He should have gathered up the other waiters to sing to Amber! I also hate when waiters point out the different tip options. Clearly, if the service was good enough, you'd tip him well! It seems only the bad ones are that obnoxious!