3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[chattadisser]

Heather,

Thanks for asking about our trip. Like any good disser, I have planned and planned some more. ADR's were taken care of a long time ago and now we are just in the lull before the packing begins. I can't wait to hear about your dinner at Citricos. My husband and I ate there last September and it was wonderful.

Christine

 

[4forWDW]

Heather,
Love the pictures from RC
Thanks so much for taking the time to find and scan them.
I can't believe your trip is coming to an end
Can't wait to read more
Amy

 

[sjs314]

Great parade pics, and priceless pics with Mickey and Minnie

 

[hstrickland]

Wow - how great to luck into such a good parade spot! I am not one to have the patience to sit around and wait for a parade, so I hope we catch a bit of your luck!!!

LOVE the Mickey and Minnie pics. I am really interested to check out this new meet-and-greet. I think there is a princess one there too.

Have you ever done the 1900 Park Fare dinner? I just got an ADR there. I'm sure the food will be dreadful, but the evil stepfamily sounds like they will be so funny.

You're right...there is a princess meet n' greet there, also. However, the wait was much longer...no surprise, right?!

We have done 1900 Park Fare, but for breakfast. We really, really enjoyed it!!! The character interaction was terrific...would certainly go back.

I've really loved reading your trip report. I'm looking forward to hearing about your Citricos dinner. We just booked it as a last minute reservation for our upcoming trip in 10 days. I hope it's worth it!

Thanks! I have a feeling you won't regret your last minute reservation Ask for Wade....he's AWESOME!!!

Heather,

Thanks for asking about our trip. Like any good disser, I have planned and planned some more. ADR's were taken care of a long time ago and now we are just in the lull before the packing begins. I can't wait to hear about your dinner at Citricos. My husband and I ate there last September and it was wonderful.

Christine

"Like any good disser...." How true is that statement??!! Aren't you glad everyone that goes to WDW isn't on the DisBoards....we would NEVER get any ADRs Glad some of our secrets are safe....

Heather,
Love the pictures from RC
Thanks so much for taking the time to find and scan them.
I can't believe your trip is coming to an end
Can't wait to read more
Amy

We have more 'vintage' pictures to come....1983 MK pics My DH was just looking at my parents trip to the GF back in the 90's....we were cracking up at my mom's glasses and clothes!

Great parade pics, and priceless pics with Mickey and Minnie

Hey Shelia! Hope all is well...perhaps I'll get back over to the RC thread this weekend. Our days have been crazy There's something every afternoon with the kids...life...it gets wild, but we love it

 

[RGirl]

You're right...there is a princess meet n' greet there, also. However, the wait was much longer...no surprise, right?!

We have done 1900 Park Fare, but for breakfast. We really, really enjoyed it!!! The character interaction was terrific...would certainly go back.

Thanks for the 1900 Park Fare info. I think buffet breakfast food is much safer, but everything I have read about the stepsisters makes me want to give dinner a try. However, it is one of many of our ADRs that is likely to be canceled because we just can't eat out that often! It will be interesting to see which ones we keep! Hmm, maybe I should do a trip report.....

No surprise on the princesses! Maybe we will try out the new meet-and-greet FastPass. I *think* I have heard that they are not tied to regular FastPass and therefore won't keep you from getting another attraction FastPass right away. Hmm - not sure on that though.

 

[pas130]

Aren't you excited about your trip??!! Y'all will be able to do sooooo much with only the two of you. I'm jealous I've always wanted to go in every store on Main Street....taking my time...looking at everything! Not possible with small kids. It will be such a different experience for y'all!

I KNOW!! We have NEVER sat next to each other on a ride EVER
Not to mention we RARELY go out to dinner just the two of us either...DH says this is opening the door to a whole new world for us

 

[valentinobear]

We love the 50's Prime Time Rest. My husband and son just kept doing things to see what would happen....my son had to stand in the corner for playing with his cell phone and because my husband gave him his phone he had to get up in front of everyone and sing "I'm a Little Teapot".....way to funny...and my husband kept putting his elbows on the table and the waitress ran a string of ketchup in front of him on the table and dared him to put his elbows on that....

 

[hstrickland]

Thanks for the 1900 Park Fare info. I think buffet breakfast food is much safer, but everything I have read about the stepsisters makes me want to give dinner a try. However, it is one of many of our ADRs that is likely to be canceled because we just can't eat out that often! It will be interesting to see which ones we keep! Hmm, maybe I should do a trip report.....

No surprise on the princesses! Maybe we will try out the new meet-and-greet FastPass. I *think* I have heard that they are not tied to regular FastPass and therefore won't keep you from getting another attraction FastPass right away. Hmm - not sure on that though.

You will LOVE the step sisters!!!! They are hysterical...no lie! Ya might want to keep that ressie. I bet the food is fine. Probably not spectacular, but good. And if your DD likes the movie Cinderella, she would have a blast.

As far as the Princess FP... when you walk in the park, it's directly to your right, so just check it out on the way in...no time lost. Your DD is the perfect age for the princesses!! Your trip will be soooo special!

AND....at TR would certainly be a great way to wrap up your trip

I KNOW!! We have NEVER sat next to each other on a ride EVER
Not to mention we RARELY go out to dinner just the two of us either...DH says this is opening the door to a whole new world for us

How sweet!!! That's awesome Pas!!! I'm really excited for y'all...the trip will be super special for the two of you. JMO of course, but I think it's wonderful for couples to do things together...I think it's important for the relationship. We adore our children, but certainly enjoy doing things by ourselves....in fact...tonight's our 'date night'!

You won't know what to do at dinner with no children "sit still"..."stop doing that"...."keep your hands to yourself" Are y'all going to watch the fireworks from any particular place? How about watching the Electrical Water Parade on the WL beach Just be sure to take a blanket down...it will probably be cool at night. Any plans to take a walk on the Boardwalk at night?? So many things for couples to do at WDW!!!

We love the 50's Prime Time Rest. My husband and son just kept doing things to see what would happen....my son had to stand in the corner for playing with his cell phone and because my husband gave him his phone he had to get up in front of everyone and sing "I'm a Little Teapot".....way to funny...and my husband kept putting his elbows on the table and the waitress ran a string of ketchup in front of him on the table and dared him to put his elbows on that....

Now THAT is funny!! We had an awesome waitress, but nothing to that extent! Awesome! Ya know, it always cracks me up to read reviews about the 50s restaurant. Some people really hate it...they hate the whole role playing thing. Guess it's not for everybody.

 

[pas130]

happy Saturday heather We talk about date night....but something ALWAYS comes up I got Chef Mickeys for breakfast, and so far that's the ADR he is most excited about We can eat a hot meal, first and foremost You are so right the possibilities are endless. I think just us, we can do SO much, but with a laid back pace How's school? Miss ya during the week!

 

[hstrickland]

happy Saturday heather We talk about date night....but something ALWAYS comes up I got Chef Mickeys for breakfast, and so far that's the ADR he is most excited about We can eat a hot meal, first and foremost You are so right the possibilities are endless. I think just us, we can do SO much, but with a laid back pace How's school? Miss ya during the week!

Chef Mickey's!! Really!? Funny....aren't you glad he's excited, though? It could be the opposite I think that it's wonderful for y'all to be able to get away together...I know you're ready!!! Who will have all the kids?

School's been great! Nice to have all 3 kids going with me now. I can't seem to get my TR done We have something everyday after school except Mondays...can you say BUSY??!! Of course you can!!! Going to get another installment done tonight, if it's the last thing I do

 

[hstrickland]

A Grand Floridian Evening
Day 9 ​

After a quick dip in the pool and a short rest, we were ready to head over to the Grand Floridian via monorail, of course. We were very anxious to try the famous Citricos.


And here’s my boys!.....all decked out and ready for a spectacular evening.

On the way over, dad and I had the cameras ready….shocker, right?! Ya never know when you might just get that perfect shot….especially of the Poly (love this resort!!)

There’s the CR….standing tall above the rest!!!

Needless to say, the monorail ride was super quick! Once we jumped off, we strolled around just a bit to get a few photos. I know there are some who find the GF stuffy, but I think it’s just the opposite. To us, the lobby is so relaxing and inviting…I love every inch of this place!

While we were getting some photos of Hidden Mickey’s, the little ones took it easy and watched a little TV……aren’t those little chairs adorable!! The GF has a miniature sofa to go with the ensemble…just didn’t get it in the picture.

The fresh flowers at the GF are extraordinary….I could walk around and just shoot pics of flowers for hours!!

The kids had fun playing on the gorgeous staircase…and yes,… I said ‘playing’! Kids can still be kids at the GF and nobody will give you dirty looks…..true…..REALLY!

Now…if you’ve been following along with my TR since day 1, then you will remember that I have been TRYING to get a family picture for our Christmas cards….well….bear with me while I bore you with our family shots! We did some inside and out….

Actually, I think the one above will be the one we use….maybe…. I've been known to change my mind multiple times. We ventured outside to get a few more pics.


Check out this view!!!

I never tire of looking at any of this! Disney does a tremendous job with the lush landscaping at the GF!!

In between photo shoots, I couldn’t stop with the scenic shots….sorry….

Ok…Pop and MaHopie’s turn….

After 1000 shots on the veranda, we wanted to stroll around the grounds before dinner. We really couldn’t have asked for better weather…the temperature was good and the sky was a beautiful blue!

The landscape is perfectly manicured…..I’ve always wondered how many hours it takes to keep the WDW Resorts in tip-top shape??!!

We TRIED to get pictures of the children….Stephen was the only one of the three that was semi-cooperating…..

The other two were in their own little world carrying on the cutest conversation!

After a million pictures, it was finally time to head up to Citricos…everyone was getting a little hungry.

Once again, I’m totally taken away by the GF!! It’s such a beautiful and serene resort, and one that I would go back to in a heartbeat! My kids even like it…especially Faith. As she would say…. “I love the hotel with the pretty red roof!”…..and she’s not talking about the Red Roof Inn!!


Up next…..dinner at Citricos!

 

[POLY1985]

Beautiful pictures! And I LOVE your dress - it's so cute and unique!

 

[RGirl]

Oh wow! The GF is gorgeous! I can't wait to see it in person. And you got some great family pics. I love that dress you were wearing!

Can't wait to hear about Citricos.

You will LOVE the step sisters!!!! They are hysterical...no lie! Ya might want to keep that ressie. I bet the food is fine. Probably not spectacular, but good. And if your DD likes the movie Cinderella, she would have a blast.

As far as the Princess FP... when you walk in the park, it's directly to your right, so just check it out on the way in...no time lost. Your DD is the perfect age for the princesses!! Your trip will be soooo special!

AND....at TR would certainly be a great way to wrap up your trip

I hope we are able to keep that ADR, but we do get worn out on all the food. I am not sure that DD has ever seen Cinderella. We don't have it - Disney vault and all that. But she does know the story.

We will definitely check out the princess FP. DD is still pretty princess-obsessed, so we are doing CRT and Akershus.

I would love to do a TR, but I'm not sure who would read it. I'm not as active on the boards as many. I have a hard time finding enough time to follow a lot of TRs though I would like to. I wrote a report last year but just put it in Facebook notes.

 

[hstrickland]

Beautiful pictures! And I LOVE your dress - it's so cute and unique!

Thanks a million! I see from your signature that you're a FW fan Great place, isn't it!!

Oh wow! The GF is gorgeous! I can't wait to see it in person. And you got some great family pics. I love that dress you were wearing!

Can't wait to hear about Citricos.

The GF is a wonderful place for pictures!! You'll be able to get some great shots of your DD while there

I hope we are able to keep that ADR, but we do get worn out on all the food. I am not sure that DD has ever seen Cinderella. We don't have it - Disney vault and all that. But she does know the story.

I completely understand about getting tired!! Especially with a young one...you certainly don't want to wear her out. Relax and enjoy....."Relax" is such a strange word coming from me, right?!

We will definitely check out the princess FP. DD is still pretty princess-obsessed, so we are doing CRT and Akershus.

Two great choices!!!! You can't go wrong with those

I would love to do a TR, but I'm not sure who would read it. I'm not as active on the boards as many. I have a hard time finding enough time to follow a lot of TRs though I would like to. I wrote a report last year but just put it in Facebook notes.

You might be surprised I'm super behind on several of the threads that I follow...just not enough time in the day

 

[Busymom85]

Enjoyed your trip report. Beautiful pictures. Thanks for posting.

 

[amandaw]

Love all the pictures at Grand Floridian. Especially the family photos - very nice! I'm hoping on our trip next year that there will be a day where we can take some time to check out a few resorts (GF, BC & BW). Can't wait to hear how dinner was. I'm starting my dining research for next October - so I need all the info I can get!

 

[shan23877]

Great pictures as usual! I love the family shot that you got--love Faith's hand on her hip all sassy like!

 

[onelilspark]

I can't wait to see what you guys thought of Citricos, it's one of my favorites!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Do I see a GF stay in your future?

You all remind me of when Mickey used to say on the toiletry bottles, "Everybody neat and pretty?" You all look so ready for a lovely dinner. Looking forward to your review...

 

[sjs314]

We have done 1900 Park Fare, but for breakfast. We really, really enjoyed it!!! The character interaction was terrific...would certainly go back.

Hey Shelia! Hope all is well...perhaps I'll get back over to the RC thread this weekend. Our days have been crazy There's something every afternoon with the kids...life...it gets wild, but we love it

Heather - I haven't told DH yet but I booked 1900 Park Fare for Breakfast, he loves buffets and I want to explore GF Glad to see you say you would return.

Love your pictures of GF and I think the pic in the GF lobby would look fantastic as this years Christmas card.