Grand Floridian

[stink]

Planning a four night stay at the GF in December. First time at the GF. Any insights or tips or not to miss at the GF.

Thanks

 

[Greg K.]

You'll love it. The holidays are especially wonderful in The World -- and the world of the Grand Floridian. We spent 12 days there a couple Decembers ago and loved it. Things to see include ...

That incredible tree. It's HUGE. Big fat Christmas tree soaring up through the center lobby.

The life-size gingerbread house. They sell cookies and sweets from it. Also located in the lobby.

Chestnuts! By the main door, outside, they roast chestnuts. How Christmas-y is that, huh? They're aren't quite as good as the ones you can buy on the streets of Manhattan in the wintertime, but they do put you in the mood.

Best damn character meals in The World. Try either breakfast or dinner at 1900 Park Fare. You can thank me later. The food is very good, and the characters terrific; I believe Cinderella holds forth in the evenings, and Mary Poppins and friends in the mornings.

The GF also has the morning parade of the Floridian Ladies: a couple mornings a week, around 8 a.m., the female housekeeping staff parades from the main building, twirling peach parasols, as they make their way to different parts of the resort. It's unbelievably charming. Really.

Also, the GF offers some of the best views of the Electrical Water Pageant, as well as drop-dead GREAT views of the fireworks. Buy a drink, head to the marina, sit down and enjoy.