Grand Floridian

[disneyfanatic60]

I just booked GF for a trip in early December. It's always been a dream of mine to stay at GF. We have been at many, many other WDW resorts but GF always eluded us (primarily the cost). My daughter (17) and I will be making this trip. We were just at WL in May. What are the do not misses or must do's at this resort? I have briefly scanned the GF thread that's running. I'm interested especially in any holiday-related events.

Thanks everyone.

Michele

 

[Noelle]

Definitely stop by the gingerbread shop in the lobby. It's a life-sized Gingerbread house. We bought a few cookies last year and enjoyed them in the lobby listening to the band play.

 

[Greg K.]

You've picked a GREAT time to go. We visited there in early December a few years ago, and it was perfect. Crowds were light, and the weather was gorgeous -- not to mention the resort! The GF has some of the most stunning holiday decorations anywhere in The World.

One night, they had bellringers in the lobby, which was fun and festive -- and most nights, we'd find "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" by the main entrance. I felt like I was back in New York! Be sure to see the life-size gingerbread house in the lobby, where they sell gingerbread cookies (duh!). And some of the lights dotting the grounds are lovely. And the tree! WOW.

I'm sure they'll be having lots of special doings during your stay. Check the hotel newsletter for the latest. If you REALLY want to splurge, order one of their amazing room service breakfasts -- delivered with linene napkins and fresh flowers.

Oh yeah: and have magical time!

 

[RoLaren]

This isn't holiday related but I would recommend that you see if Svetlana is still one of the artists in the lobby and if she is, have her draw your daughter's portrait, or maybe one of the both of you. Her drawings look so alive it's like they're going to say something.

We got our daughter's portrait done by her after watching the different artists all week and liking her work best.

It's more than worth the money.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[queenof4hearts]

I was wondering when the Christmas decorations go up at GF.
We were thinking about going next Thanksgiving.

Sorry about jumping in on your post. Staying at the GF is my dream too. I love to hear about it!

I always hear rave review about the afternoon tea.

 

[queenof4hearts]

bump

 

[Greg K.]

I would be very surprised if they Christmas decorations are NOT up by Thanksgiving at the GF.

We stayed at the Boardwalk a couple years ago in mid-November. We went to bed one night and woke up to a winter wonderland: all the decorations -- trees, lights, flowers, the works -- had been put up overnight!

Decorations were blossoming elsewhere, too.

 

[PavelB]

After years of going to the Beach Club, we finally tried the GF this past summer. We loved the Beach Club but were looking for something different. I'm not sure it would have been the best when they were little, but now that they are teenagers it is our new favorite. My 17 year old had an especially good time. Every night there were a lot of teenagers at the pool, which was open 24 hours. He made some great new IM friends. Have fun!

 

[wdarling]

the gingerbread house is just too cute for words. stop in the hotels to see the tree decorations and walk thru the resort to see other holiday decorations. i thought it was so sweet at night hearing the band play christmas music with all the decorations. it just seemed like a scene from a movie!