HAVING A GRAND OLD TIME! The 2013 Grand Floridian Resort & Villas FAQ

[grannyminnie]

Just wanted to pop in and wish all of my fellow GF fans a

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Safe travels to those who are traveling..and hoping that you all enjoy the time with family and friends...that in itself is something to be so thankful for...

Hi, Blue...we did have a great visit with our daughter and her family. And were thankful to have a safe trip as well, what with all the weather we encountered driving up! Not to mention bumper-to-bumper traffic at times!

Hope your holiday was all you wanted as well.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hi Everybody!

I hope you all had fun on Thanksgiving Day!!! We had a day of fun, family and friends which is always welcome!!

We put up our tree on Friday. It is our tradition to put them up the day after Thanksgiving, but Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday and it was so hard to wait to put up the decorations since Thanksgiving was so late!

DH still has to do the outdoor lights, but we woke up to snow this morning and now just some form of precipitation is falling. Next week he has drill weekend (Air National Guard) so, it will likely be another two weeks before our outdoor lights go up.

I started Christmas shopping in October and I am almost done with the girls stuff.

I just need to get through the next 3 weeks and then I have two weeks off from work for Christmas break!

Glad you had a good T'giving! Way to go on the shopping, I can't think about Christmas before late November.

Good luck with your outdoor lights, hard to do once the bad weather starts.

It's been decent here the last few days with temps in the mid 40s and sunny ....although later in the week the temps are supposed to drop with the end of the week only being a high of 29 .

WTG on the online ordering . My shopping is almost done.....just a few more things to buy.

We've had great weather this week, too - some days near 60! We get a few more, then a dip into the 20s and possible snow.

High five on being nearly finished with your shopping!

Well.. I couldn't wait for 68 days.. So I am going for one night this weekend. I plan to run over to the grand and soak in the holiday lobby!!

Awesome!! Enjoy your Grand weekend.

That is awesome you've ordered most stuff. I am almost completely done too. Just a few more things. I'm not usually done this early, but we have this tripped planned for Christmas, so . . . .

....
LOL I wish I could just pop down for a night!

....

I am ready for Spring as soon as Christmas is done too! Bye then the snow has served it's purpose and I am ready for warmth!!!! LOL

Good for you, it's nice to be so nearly finished before December gets going, right?! For me, it was a necessity as I'll be out of town for a couple weeks. Wish I was popping down to the Grand for a day, too.

I'm right there with you - I always think winter should be over once we are past Christmas, but we have months to go!

I'm not usually done this early either, so it feels good to only have a couple more things to get and December just started . I hear you on the snow......I can take a few snowfalls right around Christmas and then I'm ready for it to be over .

Your trip will be here before you know it . Disney at Christmas is amazing!!!

We have had a couple winters lately with very little snow. DH and I agree, we could go the rest of our lives without ANY snow!

Two thumbs up on the Disney at Christmas - it is amazing.

Good morning all. Hope everyone had a lovely holiday! We went to visit our daughter in Va. and got home dinner time yesterday. I'm so tired..

My tree always goes up early (I like to enjoy it a few weeks before Christmas). And I leave it up later too. I just love Christmas! However, I have done NO shopping yet!

Well, you may end up with the best deals, I just heard yesterday Black Friday is not always the best time to purchase. Lots of items get cheaper as the holiday approaches.

Glad you had a wonderful holiday with your DD. Get plenty of rest.

 

[grannyminnie]

Thanks, k&a&c'smom, but no rest for the weary today~ laundry, and grocery shopping are on the schedule. Also more decorating, but that can wait.

 

[princessmocha]

Good morning all. Hope everyone had a lovely holiday! We went to visit our daughter in Va. and got home dinner time yesterday. I'm so tired..

My tree always goes up early (I like to enjoy it a few weeks before Christmas). And I leave it up later too. I just love Christmas! However, I have done NO shopping yet!

Traveling always makes me exhausted . . . Now it's time to shop!

Well, you may end up with the best deals, I just heard yesterday Black Friday is not always the best time to purchase. Lots of items get cheaper as the holiday approaches.

Glad you had a wonderful holiday with your DD. Get plenty of rest.

They did a cost comparison thing on our news after black Friday and there were the same items that were cheaper during the Veteran's Day sale and they were saying that things generally will get cheaper too. But then, I like to do a lot on-line shopping (while I am supposed to be working, like right now . . .)

 

[bethclayton]

Some of you will remember this story so I thought you'd get a laugh today. This weekend we were decorating the tree. There was an ornament with a rolled up piece of paper in it that my son had made in fourth grade. We couldn't remember what the paper was about so he took it out and unrolled it- and here it was! We were cracking up! I told you that grand one pizza was memorable!! Have a great day everyone!

 

[BlueSkies]

Good Afternoon fellow GF fans!

As usual when I am behind..I skimmed...

Hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving..

Beth thanks for sharing that family memory... It cracked me up too! PS Its always about the food!

Hi grannyminnie!! Glad that your had a nice visit with your DD and family! Nothing nicer than a holiday surrounded by family..usually..LOL..

MickeyNut I know if those temps inch up anywhere close to 50 degress that you have put your flip flops back on .. WTG on all of the shopping!

DisneyDmbNut Yay for a quick GF visit! It is spectacular in all of its holiday finery!!

Hi CandyOrlando & MommyGina too...

k&a&c'smom Another early shopper! I have begun...maybe have half done...???

Safe travels next week...

We have much the same decorating schedule as your mom did..Tree up early..and down in January...I think I could look at that all lit up( and filled with Disney ornaments..theres a surprise right?? ) all year...LOL...

MouseMommy Another super shopper! You girls..being almost all finished with your Christmas shopping...

PrincessMochaAnd yet another super shopper!! and I was feeling good about being half done...


Trisha Your trip will be here before you know it! sounds like you will be putting those FP+ to good use...

We are almost at our 60 day mark ...and ready to order our MBs..do FP+'s..dining is done... Nothing like having a Disney trip to look forward to....

Hope that everyone is having a magical Monday!

 

[princessmocha]

Some of you will remember this story so I thought you'd get a laugh today. This weekend we were decorating the tree. There was an ornament with a rolled up piece of paper in it that my son had made in fourth grade. We couldn't remember what the paper was about so he took it out and unrolled it- and here it was! We were cracking up! I told you that grand one pizza was memorable!! Have a great day everyone!

That is hilarious!!!! Gotta love those memories!

 

[grannyminnie]

Blue, I had to laugh at your use of the word "usually" regarding enjoying being surrounded by family! There are those members whose presence might NOT be missed every now and then..

I have NO shopping done! None... Should I be getting ?

 

[mariamouse]

Some of you will remember this story so I thought you'd get a laugh today. This weekend we were decorating the tree. There was an ornament with a rolled up piece of paper in it that my son had made in fourth grade. We couldn't remember what the paper was about so he took it out and unrolled it- and here it was! We were cracking up! I told you that grand one pizza was memorable!! Have a great day everyone! http://s40.photobucket.com/user/bethclayton/media/80EDFD74-30BE-4FFD-8C23-BD6C835EFB0C.jpg.html

I love this! So cute. Last year, my mom came across a long forgotten letter that I had written to Santa at age six (dated October 32nd, naturally) requesting "money and anything else." Couldn't stop cracking up when we found that gem!

On a separate topic, I am happy to report that we have canceled our extra back-up Poly reservation as of last night and are now fully committed to the GF for our stay in 1.5 months! We are so excited and just couldn't help feeling that the combination of the Grand being a better cold weather resort and the Poly construction potentially being a burden made the Grand the better choice this time around. Can't believe our trip is so soon!! I'm sure it will be here before we know it with all of the impending holiday craziness!

Hope k&a&c'smom and the rest of the GF FAQ gang are doing great and had a lovely Thanksgiving! You can expect to see quite a bit more of me on here in the coming couple months.

 

[MommyGina]

Hi Friends! Haven't posted but have been reading along. I have looked everyday to see if I can get my air booked, but no luck. Southwest only has reservations until June 6 and we are going to the GF on July 15. Maybe this week something will come out. Still have not finished my dining plans either. DS is still waiting for his first choice for college. Got into his second choice. I'm getting ready for Christmas. Just finished putting away Thanksgiving stuff!

Any news on how the new mug system is working at Gasparilla's?

 

[Mousemommy1]

Hi Friends! Haven't posted but have been reading along. I have looked everyday to see if I can get my air booked, but no luck. Southwest only has reservations until June 6 and we are going to the GF on July 15. Maybe this week something will come out. Still have not finished my dining plans either. DS is still waiting for his first choice for college. Got into his second choice. I'm getting ready for Christmas. Just finished putting away Thanksgiving stuff!

Any news on how the new mug system is working at Gasparilla's?

Fingers crossed for your son's 1st choice to come through, but at least he has a back up all set!

For airfare, Southwest will release dates through 6/30/14 on 12/16/13, so it will probably be sometime in January that you get your dates released. I am still waiting for August dates -- I have $1110 in credits to use!

 

[mickeynut1]

Good morning all. Hope everyone had a lovely holiday! We went to visit our daughter in Va. and got home dinner time yesterday. I'm so tired..

Hi grannyminnie .....hope you had a wonderful time visiting your DD . We don't travel during the holidays as the majority of our family is local, but I can imagine what it's like driving during those busy times. I'm sure it's always nice to go away and visit, but it's probably also nice to be back home .

we did have a great visit with our daughter and her family. And were thankful to have a safe trip as well, what with all the weather we encountered driving up! Not to mention bumper-to-bumper traffic at times!

Glad you had a safe trip and had a great time visiting with your DD .

We've had great weather this week, too - some days near 60! We get a few more, then a dip into the 20s and possible snow.

We are back on a roller coaster ride of weather . Yesterday was kind of mild with temps in the mid 30s, with today and tomorrow hitting mid 50s.....with the end of the week being a high of mid 20s .

no rest for the weary today~ laundry, and grocery shopping are on the schedule. Also more decorating, but that can wait.

Hope you were able to get your laundry and grocery shopping done, along with having some down time to relax after the busy holiday weekend and being away .

They did a cost comparison thing on our news after black Friday and there were the same items that were cheaper during the Veteran's Day sale and they were saying that things generally will get cheaper too.

I have found this to be true the last couple of years. Years ago the black Friday deals were pretty much the best deals, but it seems now a days things are even cheaper the closer it gets to Christmas.

Some of you will remember this story so I thought you'd get a laugh today. This weekend we were decorating the tree. There was an ornament with a rolled up piece of paper in it that my son had made in fourth grade. We couldn't remember what the paper was about so he took it out and unrolled it- and here it was! We were cracking up! I told you that grand one pizza was memorable!! Have a great day everyone!

That is too funny.....but is a great family memory .

MickeyNut I know if those temps inch up anywhere close to 50 degress that you have put your flip flops back on ..

We are almost at our 60 day mark ...and ready to order our MBs..do FP+'s..dining is done... Nothing like having a Disney trip to look forward to....

You know me too well....LOL.....but you are right.....those flip flops are ready and waiting for me to wear .

Your trip is getting close .

I had to laugh at your use of the word "usually" regarding enjoying being surrounded by family! There are those members whose presence might NOT be missed every now and then..

I have NO shopping done! None... Should I be getting

LOL on the family and those members whose presence would NOT be missed......I totally agree .

I wouldn't worry too much about not having any shopping done....you still have plenty of time .

Last year, my mom came across a long forgotten letter that I had written to Santa at age six (dated October 32nd, naturally) requesting "money and anything else." Couldn't stop cracking up when we found that gem!

On a separate topic, I am happy to report that we have canceled our extra back-up Poly reservation as of last night and are now fully committed to the GF for our stay in 1.5 months! We are so excited and just couldn't help feeling that the combination of the Grand being a better cold weather resort and the Poly construction potentially being a burden made the Grand the better choice this time around. Can't believe our trip is so soon!! I'm sure it will be here before we know it with all of the impending holiday craziness!

Hope k&a&c'smom and the rest of the GF FAQ gang are doing great and had a lovely Thanksgiving! You can expect to see quite a bit more of me on here in the coming couple months.

What a cute memory for you about the letter to Santa (and that it was dated 10/32 ).

Congrats on returning the GF soon.....you will be checking in before you know it .

Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving as well . Looking forward to "seeing" you here on the thread in the coming weeks before your trip .

Hi Friends! Haven't posted but have been reading along. I have looked everyday to see if I can get my air booked, but no luck. Southwest only has reservations until June 6 and we are going to the GF on July 15. Maybe this week something will come out. Still have not finished my dining plans either. DS is still waiting for his first choice for college. Got into his second choice. I'm getting ready for Christmas. Just finished putting away Thanksgiving stuff!

Hi MommyGina...hope things are going well with you .

Good luck on getting your air for July.....I hope SWA has a good fares for your dates .

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi Mickeynut, Still dragging here (didn't help that I woke up BEFORE 5 this morning! ), and still doing laundry...

It's a gloomy day here, but I have the Christmas tree lights on and the music playing, (is there a Christmas tree icon? I'm too lazy to look! ) so that makes things seem brighter right away!

Hope everyone else is having a good day!

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi Mickeynut, Still dragging here (didn't help that I woke up BEFORE 5 this morning! ), and still doing laundry...

It's a gloomy day here, but I have the Christmas tree lights on and the music playing, (is there a Christmas tree icon? I'm too lazy to look! ) so that makes things seem brighter right away!

Hope everyone else is having a good day!

Those very early morning wake ups, along with the never ending laundry, can get you . It's gloomy here too with a light rain .....but I agree things are brighter with the tree lights on .

 

[k&a&c'smom]

beth, that is adorable and hilarious!! Read it to my DD, we both got a good laugh and an, "awww!"

Thanks, k&a&c'smom, but no rest for the weary today~ laundry, and grocery shopping are on the schedule. Also more decorating, but that can wait.

Hope you've gotten a little rest, anyway.

They did a cost comparison thing on our news after black Friday and there were the same items that were cheaper during the Veteran's Day sale and they were saying that things generally will get cheaper too. But then, I like to do a lot on-line shopping (while I am supposed to be working, like right now . . .)

Me, too! I've done all mine so far online, much easier as I live in a rural area.

Good Afternoon fellow GF fans!

As usual when I am behind..I skimmed...

Hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving..

....

k&a&c'smom Another early shopper! I have begun...maybe have half done...???

Safe travels next week...

We have much the same decorating schedule as your mom did..Tree up early..and down in January...I think I could look at that all lit up( and filled with Disney ornaments..theres a surprise right?? ) all year...LOL...

....

We are almost at our 60 day mark ...and ready to order our MBs..do FP+'s..dining is done...: Nothing like having a Disney trip to look forward to....

Hope that everyone is having a magical Monday!

LOL about the Disney ornaments. I don't have as many as people would think, I need to rectify that.

If you have your shopping half done at December 2, I think you are doing great! I'm only motivated because I have to be, lol.

Thanks about the travel.

Woohoo for the 60 day mark, sounds like you are nearly all set.

Hi Friends! Haven't posted but have been reading along. I have looked everyday to see if I can get my air booked, but no luck. Southwest only has reservations until June 6 and we are going to the GF on July 15. Maybe this week something will come out. Still have not finished my dining plans either. DS is still waiting for his first choice for college. Got into his second choice. I'm getting ready for Christmas. Just finished putting away Thanksgiving stuff!

Any news on how the new mug system is working at Gasparilla's?

Good question. I haven't read anything, but then, I haven't been looking! I'd love to know, too, even though we don't use the mugs much at all. I do like to buy them for souvenirs when they have pretty designs.

Way to go on the second choice, I'll keep my fingers crossed the first choice works out!

Fingers crossed for your son's 1st choice to come through, but at least he has a back up all set!

For airfare, Southwest will release dates through 6/30/14 on 12/16/13, so it will probably be sometime in January that you get your dates released. I am still waiting for August dates -- I have $1110 in credits to use!

Good to know, I don't pay much attention to when SWA opens up the schedule. Wow, way to go on your credits!!

We are back on a roller coaster ride of weather . Yesterday was kind of mild with temps in the mid 30s, with today and tomorrow hitting mid 50s.....with the end of the week being a high of mid 20s.

....

I have found this to be true the last couple of years. Years ago the black Friday deals were pretty much the best deals, but it seems now a days things are even cheaper the closer it gets to Christmas.

....
You know me too well....LOL.....but you are right.....those flip flops are ready and waiting for me to wear .


....
I wouldn't worry too much about not having any shopping done....you still have plenty of time .

Our weather has been up and down, too. Today was gorgeous! High of 64 degrees and low humidity. Can't ask for more in the first week of December.

DD went out on Black Friday (I did not!) and she said much the same, the deals weren't all that great.

A girl after my own heart, I have several pairs of flops by both front and back doors.

Agreed on those who have not done much shopping yet - plenty of time.

I have NO shopping done! None... Should I be getting ?

Nope! Plenty o' time, as mickeynut said.

 

[followthatmouse]

This is an extremely belated Thanksgiving wave to all my dear American GFers. I have been interstate and away from my computer for a week. So, this is my first opportunity to wish you all well for the Holiday Season. I do hope 'leftovers' is not a dirty word.

Congrats to all who have recently booked stays at the GF. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I love this! So cute. Last year, my mom came across a long forgotten letter that I had written to Santa at age six (dated October 32nd, naturally) requesting "money and anything else." Couldn't stop cracking up when we found that gem!

On a separate topic, I am happy to report that we have canceled our extra back-up Poly reservation as of last night and are now fully committed to the GF for our stay in 1.5 months! We are so excited and just couldn't help feeling that the combination of the Grand being a better cold weather resort and the Poly construction potentially being a burden made the Grand the better choice this time around. Can't believe our trip is so soon!! I'm sure it will be here before we know it with all of the impending holiday craziness!

Hope k&a&c'smom and the rest of the GF FAQ gang are doing great and had a lovely Thanksgiving! You can expect to see quite a bit more of me on here in the coming couple months.

Another adorable story. You were obviously a very easy child..."money and anything else"! Gave your parents a wide margin, lol. The kicker is the date.

Yay for your upcoming Grand stay, it will be here before you know it! Love to see more of you - bonus!

We had a good Thanksgiving, thank you, I hope you did as well. It was quiet, none of my kids were able to come home, but my DH and MIL enjoyed the dinner.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

This is an extremely belated Thanksgiving wave to all my dear American GFers. I have been interstate and away from my computer for a week. So, this is my first opportunity to wish you all well for the Holiday Season. I do hope 'leftovers' is not a dirty word.

Congrats to all who have recently booked stays at the GF. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.

LOL - leftovers is a wonderful, much anticipated word in my house.

Thanks for the well wishes. Do you have a similar holiday in Australia? I know they have a Canadian Thanksgiving.

 

[grannyminnie]

Those very early morning wake ups, along with the never ending laundry, can get you . It's gloomy here too with a light rain .....but I agree things are brighter with the tree lights on .

Good morning, GF pals.. I was watching a Hallmark movie this morning at 6:30 (with tree lights on )! Three weeks until Christmas! Maybe I'll start my shopping today... (wish I could put an early winter GF stay in my own stocking! )

Love that letter to Santa, mariamouse! Alot of us probably sent some good ones Santa's way!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I just saw that the Value resorts went with completely KTTW-less yesterday...I hope GF still has them in February..I really want my gold card!!