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

[k&a&c'smom]

mickeynut -

trishadono - love the photos!

Tom - My mom and MIL (both in their 80s, both still at home, luckily) like having the "granddogs" visit them, neither of whom allowed a dog in the house for most of their lives! Something about a dog resting their head on your lap, looking up at you while you talk with and pet them, very soothing. Very sweet your Lab is now visiting others, I know it is a bright spot in their day.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you very much -- it is much appreciated.


Tom

I think it's great that your mom enjoys your lab visiting her. Labs are awesome dogs and so very people/family friendly that I think they can lift anyone's spirit .

mickeynut -

trishadono - love the photos!

Tom - My mom and MIL (both in their 80s, both still at home, luckily) like having the "granddogs" visit them, neither of whom allowed a dog in the house for most of their lives! Something about a dog resting their head on your lap, looking up at you while you talk with and pet them, very soothing. Very sweet your Lab is now visiting others, I know it is a bright spot in their day.

I agree. Dogs have something about them that just soothe people (especially labs, IMO ).

 

[k&a&c'smom]

See......I knew you would have photos You rock! I am pleasantly surprised how large the lockers are. I could not tell from the photo for sure....do you need to bring your own lock or is it one of those put in a quarter to release the key types or ??? Also--is it only one shower stall? And is the soap dispenser on the wall filled with soap and a shampoo/conditioner or should I pack a few from the room in my day bag? Very nice that there are also hair dryers there as well! I am sure our car service driver will appreciate the extra time we spend cleaning up in the showers before getting in his car.....



At first I was disappointed in the SMSM rate I received when booking for 6nts at PBH. Thought it was quite low. I just happened to be lurking on a dark side thread when someone mentioned that the percentage off for the SMSM is much better once you hit the 7nt mark. I ran the numbers and Wallah! An easy savings! It will work out well to get established at PBH and be ready to hit the new Harry Potter rides early the next morning. I am very excited to see the new room décor. The pics you sent me a few months ago are just gorgeous We have decided to just stick with the regular garden view room instead of the deluxe room. There isn't that much more space for the money difference. *IF* we have extra monies, I would rather just upgrade to the Portofino suite to truly gain space!

Yes, there are several shower stalls - I'll have to go look at my file, I may have one that shows how many. I posted that particular shower photo to show the accessible stall.

There is soap, shampoo, etc. - maybe even Q-tips and cotton balls, can't recall. I'm fairly certain the lockers have those keys you turn to release, with a strap that you wear on your wrist, no charge. Very nice set up!

Cool about the SMSM rate, I'm glad you stumbled on it. It's hard to figure out the best rate, isn't it? And as the dates get closer, sometimes an even better rate is released, so keep checking the dark side forums and the site. (although, with the new HP area, you may have the best rate for the year)

Those Portofino suites are gorgeous, the colors are similar but even prettier than the regular/deluxe rooms. Ice blue, silver, creamy white, with a sort of cashmere brown accents - lovely!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I think it's great that your mom enjoys your lab visiting her. Labs are awesome dogs and so very people/family friendly that I think they can lift anyone's spirit .



I agree. Dogs have something about them that just soothe people (especially labs, IMO ).

Missed you again - we must be on that "post at the same time" cycle that BlueSkies and I were on.

Agreed. Labs do seem to have a special sense for people, we never wanted a big dog until DD got her Lab. We are in love, especially my DH who doesn't really prefer dogs in the house at all. He has put up with me and the kids having our pets over the years, but now he is a Lab fan.

 

[pas130]

More for grannieminnie and bethclayton

2 days tomorrow!!

Just checked the forecast, though, and it is literally going to be high of mid-50's/60's every day. It was almost a high of 50 in CT yesterday! Any chance the forecast can change in three days?!

But oh well.. Mickey will give us a warm hug and make it all better

The forecast can ALWAYS change! Happy and safe travels!

Hello fellow GF fans!

I am behind as usual...and skimming..as usual...

Me too Now that class is back in session for me
REALLY cutting in on my DIS time

So, I stop by (since it is on the way home from work) 2-3 nights a week - its tough watching someone that used to be so sharp decline -- and honestly, I find the moments of clarity almost harder to deal with. At least she does still have Italian mother guilt and throws that at me and my sister every day. But as my sister reminds me every day "It is what it is."

I hope your mom is comfortable and I'm sending you lots of sympathy and respect.

Tom

So very very sorry, I can't imagine how hard it must be for you. My DH lost his father last year, and yesterday was FILs birthday, DH needed lots of extra TLC. Hope the Grand will lift your spirits a bit, you'll be there soon!

We just lost both my beloved dad and DH's only uncle on 12/20, our thoughts and prayers to all here whose hearts are aching.

Very sorry for your loss as well

k&a&c'smom & mickeynut

grace&caroline'smom The Portofino suites are a great deal BUT just a thought...for less you could upgrade to a CL room at PBH..which are the deluxe rooms with free yummies....again a thought (unless you need 2 rooms like my crew )

 

[BlueSkies]

Just saying..

Pas Dontcha just hate it when "other" stuff cuts into doing fun stuff like talking Disney!

Hope That you are all having a terrific Tuesday!

 

[pas130]

Just saying..

Pas Dontcha just hate it when "other" stuff cuts into doing fun stuff like talking Disney!

Hope That you are all having a terrific Tuesday!

Absolutely

Hi back atchya....back to school (the pitfalls of online class

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BlueSkies -

2 days tomorrow!!

Just checked the forecast, though, and it is literally going to be high of mid-50's/60's every day. It was almost a high of 50 in CT yesterday! Any chance the forecast can change in three days?!

But oh well.. Mickey will give us a warm hug and make it all better!

Sorry, I missed this! Just 2 days, woohoo!!

As pas said, the forecast can always change, especially for the days further out. But even tomorrow could be different than predicted. I'll keep my fingers crossed for warmer temps.

Oh - and even if the temp is close to the same as at home, FL weather is quite different, being so much closer to the sun. Good luck!

Me too Now that class is back in session for me
REALLY cutting in on my DIS time


k&a&c'smom & mickeynut

LOL about class cutting into your DIS time!

Sorry about your FIL. Those first missed holidays and birthdays are hard.

 

[pas130]

LOL about class cutting into your DI time!

Sorry about your FIL. Those first missed holidays and birthdays are hard.

DH is just not settled with losing his father, they left off on a bad note, and poor DH feels so guilty even though the argument was not his fault. You never know, we ourselves never leave each other angry...because you never know

 

[mariamouse]

The forecast can ALWAYS change! Happy and safe travels!.

Sorry, I missed this! Just 2 days, woohoo!!

As pas said, the forecast can always change, especially for the days further out. But even tomorrow could be different than predicted. I'll keep my fingers crossed for warmer temps.

Oh - and even if the temp is close to the same as at home, FL weather is quite different, being so much closer to the sun. Good luck!

Thank you both for the positive weather thoughts! As it turns out, I just checked the forecast and the temperatures have risen a bit! It’s a gray and rainy day here in CT, which is only making me more excited to step foot in sunny Florida. And good point about the sun feeling different down there, k&a&c’smom! I know we will have a blast regardless of the weather, but I’m feeling heat deprived…

 

[k&a&c'smom]

DH is just not settled with losing his father, they left off on a bad note, and poor DH feels so guilty even though the argument was not his fault. You never know, we ourselves never leave each other angry...because you never know

Very true. I'm sorry for your DH, I'm sure it is hard for him in that situation. He shouldn't feel guilty, but that's the nature of it.

Thank you both for the positive weather thoughts! As it turns out, I just checked the forecast and the temperatures have risen a bit! It’s a gray and rainy day here in CT, which is only making me more excited to step foot in sunny Florida. And good point about the sun feeling different down there, k&a&c’smom! I know we will have a blast regardless of the weather, but I’m feeling heat deprived…

YAY! I hope those temp predictions keep going up. I can certainly relate to your longing for the sun. I hate winter and can't wait for warm weather again, as soon as it leaves us.

Two days to go!

 

[BlueSkies]

maria TWO days!!!

Rather have cooler weather in Disney than be anywhere else!!!

If you don't get to check back in before your ..or I dont get to check back in..lol..wanted to wish you safe travels.. And a wonderful trip!! With lots of sunshine and magical moments!

 

[followthatmouse]

maria TWO days!!!

Rather have cooler weather in Disney than be anywhere else!!!

Have a wonderful trip, mariamouse! The anticipation is half the fun!

BlueSkies, I rather like the thought of cooler weather. It is not even 8 a.m. and the temperature is in the mid-90s down here. Of course, at the GF pixie dust provides the perfect climate year 'round.

 

[mommyrosa2]

Just finished catching up and wanted to send along to all those with heavy hearts. Both my parents were diagnosed with dementia within the last year and a half. My mom, 86, was first diagnosed and my father had to make the hardest decision of his life to place my mom in a nursing home as her health had declined so rapidly. Six months later, my dad, 89, underwent an emergency appendectomy and he was never the same after that. Literally within two months after his surgery he was diagnosed with dementia and his health declined rapidly as well. Both parents are now in the same nursing home and while my mom has more good days then bad, my dad has more bad than good. Dementia is an awful condition and it's tough to watch but we try to focus on the good days and try to spend as much time as we can with them while we can. I am happy to say that my parents just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary and we had a small gathering for them at the nursing home...they were so happy and it turned out to be a great day!

 

[mickeynut1]

Missed you again - we must be on that "post at the same time" cycle that BlueSkies and I were on.

Agreed. Labs do seem to have a special sense for people, we never wanted a big dog until DD got her Lab. We are in love, especially my DH who doesn't really prefer dogs in the house at all. He has put up with me and the kids having our pets over the years, but now he is a Lab fan.

We must be .....and I noticed your post ended up at the top of the page .

I'm not surprised your DH is now a lab fan . They are awesome dogs and so very easy to love .

Now that class is back in session for me
REALLY cutting in on my DIS time

So very very sorry, I can't imagine how hard it must be for you. My DH lost his father last year, and yesterday was FILs birthday, DH needed lots of extra TLC. Hope the Grand will lift your spirits a bit, you'll be there soon!

k&a&c'smom & mickeynut

Hi pas . I agree with Blue, I hate when every day life gets in the way of Dis time.....it's just not fair .

I'm so sorry to hear about your FIL .....I hope your DH is doing ok .

Thank you both for the positive weather thoughts! As it turns out, I just checked the forecast and the temperatures have risen a bit! It’s a gray and rainy day here in CT, which is only making me more excited to step foot in sunny Florida. And good point about the sun feeling different down there, k&a&c’smom! I know we will have a blast regardless of the weather, but I’m feeling heat deprived…

Yay for rising temps . You will have a great time no matter what the weather is, but it's always nice to have a little bit of warmth, especially when you're coming from very cold .

Just finished catching up and wanted to send along to all those with heavy hearts. Both my parents were diagnosed with dementia within the last year and a half. My mom, 86, was first diagnosed and my father had to make the hardest decision of his life to place my mom in a nursing home as her health had declined so rapidly. Six months later, my dad, 89, underwent an emergency appendectomy and he was never the same after that. Literally within two months after his surgery he was diagnosed with dementia and his health declined rapidly as well. Both parents are now in the same nursing home and while my mom has more good days then bad, my dad has more bad than good. Dementia is an awful condition and it's tough to watch but we try to focus on the good days and try to spend as much time as we can with them while we can. I am happy to say that my parents just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary and we had a small gathering for them at the nursing home...they were so happy and it turned out to be a great day!

I'm so sorry to hear about your parents .

What an amazing milestone to celebrate 70 years of marriage!!! I'm glad it was a great day and everyone was there to celebrate with them .

 

[Mousemommy1]

Is it August yet??? I just want to be at the Grand already!!!!

 

[mommyrosa2]

Is it August yet??? I just want to be at the Grand already!!!!

Me too

 

[MommyGina]

mariamouse - have a GRAND time!!! Safe travels and I look forward to a trip report. Savor every second of your trip because it goes by way too fast.

To all who have ailing parents, my heart goes out to you. Enjoy all the moments you spend with them. I wish I had just a few more seconds with my parents.

KonaKaiTom - oh yes. Italian mother guilt. I knew first hand from my mother! I can totally relate.

181 more days until we are at the Grand. Tomorrow is the day that my ADRs will be made by the IPO. I just hope we can get what we wanted. If not, back to the drawing board!

DS got into his second choice college. Still waiting to hear from his first choice.

Hi Blue and k&a&c'smom and all my friends. Have a good day

 

[grannyminnie]

I noticed a day or so ago that Cheaptickets has 20% discount that you can actually "stack" on to another discount. Has anyone here used it for the GF with success?

Mariamouse, wishing you a safe and happy trip!

 

[trishadono]

I noticed a day or so ago that Cheaptickets has 20% discount that you can actually "stack" on to another discount. Has anyone here used it for the GF with success?

I used the discount at Poly CL last year. I had no problems.

Thanks for the heads up. Maybe I will get a new ticker now