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

[KonaKaiTom]

I'm really not sure how that will work. I know you can link a CC to your MDE account before you go, but I think it would still be tied to your resort ressie the same as with the KTTK cards. When you charged after checkout the charge was billed through your resort. I haven't linked a CC to my account yet and will wait until I check in to do so. This will be my first trip with MB's, we didn't have them in September, I should know more when I return.



Woohoo me too.

BlueSkies, Congrats on the BOG ADR. You are supposed to play WWF when you can't sleep not be messing around with ADR's.

Safe travels to those leaving soon.

Awesome -- I check in on Tuesday the 4th and will be in conference for an hour on the 5th and all day on the 6th and 7th, vacation on the 8th and 9th -- maybe we will get a chance for all of us Disboarders to have a meet and greet at some point -- I'm game!

Tom

 

[trishadono]

Hi- headed to GF next month and we are staying in sugar loaf. Any room request suggestions? Our group has 3 kids with us ages 8,9, 10. Thanks!

I have stayed in SL twice. The building is not very big and I don't think it would really matter where. Both of mine have been pool side and it is fun to watch all the comings and goings of people.

Possibly you can request a non dormer room because they are a few feet smaller. The balconies are smaller too. I did that for my last trip because I knew 4 of us on that half balcony would be tight

In the lounge they have trays in a cupboard you can use to carry your food back to the room. Just ask. Also one guest used her ice bucket tray (round) from the room. We liked eating on the balcony vs in the small lounge.

i just wanted to thank you all for the condolences. you guys are the best.

my dad moved in with us the day my mom died. so we are currently scrambling to build a fourth bedroom for him in the basement and to empty out his very full apartment. it's been a bit of a challenge, not to mention that all of his assets are frozen because they were all in my mom's name, and that sorting out her estate is proving to be a nightmare. sooooo.... yeah.

Ya, dh has had to fly to fla to help his mom with stuff too. It's been a few months for us and things finally settling down. Hang in there

 

[BlueSkies]

BlueSkies -- it appears we will be Grand at the same time!


Tom

Hope that we have relatively warm temps! Maxie and I will be the two "young" ladies sitting at the pool drinkin coffee ...and playing WWF with each other on our phones!! LOL..

We are at the Grand!!
The Villas are so beautiful, we wish we could live here all the time. Because we were here only a month ago it already feels like home.
The CM's are so friendly. They got so excited to see us! We were hugging each other.

Candy What a nice start to your vacation..Looking forward to your wonderful descriptions of your trip! Enjoy!!

Hmm, there's some of that pixie dust again, Candy Orlando! What a wonderful start to your stay.

I'm finding it difficult to wait for May. I tell myself to just concentrate on the work and the calendar will turn month to month. Gosh, it's hard.

Hang in there..I bet the time will fly!

Hi- headed to GF next month and we are staying in sugar loaf. Any room request suggestions? Our group has 3 kids with us ages 8,9, 10. Thanks!

With the lounge being in the lobby of SL..and younger kids that might want to venture there by themselves..a ground floor room might be very convenient..There are two views..courtyard..or marina..both are lovely..and just a matter of personal preference...Have a great trip!

i just wanted to thank you all for the condolences. you guys are the best.

my dad moved in with us the day my mom died. so we are currently scrambling to build a fourth bedroom for him in the basement and to empty out his very full apartment. it's been a bit of a challenge, not to mention that all of his assets are frozen because they were all in my mom's name, and that sorting out her estate is proving to be a nightmare. sooooo.... yeah.

Glad you popped in Beth... Hope that you get everything straightened out quickly..

Maxie I was up at the wee hour of 3:30...and had no one to play WWF with... I suggest that you keep your phone closer to where you sleep so that you can hear the alert when "someone" is playing!! Thank you!

mickeynut I was so surprised when I put BOG in and some dining times came up for the day we wanted... I actually took a second look..and then tried it again...And it was still there!

k&a&c'smom Forgot to mention on this before..and mickeynut's post reminded me...wow that is a lot of hardware in your ankle! You must have had quite a break...Hope that it is all healed up..and doesnt bother you when the weather changes.. I had a broken arm quite some time ago...and even though it was healed..it took a few years before it felt good as new...??

mariamouse Bet you are on your way!

Thanks koh As I said..I was so surprised that there was actually an available time at BOG..given the difficulty in getting ressies there! A very pleasant surprise!

grannieminnie Whatcha up to this morning??? How come you are not here hanging around with your Disney pals..LOL...?

I am watching the weather...and changing my what to pack list daily ...lol..think I am going to have to do what Trisha did and pack a little of everything... I really don't mind 60's and 70's but mid 40's.. Keeping my fingers crossed for lots of and warmer temps!

~Dining question..cause its always about the food..lol...made a lunch ressie at Tony's Town Square...as its been quite a while since we have eaten here...and now I am wondering if we should change to our fave Plaza??? I read very mixed reviews about both lunch and dinner here...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Thursday!!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

i just wanted to thank you all for the condolences. you guys are the best.

my dad moved in with us the day my mom died. so we are currently scrambling to build a fourth bedroom for him in the basement and to empty out his very full apartment. it's been a bit of a challenge, not to mention that all of his assets are frozen because they were all in my mom's name, and that sorting out her estate is proving to be a nightmare. sooooo.... yeah.

When mom went into the nursing home we had to "execute" all of the estate planning stuff that we had set up about 15 years ago. Even with the entire plan ready and just waiting for the day, it took from September 5 until yesterday to get her long term care insurance plan acceptance, her presciption insurance is still messed up, all of her assets were moved out of her name and into mine and my sister, and all of the approrpriate deed recordings etc are now in effect. It took that long when we had engaged the best estate/elder care law firm in the state -- the government sure doesn't make it easy! Good luck, it is a difficult process - I was shocked as to how difficult it was to activate her long term care insurance -- they were happy to take her money for 20 years, but they felt that a 91 year old women with dimentia, arthritis to the point of not being able to stand up nor walk, and other health challenges, could get by in my home with an aide stopping in to give her her meals and medicine - boy were they wrong when I got done with them!

Tom

 

[BlueGiraffe]

Is it possible to pay for a late checkout at Grand Floridian?

 

[Koh1977]

BlueSkies - we really like Tony's for dinner. Been twice now and I made an ADR there for this trip too. They've always been great with the kids too.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

bethclayton - Sorry your family has to deal with all the estate problems along with everything else. It must feel like you have the weight of the world

Tom - sorry about your mom's issues, too, doesn't it seem like everything you do now means a long, drawn out process?! Even little things like an erroneous bill or a minor fender bender takes so much time and effort these days, no wonder everyone is so stressed.

Glad you have a trip to look forward to, I hope you and the "young ladies" get a chance to meet.

Ouch . It's amazing just how bad a little part of your body can break or get damaged so severely that it would need that much done to it .

I know! I broke this same ankle twice, the first time I was 9 months pregnant and they didn't want to do surgery, so I had a cast to the hip for several months. Second time, I was just walking through the yard and tripped over the water hose - I knew it was broken before I hit the ground.

Hi- headed to GF next month and we are staying in sugar loaf. Any room request suggestions? Our group has 3 kids with us ages 8,9, 10. Thanks!

It's hard to think of a bad view in SL! As others have posted, you could get either the marina view or pool view and both are nice. Marina view is quieter, if that makes a difference.

With 3 kids, you might want to request a deluxe room. It has a small sitting area, so you would have some extra room. In SL they are not bookable nor guaranteed requests, you just have to ask IPO to note it on your reservation and hope one is open the day you check in. No daybed in those rooms, just 2 queens, but you can request a rollaway.

There are links on the first page to photos of the SL views and the deluxe rooms, in posts 4 & 5.

Hope that we have relatively warm temps! Maxie and I will be the two "young" ladies sitting at the pool drinkin coffee ...and playing WWF with each other on our phones!! LOL..


mickeynut I was so surprised when I put BOG in and some dining times came up for the day we wanted... I actually took a second look..and then tried it again...And it was still there!

k&a&c'smom Forgot to mention on this before..and mickeynut's post reminded me...wow that is a lot of hardware in your ankle! You must have had quite a break...Hope that it is all healed up..and doesnt bother you when the weather changes.. I had a broken arm quite some time ago...and even though it was healed..it took a few years before it felt good as new...??


I am watching the weather...and changing my what to pack list daily ...lol..think I am going to have to do what Trisha did and pack a little of everything... I really don't mind 60's and 70's but mid 40's.. Keeping my fingers crossed for lots of and warmer temps!

~Dining question..cause its always about the food..lol...made a lunch ressie at Tony's Town Square...as its been quite a while since we have eaten here...and now I am wondering if we should change to our fave Plaza??? I read very mixed reviews about both lunch and dinner here...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Thursday!!

You'll be headed back to the Grand before you know it. Can I stow away in your luggage? You'll be packing everything else! LOL! I usually pack a little of everything in the winter months, too, just to be safe. Layers are the way to go, we've found.

YAY for your BOG score. Another friend said she recently grabbed a BOG reservation for next month, maybe they are opening up some that were held back, or guests are canceling as they get closer?

As for Tony's, I'm leery now of going back. We used to eat there regularly, but several years ago we had a couple lackluster experiences back to back. I haven't been recently, though, so I can't say what it's like now - but I would probably go with another choice, if I had an old favorite in the MK.

BTW - every time you post "it's all about the food" I get a big laugh, as DD and I say the same thing.

Regarding the ankle - it is healed, thanks, it happened many years ago. (over 20, wow, where does the time go?) But I have had problems with it over the years, as my job required that I stand 8+ hours per day, and now I have arthritis in that joint and the knee on the same leg. So annoying that it cuts into my WDW walking! Sorry about your arm, do you have any issues now?

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hope that we have relatively warm temps! Maxie and I will be the two "young" ladies sitting at the pool drinkin coffee ...and playing WWF with each other on our phones!! LOL..

Geez, I guess I will look like an old perv with all the grey hair talking to the "young" ladies. I'll be the grey haired guy drinking bourbon at the pool bar.

Tom

 

[grannyminnie]

Hope that we have relatively warm temps! Maxie and I will be the two "young" ladies sitting at the pool drinkin coffee ...and playing WWF with each other on our phones!! LOL..



Candy What a nice start to your vacation..Looking forward to your wonderful descriptions of your trip! Enjoy!!



Hang in there..I bet the time will fly!



With the lounge being in the lobby of SL..and younger kids that might want to venture there by themselves..a ground floor room might be very convenient..There are two views..courtyard..or marina..both are lovely..and just a matter of personal preference...Have a great trip!



Glad you popped in Beth... Hope that you get everything straightened out quickly..

Maxie I was up at the wee hour of 3:30...and had no one to play WWF with... I suggest that you keep your phone closer to where you sleep so that you can hear the alert when "someone" is playing!! Thank you!

mickeynut I was so surprised when I put BOG in and some dining times came up for the day we wanted... I actually took a second look..and then tried it again...And it was still there!

k&a&c'smom Forgot to mention on this before..and mickeynut's post reminded me...wow that is a lot of hardware in your ankle! You must have had quite a break...Hope that it is all healed up..and doesnt bother you when the weather changes.. I had a broken arm quite some time ago...and even though it was healed..it took a few years before it felt good as new...??

mariamouse Bet you are on your way!

Thanks koh As I said..I was so surprised that there was actually an available time at BOG..given the difficulty in getting ressies there! A very pleasant surprise!

grannieminnie Whatcha up to this morning??? How come you are not here hanging around with your Disney pals..LOL...?

I am watching the weather...and changing my what to pack list daily ...lol..think I am going to have to do what Trisha did and pack a little of everything... I really don't mind 60's and 70's but mid 40's.. Keeping my fingers crossed for lots of and warmer temps!

~Dining question..cause its always about the food..lol...made a lunch ressie at Tony's Town Square...as its been quite a while since we have eaten here...and now I am wondering if we should change to our fave Plaza??? I read very mixed reviews about both lunch and dinner here...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Thursday!!

Hi, Blue... I was on here earlier but didn't take time to post...had to make a grocery run, which turned into a trip to the mall to look for a birthday gift for my sister. I see that you and Maxie and Tom are planning a mini Dis meet! That sounds fun...

Beth, I hope the estate business is soon settled. You don't need anything else "on your plate" right now..

Jecon, we've stayed on both sides of SL, and I think I prefer the marina view. It IS quieter, as k&a&c'smom said.

 

[mickeynut1]

i just wanted to thank you all for the condolences. you guys are the best.

my dad moved in with us the day my mom died. so we are currently scrambling to build a fourth bedroom for him in the basement and to empty out his very full apartment. it's been a bit of a challenge, not to mention that all of his assets are frozen because they were all in my mom's name, and that sorting out her estate is proving to be a nightmare. sooooo.... yeah.

So sorry to hear about the hassles you are dealing with as far as the estate, on top of everything else. I hope everything gets settled sooner than later

Awesome -- I check in on Tuesday the 4th and will be in conference for an hour on the 5th and all day on the 6th and 7th, vacation on the 8th and 9th -- maybe we will get a chance for all of us Disboarders to have a meet and greet at some point -- I'm game!

Tom

I hope it works out that all of you who will be there soon are able to meet .

mickeynut I was so surprised when I put BOG in and some dining times came up for the day we wanted... I actually took a second look..and then tried it again...And it was still there!

It's always a good feeling to obtain that hard to get ADR .

When mom went into the nursing home we had to "execute" all of the estate planning stuff that we had set up about 15 years ago. Even with the entire plan ready and just waiting for the day, it took from September 5 until yesterday to get her long term care insurance plan acceptance, her presciption insurance is still messed up, all of her assets were moved out of her name and into mine and my sister, and all of the approrpriate deed recordings etc are now in effect. It took that long when we had engaged the best estate/elder care law firm in the state -- the government sure doesn't make it easy! Good luck, it is a difficult process - I was shocked as to how difficult it was to activate her long term care insurance -- they were happy to take her money for 20 years, but they felt that a 91 year old women with dimentia, arthritis to the point of not being able to stand up nor walk, and other health challenges, could get by in my home with an aide stopping in to give her her meals and medicine - boy were they wrong when I got done with them!

Tom

It's just horrible what hoops people have to jump through when it comes to insurance, especially when it comes at the most stressful times .

Is it possible to pay for a late checkout at Grand Floridian?

If things haven't changed, you can request a late check out and if granted, is free until 1 pm. From 1-3 pm there would be a charge equal to 1/2 of the nightly rate. From 3 pm on, you will be charged a full night's rate. We had a late check out once at the WL, which was ok'd by the front desk, but others have reported that you need to ask/get permission from housekeeping. Hopefully someone will correct me if things have changed .

I know! I broke this same ankle twice, the first time I was 9 months pregnant and they didn't want to do surgery, so I had a cast to the hip for several months. Second time, I was just walking through the yard and tripped over the water hose - I knew it was broken before I hit the ground.

You have had some bad luck with that one ankle . I couldn't imagine being 9 months pregnant and having a cast .

Geez, I guess I will look like an old perv with all the grey hair talking to the "young" ladies. I'll be the grey haired guy drinking bourbon at the pool bar.

Tom

 

[mariamouse]

We are here!!! And we got our exact request despite the late check-in time-- Boca Chica, lower (but not bottom) floor, facing Narcoossee's. We have an awesome view of the CR and SSL looking to the right of our balcony and can even see the tippy top of the castle behind Narcoossee's. I can tell the fireworks view from this room will be great.

We are so happy to be here!! It's pretty chilly, but we won't let that damper our fun!

FYI- we took the Magical Express to get here and the stops were WL, CR, Poly and then GF. Took about an hour.

Off to bed so that we can wake up for Crystal Palace tmrw morning! And, speaking of bed, ours seem MUCH softer than they did when we were last here a couple of years ago. It feels like they put a new mattress pad or feather bed on top of the mattress or something. Given that I like to feel like I'm sleeping on a cloud, I'm thrilled!!

We're actually here!

 

[Mousemommy1]

We are here!!! And we got our exact request despite the late check-in time-- Boca Chica, lower (but not bottom) floor, facing Narcoossee's. We have an awesome view of the CR and SSL looking to the right of our balcony and can even see the tippy top of the castle behind Narcoossee's. I can tell the fireworks view from this room will be great.

We are so happy to be here!! It's pretty chilly, but we won't let that damper our fun!

FYI- we took the Magical Express to get here and the stops were WL, CR, Poly and then GF. Took about an hour.

Off to bed so that we can wake up for Crystal Palace tmrw morning! And, speaking of bed, ours seem MUCH softer than they did when we were last here a couple of years ago. It feels like they put a new mattress pad or feather bed on top of the mattress or something. Given that I like to feel like I'm sleeping on a cloud, I'm thrilled!!

We're actually here!

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

3 weeks from today, we will be on our way!

I am currently torn if I want to book a tea or just enjoy it at the SL lounge. We have done it a few times in the tea room and it is a favorite for DD.. But it seems silly to book and pay when we will have a chance to have it in the lounge

 

[jecon]

bethclayton - Sorry your family has to deal with all the estate problems along with everything else. It must feel like you have the weight of the world Tom - sorry about your mom's issues, too, doesn't it seem like everything you do now means a long, drawn out process?! Even little things like an erroneous bill or a minor fender bender takes so much time and effort these days, no wonder everyone is so stressed. Glad you have a trip to look forward to, I hope you and the "young ladies" get a chance to meet. I know! I broke this same ankle twice, the first time I was 9 months pregnant and they didn't want to do surgery, so I had a cast to the hip for several months. Second time, I was just walking through the yard and tripped over the water hose - I knew it was broken before I hit the ground. It's hard to think of a bad view in SL! As others have posted, you could get either the marina view or pool view and both are nice. Marina view is quieter, if that makes a difference. With 3 kids, you might want to request a deluxe room. It has a small sitting area, so you would have some extra room. In SL they are not bookable nor guaranteed requests, you just have to ask IPO to note it on your reservation and hope one is open the day you check in. No daybed in those rooms, just 2 queens, but you can request a rollaway. There are links on the first page to photos of the SL views and the deluxe rooms, in posts 4 & 5. You'll be headed back to the Grand before you know it. Can I stow away in your luggage? You'll be packing everything else! LOL! I usually pack a little of everything in the winter months, too, just to be safe. Layers are the way to go, we've found. YAY for your BOG score. Another friend said she recently grabbed a BOG reservation for next month, maybe they are opening up some that were held back, or guests are canceling as they get closer? As for Tony's, I'm leery now of going back. We used to eat there regularly, but several years ago we had a couple lackluster experiences back to back. I haven't been recently, though, so I can't say what it's like now - but I would probably go with another choice, if I had an old favorite in the MK. BTW - every time you post "it's all about the food" I get a big laugh, as DD and I say the same thing. Regarding the ankle - it is healed, thanks, it happened many years ago. (over 20, wow, where does the time go?) But I have had problems with it over the years, as my job required that I stand 8+ hours per day, and now I have arthritis in that joint and the knee on the same leg. So annoying that it cuts into my WDW walking! Sorry about your arm, do you have any issues now?

Thank you for the suggestion on the deluxe room!! We have two rooms (two families) but that would be a nice option if it's available. Thanks again!!

 

[MommyGina]

mariamouse - Thank you for letting us know where you are staying at the GF! Did you see the fireworks from your room last night?

Got an email yesterday from the GF IPO at 7:50 a.m. that all my ADRs were made. I got all that I wanted including BOG for dinner and breakfast and dinner at Ohana. DD wanted to eat breakfast there and DS wanted to eat dinner there. Just to make sure there was no further fighting over this, we are eating there twice! DS did not make it to dinner there last year because he ended up in the urgent care with Influenza A.

The bad news about DS top choice for college is that no decision will be made until March 1. Over 29,000 applications were received and only 3,350 will be accepted. Ugh. Wasn't that stressful when I went to college a million years ago!

 

[grannyminnie]

Mariamouse, you sound sooo excited! Thanks for the update, and we'd love more, if you have the time...

 

[mickeynut1]

We are here!!! And we got our exact request despite the late check-in time-- Boca Chica, lower (but not bottom) floor, facing Narcoossee's. We have an awesome view of the CR and SSL looking to the right of our balcony and can even see the tippy top of the castle behind Narcoossee's. I can tell the fireworks view from this room will be great.

We are so happy to be here!! It's pretty chilly, but we won't let that damper our fun!

FYI- we took the Magical Express to get here and the stops were WL, CR, Poly and then GF. Took about an hour.

Off to bed so that we can wake up for Crystal Palace tmrw morning! And, speaking of bed, ours seem MUCH softer than they did when we were last here a couple of years ago. It feels like they put a new mattress pad or feather bed on top of the mattress or something. Given that I like to feel like I'm sleeping on a cloud, I'm thrilled!!

We're actually here!

Thanks for checking in. Glad you got your requests met, sounds like you got an awesome room . Have a great trip and enjoy the Grand .

Got an email yesterday from the GF IPO at 7:50 a.m. that all my ADRs were made. I got all that I wanted including BOG for dinner and breakfast and dinner at Ohana. DD wanted to eat breakfast there and DS wanted to eat dinner there. Just to make sure there was no further fighting over this, we are eating there twice! DS did not make it to dinner there last year because he ended up in the urgent care with Influenza A.

The bad news about DS top choice for college is that no decision will be made until March 1. Over 29,000 applications were received and only 3,350 will be accepted. Ugh. Wasn't that stressful when I went to college a million years ago!

Glad all of your ADRs are done .

I'm sorry you have to wait longer regarding the college decision, but March isn't that far off and it will be here before you know it .

 

[trishadono]

3 weeks from today, we will be on our way!

I am currently torn if I want to book a tea or just enjoy it at the SL lounge. We have done it a few times in the tea room and it is a favorite for DD.. But it seems silly to book and pay when we will have a chance to have it in the lounge

You know the main reason I booked SL last time was that the price increase from GV to SL was about as much as I spend at the tea room

I canceled the tea room but am glad to know for times I DON'T stay at GF the tea room is always there for dd scones fix

 

[BlueGiraffe]

If things haven't changed, you can request a late check out and if granted, is free until 1 pm. From 1-3 pm there would be a charge equal to 1/2 of the nightly rate. From 3 pm on, you will be charged a full night's rate. We had a late check out once at the WL, which was ok'd by the front desk, but others have reported that you need to ask/get permission from housekeeping. Hopefully someone will correct me if things have changed

Thanks for that! Maybe I'll email them or give them a call.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Geez, I guess I will look like an old perv with all the grey hair talking to the "young" ladies. I'll be the grey haired guy drinking bourbon at the pool bar.

Tom

....
If things haven't changed, you can request a late check out and if granted, is free until 1 pm. From 1-3 pm there would be a charge equal to 1/2 of the nightly rate. From 3 pm on, you will be charged a full night's rate. We had a late check out once at the WL, which was ok'd by the front desk, but others have reported that you need to ask/get permission from housekeeping. Hopefully someone will correct me if things have changed .



You have had some bad luck with that one ankle . I couldn't imagine being 9 months pregnant and having a cast .

Times have changed but you can still request a late check out and get it free until noon or 1 pm (can't remember which)! But I did want to point out that I have not had any luck getting late check out in recent years. Maybe it's the time of year we choose to go or something, but they usually tell me to ask the day before check out, and when I do, they put me on hold and come back and say they have that room reserved for an early check in.

Re: the ankle - I gave birth with that cast to the hip! Then, had it for another month before they gave me a half cast...I think. I know I was in a cast for a total of 11 weeks due to the severe break (trimalleolar with a fibula fracture). It wouldn't start to heal until my son was born, and he was 4 weeks late! Seven or eight years later it was a bimalleolar fracture with a longer fracture of the fibula, and I ended up like the Terminator.

We are here!!! And we got our exact request despite the late check-in time-- Boca Chica, lower (but not bottom) floor, facing Narcoossee's. We have an awesome view of the CR and SSL looking to the right of our balcony and can even see the tippy top of the castle behind Narcoossee's. I can tell the fireworks view from this room will be great.

We are so happy to be here!! It's pretty chilly, but we won't let that damper our fun!

FYI- we took the Magical Express to get here and the stops were WL, CR, Poly and then GF. Took about an hour.

Off to bed so that we can wake up for Crystal Palace tmrw morning! And, speaking of bed, ours seem MUCH softer than they did when we were last here a couple of years ago. It feels like they put a new mattress pad or feather bed on top of the mattress or something. Given that I like to feel like I'm sleeping on a cloud, I'm thrilled!!

We're actually here!

I'm so thrilled for you!! Have a wonderful, Grand vacation. (and if you get a chance, we wouldn't mind you doing a little snooping regarding the new decor - no pressure! hahaha)

3 weeks from today, we will be on our way!

I am currently torn if I want to book a tea or just enjoy it at the SL lounge. We have done it a few times in the tea room and it is a favorite for DD.. But it seems silly to book and pay when we will have a chance to have it in the lounge

Almost there!

My advice would be to stick with the tea service in the lounge. Now that the menu has changed at the tea room, I don't find it as good a value when staying CL. Our last trip, we were in RPC but I booked the tea for DD's BFF - but they had made the menu smaller, no a la carte items. We all said we might as well have eaten in the lounge.

We will still book the tea room if we aren't staying CL, but will forego it if we are in SL or RPC.

Thank you for the suggestion on the deluxe room!! We have two rooms (two families) but that would be a nice option if it's available. Thanks again!!

Good luck, I hope you get it if that is what you wish.

mariamouse - Thank you for letting us know where you are staying at the GF! Did you see the fireworks from your room last night?

Got an email yesterday from the GF IPO at 7:50 a.m. that all my ADRs were made. I got all that I wanted including BOG for dinner and breakfast and dinner at Ohana. DD wanted to eat breakfast there and DS wanted to eat dinner there. Just to make sure there was no further fighting over this, we are eating there twice! DS did not make it to dinner there last year because he ended up in the urgent care with Influenza A.

The bad news about DS top choice for college is that no decision will be made until March 1. Over 29,000 applications were received and only 3,350 will be accepted. Ugh. Wasn't that stressful when I went to college a million years ago!

YAY for the ARs - I'm glad you got everything you wanted. I'm sure that's a relief, now you can concentrate on the rest of your planning.

Sorry about the long wait to hear from your DS's first choice school. Yikes about the 29,000 apps!