Inching My Way Closer to the Castle Final thoughts/future trips 4/2p90 The End 4/4p92

[2xcited2sleep]

Looks like a fantastic morning. I still haven't eaten at Kona either although I think I'd be more likely to try lunch or dinner since I'm not a big breakfast eater.

I've never taken advantage of the DVC pool hopping advantage either... so much to think about.

On the topic of Mickey wine stoppers... not that I'm an expert or spend a lot of time in the wine stores... ... but in addition to the metal and swirl glass there are Murano (sp?) glass ones, some variety of stone in bright colors and there is also a 3D almost snow globe type topper with the castle inside it. And some have matching bottle openers for the beer lovers. Lots of options!

 

[MEK]

I was a bit behind - just saw your kitchen remodel -and WOW! It looks beautiful!!! Great work!

Thanks! We are so pleased with it. I absolutely love it!

I
Your opening ceremony pictures make me even more determined to see that opening show, the REAL one, in March when we are at BLT. I'm drooling over all the view pictures -- soooooooooo pretty.

Oh - you will LOVE walking from BLT to the opening show. It's so perfect. No rush, no hassle, and the perfect morning greeting. You feel like its your own private show (that you're sharing with a couple hundred of your closest friends).

So sorry you didn't get to ride EE at night. And now it seems they are cutting back on PM EMH there. There isn't even one PM EMH our entire two weeks! I hope they bring it back!

What???? Really?????? That stinks! Maybe they are going to limit them to summer. I loved EMH when I went in June. It was the trip where I took LJ and I was so afraid he would be traumatized by thrill rides that we didn't ride it. If only I had not listened to my brother. It was our first night and I was sternly warned not to take him on intense rides.

I found this HILARIOUS. I totally get why you refuse to drink calories (that's pretty smart!), but you refuse juice, but gladly devour deep fried banana dough covered in sugar! I love it!

I know. I really contradict myself with that one! I did have a frozen chai latte, so I guess I broke my rule for that special occasion.

See? There was merit to my Kouzzina breakfast madness. Or Dictatorship (Dictation?).

Oh - YES - that menu looks divine! I can't wait to eat there now. What an innovative breakfast menu.

Good riddance I'd say. Guess what's going on here tonight. COLLEGE app's...

I wasn't sure I'd see the day!

Awesome!

assuming it won't be dark enough in May? And that you are on top of checking?

It wasn't last year. It was twilightish when I rode with Tracy and Katie. But that was around 7:30. Best chance would be to get on the ride at 7:59:59 and that will probably interfere with dinner plans.

Somehow this is a common theme. Bad Disney Bacon.

What a waste of calories is all I can say.

We got moved to a Contemporary Garden Room ... we loved it. quiet, beautiful views and away from the hustle, but a quick walk to the pool and main area. Those rooms are huge too! We did have a first floor room so our patio was a walk out, nice when you had sleeping kids and a baby awake, we could sit out there!

It's funny, but you get the feeling that people have to be in the main building or forget about it. But I thought those garden rooms looked really, really cool. I would be totally happy to stay there because being away from it all is important to me. Perfect when you need to just chill away from the sleeping kids.

Love the kitchen, looks great!

Thank you!

Tonga toast sounds and looks so yummy. I want to get there someday, or at at least Captain Hooks to try it out!

I loved it. It was super yummy and super filling!

Looks like a fantastic morning. I still haven't eaten at Kona either although I think I'd be more likely to try lunch or dinner since I'm not a big breakfast eater.

I am usually not a big breakfast person, but I am starving by lunch. This worked out well because it was a late breakfast so it worked for me like lunch.

I have had dinner there and it was very good both times. I had the tuna oscar which was delicious.

I've never taken advantage of the DVC pool hopping advantage either... so much to think about.

Well, since you always stay at the BC you really don't need to, but I think it worked out well for the monorail resorts. When else would I swim in those pools? A big fat never, so I'm glad that Jen enjoyed doing it too.

L

On the topic of Mickey wine stoppers... not that I'm an expert or spend a lot of time in the wine stores... ...)

....Ok....carry on......

but in addition to the metal and swirl glass there are Murano (sp?) glass ones, some variety of stone in bright colors and there is also a 3D almost snow globe type topper with the castle inside it. And some have matching bottle openers for the beer lovers. Lots of options!

I am definitely going to be scoping out the wine stoppers while we are down there in May. I also would like to buy a couple bottles for consumption while we are there. Plus, I really want to buy some sake or go to a sake tasting.

 

[eandesmom]

It wasn't last year. It was twilightish when I rode with Tracy and Katie. But that was around 7:30. Best chance would be to get on the ride at 7:59:59 and that will probably interfere with dinner plans.

I truly can't recall what time our dinner is on AK EMH night and that assumes that they don't change what night is which, which I don't trust this far out.

It's funny, but you get the feeling that people have to be in the main building or forget about it. But I thought those garden rooms looked really, really cool. I would be totally happy to stay there because being away from it all is important to me. Perfect when you need to just chill away from the sleeping kids.

We actually wanted to book the garden rooms for our August trip and they were sold out. Ultimately I'm glad we ended up where we did but it would have been cheaper than the YC!

I have had dinner there and it was very good both times. I had the tuna oscar which was delicious.

ITA on the Tuna! Mediocre service but outstanding food!

but in addition to the metal and swirl glass there are Murano (sp?) glass ones, some variety of stone in bright colors and there is also a 3D almost snow globe type topper with the castle inside it. And some have matching bottle openers for the beer lovers. Lots of options!

Oh! I want the snow globe one! I must check that out!!! and a set with a beer opener...and and and....

 

[MEK]

Well, I guess its about time for an update. I am not sure whether we will make it to the wedding chapel on this update, but let's see how it goes.

When I last left off Jen and I had just finished an amazing breakfast at Kona. And now I can cross that off my Disney bucket list. I think it was a good choice. We were going for the "laid" back day and I think a late breakfast is a great way to start that type of day. I am glad that Jen wasn't jonesin to get right back to a park. It was still so stinkin' hot and I was glad we picked chillin at the pool over hitting the parks.

Next stop - the Grand Flo. I've only been to the GF once before. It was in Sept 09 when Denny and I ate at Narcoosees. That's when I learned that the self parking lot at the GF was ridiculously far aware. But, that did not dampen the fondness I was developing for the GF. I had always thought that resort was a little too snobby or stuffy and way overpriced. If someone had asked me to make a list of where I wanted to stay at Disney, I would always put GF at the bottom. Well, that's changed, especially after my pool hopping experience. I now think the GF is absolutely gorgeous and I think I could live there!

Next stop....Disney's Grand Floridian:

Naturally we had to drop by the Mercantile for a quick look-see.

Cute T shirt

Cute Bag

A few pictures from the Mercantile window:

Another view out the Mercantile window:

I took this next picture from some balcony I found located near the Mercantile. There were some CM's out there setting up for something, so I grabbed a quick pick and went on my way.

I bet there are little nooks and crannies like this all over the GF

We returned to the lobby to explore a bit more. I know someone recently commented on this in her TR, so I will echo the same sentiment - what the heck is up with the giant bird cage?

Just look at the girl near the elevator. That gives you a good idea exactly how tall this bird cage is!

Who doesn't love the floors at the GF?

Or the flowers:

Even the carpet is well themed....

I found this to be pretty cool. I'm not sure what it is, but it sure is pretty.

Continued in next post.......

 

[MEK]

I found the paintings on the wall to be of interest as well

This caught my eye....

So I took a closer look:

Can I just tell you that as cute as this party may be, its definitely for people with a lot of expendable income. I could think of a lot better things to do with that money, but maybe that's just me and my priorities. For example, I would much rather spend that money on a cool tour. But then again, I have never had girls. So maybe my opinion is biased.

It was time to head outside.

The first pool that Jen and I found was actually the quiet pool. I'll be honest with you, I really didn't know that at first. It had a bar, great theming, and cabanas for rent. It was in a lovely location right along the water. It didn't take long for us to make ourselves at home, but the whole time we were there I felt like we stuck out. I felt like we had signs on our backs that said "pool hopper". When we first arrived, the only other woman there clear had had b@@b jobs and lipo. I'm talking major thong action. No, I did not take any pictures. I really couldn't find a way to do that discretely.

Jen and I found a nice quiet seat at this table facing the lake....

Old G-Flo was growing on me more and more. Ahhhhhh - I could just come here and never go into the parks. It could be my own little haven of solitude. What a picture perfect day and the fact that the breeze off the lake may the temperature drop about 10 degrees, certainly didn't hurt the mood.

Honeymooners Perhaps?

Platinum Plan Perhaps?

Are there any other quiet pools that have this kind of theming?

I think not.

Continued in next post

 

[MEK]

Jen went far a walk on the beach while I just chilled in the shade of the umbrella. But, alas, I was getting thirsty so I went up to the bar to ask the CM where I might be able to fill my mug. I told him we were DVCrs from BLT making the pool hop rounds. Something in the way he responded to my confession made me think he had already figured that out.

Apparently the refillable mug dispenser was quite a ways off, so this kind gentleman filled my mug from behind the bar. We starting talking when I saw that he was from Buffalo NY. I told him how much I had enjoyed Niagara Falls last summer and asked him if he ever got back to Buffalo. The answer was an emphatic "yes" and then he went on to talk to me about all the politics in the town. When we finally parted ways, I set off to retrieve Jen from the beach.

She was actually on her way back because either she had forgotten her camera or her batteries had died.

I took a few distance shots from the beach:

This one building [in particular caught my eye:

So I moved closer:

Up Next - a very unexpected self guided tour of the wedding chapel!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

My girls have that cool t-shirt!!! It's one of my faves!

Beautiful pictures!!! I took one of a HUGE floral arrangement at the GF a couple trips ago. They smelled so good!!! I'm sure they refresh them every day!

That Princess Tea - I had investigated that once. I stopped reading when I saw the price. I am not one of those with that much disposable income. Someday I'll take the girls to the regular Tea at GF.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Great pictures, as always MaryEllen! That is my dream, one day to stay at GF. It is so pretty.

When we were there in Sept of 09 those floors were being installed. It was nice seeing them finished. Thanks.

 

[eandesmom]

I cannot imagine spending that kind of money on that tea. The regular tea is not inexpensive. It seems to me they could cut out half of the stuff they include and cut it by $100. Who needs a bear, and a bracelet, and a tiara, and an American Girl doll?????? If you cut out the doll, or make it an optional add on, then maybe.

Then again, maybe not!

You are too funny with your confession. I remember feeling a bit self conscious at WL in 08 when we hopped due to the remodel of the FW pool. We of course had permission to do so but I was worried someone would ask for proof. Which of course no one did. I mean really, you could hop anywhere I think and no one would look, care or notice outside of SAB. It's not like they go around asking for room keys! I think you just feel self conscious as you might be lugging more stuff with you to hop, than if it was at your resort.

So I'm thinking we may need to hop and visit the creepy clown in May.



I have never noticed the carpet carriage when at the GF....how pretty!

I'm not sure if I could stay at the GF. Not because of the snob factor or stuffiness or anything like that but the room decor is just too flowery for me!

Explains my love for the YC.....

Great update!

 

[Charleston Princess]

What beautiful pictures of the Grand Floridian! Makes me want to be there right now!

 

[manntra]

Ohhh what pretty pictures of the GF!!
I remember you texting me when you were there and the woman with the thong/**** combo!!!
I totally would have been sending out DVC pool hopping vibes!
I think I told you I have never pool hopped but I think the perfect opportunity is when staying at BLT because of the monorail. I think I am going to try for BLT in October when I call to switch at the 7 months...My niece says she doesn't want to stay at "the sandwich" but I do....although of course I might try at BC and BWV first but during F&W those two might be a bit tough
Can't wait to see what is going on in the Wedding Chapel I have seen numerous weddings in the BW area over the years.....could only imagine how romantic that must be. I have a friend in Seattle that is getting married 9/10/11...(not at Disney ) aren't they great dates?!
My desktop ticker says 103 days so you are almost at double digits!!!!!


Tracy

 

[mickeystoontown]

I've only been to the Grand Floridian once myself and I didn't notice half of the things you took pictures of. The resort is absolutely gorgeous! I can't believe that was the quiet pool. Most quiet pools have a little slide and have no real shape or theme to them at all.

 

[glennbo123]

I have yet to set foot in the Grand Floridian, so thanks for the pictures.

Somehow, I think they'd guess I didn't quite "belong" there too.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Wow, that was one heck of a quiet pool! The GF is so pretty, I'd love to stay there someday, but I think the price tag associated with it will keep me away.

 

[podsnel]

If we had gotten BLT for the DISmoms trip, I was REALLY excited for the pool hopping! Oh well...it will have to wait for another time!

You girls better tell me how that Kouzzina Brekkie is ASAP when you get back from your trip- we are having breakfast there on our DISmoms trip. There are so many things I want to try on that menu!! You need to help me decide!!

Kona is awesome- I love it there- I think I want to try dinner there in November....

Beautiful GF pics!! It is so pretty there......

 

[Nermel9]

Wow amazing pics of the Grand Floridian! It's such a beautiful resort, I've only been inside once, in November 09 when I went to see the Gingerbread house and I felt SO out of place in there, but all the CM's were very friendly, so I felt a little more comfortable after we were there for a little while! I've wanted to stay there since I was a kid, I think the only way it will ever happen is if I do a half value/half GF split stay!

I had no idea that pool was the quiet pool...where is the main pool then? Is the quiet pool the one you see from the monorail?

Can't wait to see the wedding chapel!

 

[MEK]

My girls have that cool t-shirt!!! It's one of my faves!

Well your girls (and their mom) have very good taste. That shirt is so cute!

Beautiful pictures!!! I took one of a HUGE floral arrangement at the GF a couple trips ago. They smelled so good!!! I'm sure they refresh them every day!

.

If any resort changes their flowers everyday, it would be the GF. I love the beautiful flowers at the Deluxe resorts. They are so festive and add such a nice touch to a beautiful place.

That Princess Tea - I had investigated that once. I stopped reading when I saw the price. I am not one of those with that much disposable income. Someday I'll take the girls to the regular Tea at GF.

I think regular tea sounds like a great option. Much more grown up! I think your girls would love it.

Great pictures, as always MaryEllen! That is my dream, one day to stay at GF. It is so pretty.

I have to say that I left the GF that afternoon really wanting to stay there. Sure, I think its a tad overpriced, but if I could get a great AP I would LOVE to spend even one night there. I would check in at 8am and not leave until that night. Just try kicking me out!

When we were there in Sept of 09 those floors were being installed. It was nice seeing them finished. Thanks.

Those floors are gorgeous!

I cannot imagine spending that kind of money on that tea. The regular tea is not inexpensive. It seems to me they could cut out half of the stuff they include and cut it by $100. Who needs a bear, and a bracelet, and a tiara, and an American Girl doll?????? If you cut out the doll, or make it an optional add on, then maybe.

Then again, maybe not!

It does seem a bit excessive, but perhaps they keep the price that high because they really want to keep the party size limited. Maybe they really don't want it to be in too much demand. Imagine if it was as popular as BBB. It might eventually get out of control with too many kids trying to get in. Just a theory.

I
You are too funny with your confession. I remember feeling a bit self conscious at WL in 08 when we hopped due to the remodel of the FW pool. We of course had permission to do so but I was worried someone would ask for proof. Which of course no one did. I mean really, you could hop anywhere I think and no one would look, care or notice outside of SAB. It's not like they go around asking for room keys! I think you just feel self conscious as you might be lugging more stuff with you to hop, than if it was at your resort.

Well, I'm a sherpa so I'm used to carrying a bunch of stuff around. I don't think I looked any different. Perhaps taking 500 pictures gave me away.

I agree that no one would ever check for keys. Never seen that happen anywhere.

So I'm thinking we may need to hop and visit the creepy clown in May.

!

If you can tear me away from SAB I would be happy to take a walk over there. I want to spend some time at the Boardwalk anyway. Well, I'm sure I'll run over there in the morning so I'll get to check it out. I do love checking out new resorts.

I have never noticed the carpet carriage when at the GF....how pretty!

I'm not sure if I could stay at the GF. Not because of the snob factor or stuffiness or anything like that but the room decor is just too flowery for me!

That 's not my favorite theme either, but the beautiful buildings and the solitude there seemed to call to me. I think I could get over the flower factor for a little while. Plus, I'm sure they must remodel those rooms fairly frequently.

Explains my love for the YC.....

Great update!

YC is a great resort. I hope I have the opportunity to stay there some day!

What beautiful pictures of the Grand Floridian! Makes me want to be there right now!

I hear ya sister. I would LOVE to be there right now. Isn't that Chelsea's dream resort!

Ohhh what pretty pictures of the GF!!
I remember you texting me when you were there and the woman with the thong/**** combo!!!

Talk about expendable income! Lots of that going around at the GF.

I totally would have been sending out DVC pool hopping vibes!
I think I told you I have never pool hopped but I think the perfect opportunity is when staying at BLT because of the monorail. I think I am going to try for BLT in October when I call to switch at the 7 months...My niece says she doesn't want to stay at "the sandwich" but I do....although of course I might try at BC and BWV first but during F&W those two might be a bit tough

"the sandwich". Jen thinks it looks like a bottle cap.

Agreed - it really is a perfect place for pool hopping. The only pool we missed was the contemporary pool.

That's a tough choice ....BLT vs the Boardwalk resorts for F&W. I think you will enjoy either. There's no bad choice.

Can't wait to see what is going on in the Wedding Chapel I have seen numerous weddings in the BW area over the years.....could only imagine how romantic that must be. I have a friend in Seattle that is getting married 9/10/11...(not at Disney ) aren't they great dates?!
My desktop ticker says 103 days so you are almost at double digits!!!!!


Tracy

9/10/11.....easy to remember when she reaches senility and can't remember dates anymore!

That wedding chapel would be enough to make even the most jaded person want to get married right on the spot! I'm serious. Its amazing!

I've only been to the Grand Floridian once myself and I didn't notice half of the things you took pictures of. The resort is absolutely gorgeous! I can't believe that was the quiet pool. Most quiet pools have a little slide and have no real shape or theme to them at all.

It really was one of the nicest pools I have been at. It was perfect - not crowded, bar tender to my right, pool to my left, and a beautiful lake right behind me. What's not to love?

I have yet to set foot in the Grand Floridian, so thanks for the pictures.

Somehow, I think they'd guess I didn't quite "belong" there too.

You've got to check it out. It's really a cool complex. I've got to go back at Christmas time because I am dying to see that gingerbread house.

That feeling of not belonging is a little weird. I kept telling myself "its fine. its legit", but for the first hour or so I felt out of place.

Wow, that was one heck of a quiet pool! The GF is so pretty, I'd love to stay there someday, but I think the price tag associated with it will keep me away.

I hear ya. If I could get a 40% off during low season I might give it a whirl. I also think its perfect if you aren't planning on hitting the park. It's so perfect for just relaxing.

 

[MEK]

If we had gotten BLT for the DISmoms trip, I was REALLY excited for the pool hopping! Oh well...it will have to wait for another time!

I could totally see you guys doing that. Sorry you weren't able to get BLT, but knowing you you'll have a blast wherever you end up.

You girls better tell me how that Kouzzina Brekkie is ASAP when you get back from your trip- we are having breakfast there on our DISmoms trip. There are so many things I want to try on that menu!! You need to help me decide!!

:

Doesn't that menu look A-Mazing. I can't wait to try it. I'll give a blow by blow update - no worries.

Kona is awesome- I love it there- I think I want to try dinner there in November....

:

I loved dinner there. The tuna oscar I had was amazing. Really, really good!! I want to try the macadamia nut pancakes.

Beautiful GF pics!! It is so pretty there......

Thanks!

Wow amazing pics of the Grand Floridian! It's such a beautiful resort, I've only been inside once, in November 09 when I went to see the Gingerbread house and I felt SO out of place in there, but all the CM's were very friendly, so I felt a little more comfortable after we were there for a little while! I've wanted to stay there since I was a kid, I think the only way it will ever happen is if I do a half value/half GF split stay!

I do love that the lobby is filled with people from all over the place. It makes it so fun and I love that Disney encourages that.

I could do a 1/2 value stay before a GF, just never the other way around.

I had no idea that pool was the quiet pool...where is the main pool then? Is the quiet pool the one you see from the monorail?

The quiet pool IS the one you see from the monorail. The main pool is actually tucked in the middle of the resort and is surrounded by buildings on all four sides. It is huge and its deep. It actually goes to 5ft in some areas. It a gorgeous pool and I bet it never gets super crowded.

Can't wait to see the wedding chapel!

Coming up in the next post!

 

[MEK]

Not an Actual Update, but a few teaser pics from my next update to keep this TR from going to the 3rd page!

I was hoping to see an update from Jen since she is always one day behind me (or ahead of me). Tonight, my plan is to write about the wedding chapel, so here's a couple pics to get you ready

 

[MEK]

As Jen was wandering back to get new camera batteries or her camera or something, I decided to head down the stretch of beach that leads to the wedding chapel. I figured, why not take a walk and see how far I get before someone stops me. Naturally, I had plenty of photo ops. I stopped about every 5 feet or so for another picture. Architecturally the GF is such a beautiful, well designed building. Of course, there are a million and one ways to photograph it and I was trying 999,999 of them.

OK - not the GF, but something about the "wildness" of this struck me, since everything at Disney is usually so perfect and manicured.

Oh - Look - Here's Old Flo....

Give me one of those rooms. Anyone at all and I would be very, very happy!

Got It ....No Swimming!

Lots of Monorail photo-ops, too!

Cool Firepit:

Even though there were photo-ops galore, one building kept calling my name, It started out as a soft whisper and ended up as a loud roar.

Which building, you ask? Why this one, of course!

With every step, I kept getting closer and closer. It was like an invisible tractor beam pulling me in (sorry - I watched Jackie's star war clips today )

I was getting really close now. I kept expecting some unseen force field to go up, forcing me to turn around and head back to Old Flo. But, luckily, no force field, so I kept inching forward.

As I got even closer I got worried that there might be a locked gate, or worse, an alarm!

Amazingly, no one was around. I finally reached the main pathway to the chapel and this lovely trellis beckoned me to come forward.

I was powerless to its charms, so ever so slowly I inched forward.

And then I saw it - a quick dash of color of movement. There was someone else stalking the wedding chapel besides me.

I held my breath.

There it was again!

Phew - just another tourist, like me, trying to sneak a peak inside the chapel. I knew she was a tourist simply by the way she was dressed. Bermuda shorts, T-shirt, tennis shoes, and the dead give away - the Camera bag.

I watched this unknown stranger walk up to the chapel door, grab the handle, and walk in. NICE!

I wasn't quite brave enough to follow her. At least, not yet. So I stood my ground and took a few more pictures!

I glanced off to the right and took a few pictures of the Poly.....

Continued in Next Post......