Just Back from our first Grand Floridian Sugar Loaf Stay

[Lives4Disney]

I want to thank everyone on the GF questions/info thread for helping me with my pretrip questions and worries!!

This was our first SL stay, but second GF stay. The first trip was RPC and although we love the GF, there were many mishaps with that stay. This time, however, I contacted a concierge manager that really came through for me. Our check in was a breeze, we received our requested room (lodge tower), and not only that - it was on the 4th floor so we had the vaulted ceilings, too!! Great room with lots of charm. I couldn't believe it when we walked in and she had ordered some fabulous gifts for us. That was just too sweet.

We went over the EMH at the MK our first night. It was a blast. No crowds at all. I was just thrilled that almost everything was a walk on or just small waits. We stayed until midnight and really enjoyed ourselves. After that evening, however, there were mega crowds in the MK. We had a great time at MGM, went on an EMH day, but it was pleasantly manageable. Not bad at all compared to the MK. Epcot was great, too. We left MGM about 6pm and people were pouring in to the EMH. Epcot was really wonderful that night. The weather was terrific, also. Of course I didn't bring our swimsuits....The accuweather was off by about 10 - 15 degrees!!!

The only bummer was that my husband became violently ill about 4am our second evening there. We suspect it was food poisoning from Nesquick that he bought about 10:30pm at the MS Bakery. He pulled it from a bin that he thought was refrigerated, (there was no ice in the bin and I guess there was supposed to be) however, the milk wasn't very cold, chocolate hid the taste, and the rest is terrible history....Once someone gets sick on our trips, it just becomes difficult to sleep. Everytime one of the kids turns over or moans in their sleep I am awake saying "are you alright??" AUgh. I keep thinking it will spread as it has in the past.

I am bummed especially about his becoming ill because now he REALLY does NOT want to go back to WDW. I am the WDW lover - kids, too, and now this really puts a damper on things. Also, my son started throwing up alongside the road on the way home after the flight. He just threw up that one time - lots - and is very queasy.

What is with the illness at WDW???? ANyone else experience this??? We almost always have one or two people sick during or directly after the trip. I am afraid to go alone with my kids incase I got sick.

Overall, illness aside, the GF has become my favorite. I would choose it in a minute if I return. (probably without DH)

As far as SL vs. RPC, it was fine for us because we really didn't spend that much time at the resort at all. We used the breakfast, and sometimes grabbed a cookie at bedtime - if we were around. They did sometimes have cookies and cupcakes, juices, tea and coffee until 10. Once they didn't, that I am aware of. The lounge is OK. It has 4 sofas with coffee tables and two wicker chairs that make up 4 main seating areas. Also a few smaller round tables with chairs. A couple kid size tables and chairs. There is a central talble that holds the main offerings and off to the sides are extra things. I missed the RPC lounge atmosphere and view and the cute kid areas with TVs. Other than that, though it was very nice and I would do it again.(hopefully)

Hmmm....if you have any questions, let me know. I would really appreciate any feedback on this illness problem we almost always have there. I just cannot get over it. I am not kidding.....we have a problem with this almost every trip. (big frown) As careful as we are to wash hands and use wipes, it just doesn't make sense....

Lives4Disney

 

[Sammie]

Did you fly? Many times it is very easy to pick up germs that way. Also many times at Disney and other places that large groups of people gather it's just really easy to get sick. I think many times you will have people who have gotten there, get sick and refuse to stay in their room, because they are on vacation. So they go around infecting everyone else. I have ridden the bus a few times with some kids I knew needed to be in bed.

Glad other than the illness you enjoyed your trip.

 

[kelscross]

We've never gotten sick but my Exh got fifth's disease while we were there this December. He has germ phobia and keeps his environment sterile as possible and I guess just picked it up being around that large group of people. I'm glad you had fun otherwise. I'm looking forward to our first trip to the GF and using the EMH nights!

Thanks for the review!

 

[Michelle2]

Me too!
Except we did the opposite...stayed at the SL first and this trip will be doing the RPC! I appreciate your reviews and the info especially on the GF thread. I am so glad the trip went good for you! Thanks for posting about it!

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks for sharing. GF is on our list of must do resorts.

 

[maddiesmum]

So sorry to hear your DH got sick. Not an enjoyable way to have a vacation is it?!
I have been surrounded by illnesses non-stop for the past couple of weeks and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I stay healthy for our upcoming trip to Disney!!!

As we leave for WDW in 2 weeks; our first family vacation; we will be staying at the GF. Is there any advice you can offer us to make things go smoothly.
I know we have a gardenview room but someone had suggested asking for a room in Sago Cay to see the fireworks.
Also do all rooms have balconies? We may need one for my MIL who smokes.
And since my daughter is 3 1/2, would we be wise to bring a stroller or just rent one at the parks. So sorry for all the questions. I am getting nervous and excited all at the same time and want to be prepared as much as possible.

TIA

 

[nwdisgal]

The only bummer was that my husband became violently ill about 4am our second evening there. We suspect it was food poisoning from Nesquick that he bought about 10:30pm at the MS Bakery. He pulled it from a bin that he thought was refrigerated, (there was no ice in the bin and I guess there was supposed to be) however, the milk wasn't very cold, chocolate hid the taste, and the rest is terrible history

You were probably right about that. Dairy spoils very quickly, it is very akaline- within about two hours if it is not probably refrigerated. It is too late now, but if you run into that again, let them know. Their refrigerator unit may have been out, or someone wasn't replenishing ice. I hope your husband isn't discouraged from going back to WDW. Actually, I've been at our local grocery store and felt for cold air in the refrigerator unit and it was not functioning properly. So this can happen anywhere.

Glad though that you had a great time at GF.

 

[Peter Pirate]

Sickness at WDW? In the middle of flu season. Thousands and thousands of guests from all over the world coughing and hacking? Germs and active viruses being passed from all corners of the earth? Gee, I don't know why people get sick at WDW.

BTW one of the flu strains going on this year as been extrme nausuea for 24-36 hours, so it may not have been the milk. It may have been that slob who just wiped his nose with his hand and then held the hand rail your husband just held only moments later...

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Lives4Disney,

Thanks so much for your great review. I'm sorry that your husband got sick. We have been to WDW for the last 5 winters and none of us has ever gotten sick. Knock on wood!! That must have been terrible for your husband. My children got the stomach flu one Oct. at the beach and they never want to go back. They now associate their bad memories with that beach trip.

I appreciate you sharing your experience at SL. That is the one concierge that is lacking in terms of info. and pictures.

We're trying RPC in Nov. and I can't wait.

Lori

 

[Leota]

Anywhere you have large crowds, you up your odds of catching a bug. There's just tons of germs from all over. True food poisoning takes anywhere from 12-48 hours to set in after ingesting the culprit.
The other thing that we noticed is that our bodies do not tolerate WDW water. Our first 3 trips, at least one of us would wind up with tummy troubles. The doctor told us to drink bottled water & after that, no more tummy troubles. Your immune system learns to deal with the particular blend of flora & fauna that is in your area & may have trouble dealing with a new set.

Glad to hear that you had a good trip otherwise. Thanks for the review!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Maddiesmum - I would bring your own stroller. It could be quite a hike from the boat launch or definitely from the monorail stop to your building and room. Also it is a bit of a hike for a young one to leave the parks and board the monorails/boats to get home - especially after a long day. I am not sure, but I do believe the garden rooms would all have a balcony - unless it is a lodge tower room. Don't know about the views, but you can see the fireworks from the marina area. It is a perfect place to sit and watch.

Leota - It really takes only 2 - 6 hours for the most common food poisoning to get ya. (salmonella) I knew this for years, but I checked the NIH's website, too. I didn't want to spread bad news about MS Bakery if it wasn't even a possibility.

Thanks for the replies. I love the GF and hope my husband will give WDW another chance. I just cannot believe we get sick just about everytime. I do really think his was food poisoning, though, as his symptoms cooincide with those symptoms. Also, he -in 20 years - has only had flu 1 time!! He just doesn't get it like the rest of us. He did wind up telling housekeeping what happened and they told him to tell concierge. He did. They called the bakery and the manager called my husband - but left a message. My husband didn't want to deal with him or have to defend what he believes happened so he didn't speak with him. He was just too tired and weak. Just be careful about the milk you buy to give your kids - especially the chocolate.

Also, my son reminded me of something gross but funny...we were at Crystal Palace for lunch and could see the buffet from our table. One boy about 4/5 yrs old stuck his whole hand into the sprinkles, dumped some on his icecream and threw the rest back into the container. Ugh. I am sure stuff like this happens a lot at buffets!! Watch out!!

For all of you going soon - enjoy!!! I just can't get the image of the beautiful blue sky and palm trees swaying in the breeze out of my mind - don't want to!

Lives4Disney

 

[nwdisgal]

Peter Pirate - you're right about the flu, but the point I was making, is food poisoning is more common than people think - up to 95% of stomach illness. Also, sometimes it is delayed (i.e that oyster a person ate two weeks ago) and so people dismiss it all together because they forgot about the oyster meal. Also if a food service person comes to work sick (ie someone with a snotty nose not washing their hands and then carving deli meat) well I won't go there, but the bottom line can be gastrointestinal distress. I'm glad OP's husband brought it to the bakery manager's attention, so that they could check the refrigerator unit and make sure the food/millk was being stored properly. That potentially saves a lot of unhappy campers down the road.

The observation about the kid at the buffet putting the ice cream back, don't get me started on the dirty little secrets of buffets...

Anyway, glad OP's DH is ready to give it another go.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Lives4Disney, well illness's aside, I'm glad that you enjoyed the GF. I think SugarLoaf is very cozy, but when we stayed there, I really missed the ambience of the main building. I know exactly where you're coming from.

Whenever we travel now, I pack a mini pharmacy. Everyone gets their own bottle of hand santizer, plenty of water and I try to build everyone's immune system up before we fly. Whatever your DH had, it sounded pretty nasty. I hope he'll give WDW another chance.

MaddiesMum, 99% of the rooms at the GF have balconies. I think the few exceptions are with some honeymoon suites in the main building.

The garden views in Sago Cay are going to be of the monorail. Possibly if you had a high enough floor and were located towards the lagoon end of the building, you might be able to see some fireworks from your balcony. The smoking rooms are located in Big Pine Key though. You also might want to verify this with the GF, but I don't believe that you can smoke on any of the balconies. You might want to inquire as to where the designated smoking areas are located on the resort property. I don't smoke, but I only recall seeing a few places that had ashtrays set up.

Tammi

 

[Lives4Disney]

NWDISGAL - I didn't see where the milk came from - but my husband said he pulled it out from a bin in the counter near the register (maybe somebody will recognize this) - he thought it was refrigerated - but it really should have had ice in it and someone neglected to refill the ice. It was late - park closed at 10 and this was on our way out about 1030pm. When he was able to, he told the concierge about it who then notified the Bakery. I really do suspect it was food poisoning. He had one round of vomitting and then diarreah(sp) and terrible intestinal pains for several hours and chills/weakness and just overall yuck for about 8 hours. After that he was just weak and worn out.

I asked him why he drank it if it didn't seem cold enough, and he said - almost at the same time I answered my own question "because it's Disney" Neglect didn't factor into it. PETER PIRATE - I understand about lots of germs and people that don't stay out of the parks even though they are sick. It is just such a bummer to get ill almost every trip no matter how careful with hand washing and wipes etc. - from something!!

Lives4Disney

 

[nwdisgal]

If the bin was near the cash register, it was probably either a portable one - i.e stocked with ice to keep the food cold or a small powered refrigerator unit. In either case, ice melts, and refrigerator units are known to malfunction, come unplugged etc. - even at the Happiest Place on Earth. People aren't perfect and even with the stringent food safety and sanitation rules(which I am sure Disney has), stuff can happen. So it is really good your DH told the manager so they can review procedures and make sure the food is being stored properly. A rule of thumb I learned is hot food hot, cold food cold. I am really glad though that the distress was fairly short for your DH and he was able to get back to enjoying the parks. Years back, my DH had a latte where the milk was held too long at room temperature and he had stomach distress for days...

Well, anyway, GF sounds like a great place to stay. I would like to check it out someday.

 

[epcotfan]

Also, my son reminded me of something gross but funny...we were at Crystal Palace for lunch and could see the buffet from our table. One boy about 4/5 yrs old stuck his whole hand into the sprinkles, dumped some on his icecream and threw the rest back into the container. Ugh. I am sure stuff like this happens a lot at buffets!! Watch out!!

This is exactly why we don't go to buffets anymore. We recently saw a lady change a diaper outside of Chef Mickey's. Leave it on a bench and then head inside the restaurant without washing her hands. I can only imagine the filth she left on that buffet. YUCK.

Despite my best efforts I always seem to pick up some illness during or immediately after my WDW trips. I wash my hands and don't touch my face, but somehow it doesn't seem to matter. After I was home from WDW for a few days (1999) I came down with the CHICKEN POX. It was awful. The incubation period is about 7-10 days and I'd been at Disney for two weeks prior. Needless to say I was out of commission for about 3 weeks. I didn't realize how bad the symptoms were in adults. Horrible.

Some people are also inconsiderate when they are sick. Coughing or sneezing right in someone's face. At least have some manners and cover your mouth or turn your head away.

I've been back from WDW for two weeks now. Two days after I arrived home I had a full blown cold/flu. I'm starting to wonder why I travel? LOL.

 

[MargaretF]

We used to laugh that it wasn't a true WDW vacation if someone in the family didn't throw up at least once during the trip. My kids have picked up violent tummy bugs (in bed for two days during the trip) and mild bugs. We have had family members throw up in the room, the lobby, the restaurant (let's not go there), in the bed and in the car leaving WDW (three trips in a row). Fortunately, our last few trips have been illness free, however, we bring bottled water, wash our hands all the time and use wet wipes. It also helps that the kids are bigger and much more aware of germs. It's not uncommon to fall ill on vacation but we go prepared and if it happens, keep a good attitude and go with the flow, it's the only way to cope.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

We have never been sick DURING a trip (uh oh, makes me think I've used up my good odds...) but only once or twice have we gotten sick within a week or so of returning. I'm big on handwashing, wipes (we use those Bed Bath and Beyond Vanilla antibacterial wipes). I've never been concerned w/ the remotes, hot tubs or bathtubs. We've managed to stay healthy so far

 

[goofyandmore]

Hi, thanks for posting but sorry about your husband getting sick. My sister has a friend who is trying to decide between the GF and Boardwalk. She is looking for a resort that if child friendly. How did you kids like the GF? thanks, Carolyn

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I would definitely recommend the GF for kids. There is the Alice in Wonderland tea party (which my son adored--he's been to it twice), the pirate cruise, the adventures in cooking, close proximity to the MK, the fountain play area near the themed pool, two large pools, one that has a slide and waterfall, a ladybug release every week near the Mary Poppins, great character breakfasts and dinners (Cinderella is in the evening), a fun store w/ lots of Disney toys, and gasparilla grill which has perfect grilled cheese sandwiches for 2.75 each . My son has been to GF several times between age 1-5 and loves the activities. We went to the afternoon tea a few times and he loves the kids options...the magic tea (chocoloate milk) and finger sandwiches. He also likes going over to the Poly via motor launch and meeting other kids on the beach while sand playing. He says his favorite hotel is AKL (great playground and animal viewing) but he's had great times at GF, too.