Ladies, are you EVER going to leave?? 10 days of Food & Wine fun! *NEW 1/29 PG 34*

[2xcited2sleep]

Another amazing update C!! I'm having so much fun reading your report!!
I have to agree the area surrounding the Grand Floridian is just amazing! Such a gorgeous day we had!!

I really liked the tea! I think my favorite part was the strawberries and cream...they were amazing!!

I am having fun reliving it. It was gorgeous that day! Strawberries and cream (and champagne) were definitely my favorite part of the tea. The little sandwiches and onion tart were good but nothing I'd go out of my way for.

Oh I am so envious of this how wonderful! I think your posts are great! Love all the landscape photos and the up close of the grounds, especially the wedding pavillion, how fun! Of course the tea sounds great -- I would be worried about a spa treatment at Disney not living up to my expectations... but maybe it was the actual spa. No matter your afternoon sounds lovely, and devine! really looking forward to MNSSHP!!

It was lovely. I'm glad we tried it. It's always fun to do something new and different in Disney!

See, everything happens for a reason -- you just didn't realize all the photo-taking and exploring was for Chelsea's trip.

Charles and I stayed at the Polynesian and while I love the theming, it always seems so busy to me when we are there. The grounds are quieter though, I am sure.

Yeay for tea pictures!!! I think it will make a lovely mother/daughter outing, too.

I'm glad it is turning out to be helpful! Are you two ladies going to dress for tea? Minnie ears, perhaps?

The tea looks so posh and fancy...I fear I would feel out of place.

You took some lovely photos of Grand Floridian. (I can't call it Grand Flo, gives me the heebie jeebies )

That's sad about the pedicure...they are quite expensive and I have a hard time spending that type of money when I get one at home for 1/2 the price.

I did feel a little big and clumsy in there. I think that may be why GF doesn't really appeal to me either. I'm just not a fancy kind of gal.

Grand Flo is a weird nickname... but everyone is doing it. I even heard some CM's calling it that. I probably wouldn't say it but typing it is another story-- I get lazy.

I love the cabanas on the beach....do they come with a cabana boy?
I am an OPI girl too...my manicurist really puts up with me....I usually pick about 4 different colors and think about them the whole time I'm in the chair!
The tea sounds like a really nice break in the day....especially with the sparkling wine

Tracy

If they came with a cabana boy I'd be booked tomorrow!!

Me, too. They are so cool and give Magic Kingdom a whole different feel.
But, like you, I like all Magic Kingdom decorations every day - Fourth of July, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, Take Your Daughter to Work Day.....






Nice pictures at GF and Poly. I want to stay at Poly sometime. I love visiting and taking pictures and borrowing the beach to watch fireworks.

Oh, and eating at Kona!

Take Your Daughter to Work Day. I bet the Disney decorations and celebrations on this day are spectacular.

Borrowing the Poly beach for fireworks is still on my wish list!

Hey there! I will be back to my writing, hopefully soon. I've had complicated times with family illness so have not had the physical or emotional moments available that I usually spend on the DIS and my own TR. I've been trying to keep up with everybody a little bit but have been short of time recently. I am toying with the idea of a "Best Of" report on all my favorite moments of last year's trips...

So sorry to hear you've been having a hard time. I think a "best of" report sounds like a great idea.

I know a groom who was checking out the wedding pavillion....I think he's still in search of a bride too....

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Paula

Unfortunately he's just not my type.

Thanks for the review of the spa. I've always wanted to get the scoop on the spa, and your experience confirmed what I've gleaned from reading other threads. Although it is super convenient if you're staying in the vicinity, the services don't seem to live up to what we'd hope for for the price, and for a Disney moment. I've heard some good things about Mandara, and I look forward to learning more when you go there on a future trip!
The tea tradition is delightful, and carries some of that sense of luxury that seemed to be missing from the spa...
I flirt with the idea of staying at the GF (especially during the Christmas season) but I love the grounds and tropical feel of the Poly so much that I'm not sure I'll ever break away. Now if somebody wanted to offer me the opportunity of RPC at Christmas...





Thanks for a great moment Paula! Hilarious! And I love the way his hat echoes the roof peaks of the pavilion - you are a fabulous art director as well as photographer.

I aim to try the Mandara in October.

Been a tough 6 months for our family too. I lost both grandparents within the last 6 months, and my MIL this week. Too much in too short of time.

Heather, I'm really sorry, it's been hard. Sounds like it's been draining a lot of your joy off too! Hope things get back to great very soon.

Yikes that is a tough six months. I'm so sorry.

Here are all good thoughts back to you! Even though we know they are dancing to their heart's content at the best party ever, it is very hard to lose our dear ones. It's such a shift in our place in the world to be here without them...

And more hugs and good thoughts for you both. For all of you.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So as much fun and as relaxing as the afternoon was... I have to confess that the finger sandwiches just didn't quite do it for me. So since World Showcase was just a hop, skip and a jump from "home," I figured I'd hop on over there for some F&W snacks.

I wish I could remember what this was and whether I liked it

I believe this was in Poland. I had only a few bites. I will confess that I stopped here b/c I had noticed a cute chef on previous laps around the lagoon. As luck would have it Chef Cutie was not on duty this afternoon. I shared my table with a funny family. The father kept saying to his wife that he didn't understand how these snacks were any better than the freebies at BJ's warehouse (do they have those all over?) and pointed out that the samples at BJ's were free! The wife thankfully took it in stride. It was funny and I do think the husband was having fun.

And over to Italy. What is the distance around the World Showcase lagoon? Next time I will count how many laps I make! Sadly as many as I made it still wasn't enough to counteract the weight gain.

Definitely eating at Tutto next time!

My favorite fireworks show!

I'd never really thought about the Bistro before... but I am now...

Heading out...

And some friends waiting for my return

 

[Charleston Princess]

How lovely to be so close to Epcot that you could just hop over for some snacking!

Your pictures in Italy and France are just beautiful!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Awww, no chef cutie? That is sad. Speaking of the chefs for F&W...where do they get them all? Do they hire extra ones to man the booths?

You really are a Beach Club kinda girl. I love reading your TR's with how many times you go over to Epcot and do the laps around WS. It's great that you can just walk right over there and enjoy it.

 

[All7OfUs]

Again, you've done it with some fantastic photos! Lovely! I don't know how I missed your Grand FL. day?

Whatever... I'll comment now

So, the pedi was so-so. I was thinking of doing this in Sept., but now I"m having second thoughts. Maybe I"ll just doll up my toes myself and save the money; there's always LOTS of other fun stuff to donate my money to WDW, right??

Tea is on our schedule too, but i was thinking if my friend got one meal, and I got another we could have twice the tasty-tasties. I want the one that comes wtih the port!

I was cracking up about your hottie chef. Too bad you missed him!

Lots of nice pictures in Italy. I've always thought this one was the most "boring" one to photograph, but you've done a great job of finding the angles that help it look more interesting.

 

[kschafer]

I somehow missed your GF update! Sorry you were underwhelmed

As usual, I dream of "your" entrance and the ability to just stop by the F&W booths.

I googled it and found answers for the distance around WS lagoon ranging between 1.1 and 1.3 miles. Not a bad walk!

 

[Happydog]

You always manage to take photos in the parks that have a complete absence of people!!! You make it look like you are the only one there! How cool would that be? Your own private Disney, We are considering The Bistro for a date night this summer, after we relocated from BLT to BCV... The Bistro or Blue Zoo.... or maybe SHULA's since Shocker is making such a big deal about it!!!

I love your photos. I will have to remind myself to borrow them since I seem to forget to take pics!

Oh! And that thingy you got at the F & W that looks good, that you can't remember! Was that over near Mexico? It looks scrumptious, and I think my DH had one of those.....

Anyhow, great updates as always, can't wait to see your next post on this trip! Getting me all misty for the F & W....

 

[princess&her4princes]

What a lovely afternoon at Grand Floridian!! Sounds like a nice break from things and some good downtime. Bummer that the pedi wasn't more than it was, compared to the outside world. The tea looked nice, thought my Mom would want to do it when we went but she wasn't interested.....kinda pricey, I guess, if someone wasn't really into it. Loved that you could just take a quick jaunt over to Epcot and get some snacks, sounds like the perfect day!!!

 

[MEK]

I misses your GF update, too. But I love your Epcot pictures. They are lovely. Problem is I am using this Mac which belongs to a friend and I can get my screen settings right. Everything is far to small and I am not enjoying reading the Dis cause I can hardly see.

Better go figure out how to fix this thing. But I did want to stop by and say HI and I promise to go back and get properly caught up.

 

[jenjolt]

C what gorgeous pictures!! EPCOT is just simply breathtaking!! You know you got love being so close you can "hop" over whenever you want!!!!

Awww..I love those towel animals...so cute!!!!

Hmmm...Food and Wine Snacks...especially Poland...now I'm hungry LOL!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

How lovely to be so close to Epcot that you could just hop over for some snacking!

Your pictures in Italy and France are just beautiful!!!

Beach Club is definitely my happy place! Especially at F&W time!!

Awww, no chef cutie? That is sad. Speaking of the chefs for F&W...where do they get them all? Do they hire extra ones to man the booths?

You really are a Beach Club kinda girl. I love reading your TR's with how many times you go over to Epcot and do the laps around WS. It's great that you can just walk right over there and enjoy it.

No cutie chef. This year I will just seize the opportunity when I see the hotties rather than wait. I'm not sure where they find all the chefs. Good question!

I am most definitely a Beach Club kind of gal.

Again, you've done it with some fantastic photos! Lovely! I don't know how I missed your Grand FL. day?

Whatever... I'll comment now

So, the pedi was so-so. I was thinking of doing this in Sept., but now I"m having second thoughts. Maybe I"ll just doll up my toes myself and save the money; there's always LOTS of other fun stuff to donate my money to WDW, right??

Tea is on our schedule too, but i was thinking if my friend got one meal, and I got another we could have twice the tasty-tasties. I want the one that comes wtih the port!

I was cracking up about your hottie chef. Too bad you missed him!

Lots of nice pictures in Italy. I've always thought this one was the most "boring" one to photograph, but you've done a great job of finding the angles that help it look more interesting.

Oh, I don't want to be the reason you decide against a pedi. Being pampered is never bad... I'd just say that this was pretty standard with no Disney extras.

Let me tell you, this guy was CUTE! Hope he's back this year.

Thanks for the compliments on the photos. I think I've just taken so many of the standard photos I'm forced into seeing things differently. Either that or all the cocktails just make me hold the camera funny.

I somehow missed your GF update! Sorry you were underwhelmed

As usual, I dream of "your" entrance and the ability to just stop by the F&W booths.

I googled it and found answers for the distance around WS lagoon ranging between 1.1 and 1.3 miles. Not a bad walk!

A mile? Wow. I must have walked that at least a dozen times.... and still gained weight. Would love if they would open the loop for jogging early in the morning... wouldn't that be cool??

I think the GF is gorgeous. I wasn't underwhelmed so much as it is just not me. Beach Club feels like home. Feet on the furniture, track sand through the house, home.

You always manage to take photos in the parks that have a complete absence of people!!! You make it look like you are the only one there! How cool would that be? Your own private Disney, We are considering The Bistro for a date night this summer, after we relocated from BLT to BCV... The Bistro or Blue Zoo.... or maybe SHULA's since Shocker is making such a big deal about it!!!

I love your photos. I will have to remind myself to borrow them since I seem to forget to take pics!

Oh! And that thingy you got at the F & W that looks good, that you can't remember! Was that over near Mexico? It looks scrumptious, and I think my DH had one of those.....

Anyhow, great updates as always, can't wait to see your next post on this trip! Getting me all misty for the F & W....

Perhaps I scare the people away? Bistro or BlueZoo... tough choice. Both are on my wish list. Shula's has not been on my list. But I reserve the right to change my mind...

yes, think the mystery food item was near Mexico. Maybe a taquito?

I Food & Wine. BEST time to visit WDW!

What a lovely afternoon at Grand Floridian!! Sounds like a nice break from things and some good downtime. Bummer that the pedi wasn't more than it was, compared to the outside world. The tea looked nice, thought my Mom would want to do it when we went but she wasn't interested.....kinda pricey, I guess, if someone wasn't really into it. Loved that you could just take a quick jaunt over to Epcot and get some snacks, sounds like the perfect day!!!

it was a lovely break from the hustle and bustle. I was so glad we did tea but yes, a bit pricey. Not something I'd look to do every trip but I would do it again. As I mentioned, the strawberries and cream with a glass of champagne alone are reason to return!!

I misses your GF update, too. But I love your Epcot pictures. They are lovely. Problem is I am using this Mac which belongs to a friend and I can get my screen settings right. Everything is far to small and I am not enjoying reading the Dis cause I can hardly see.

Better go figure out how to fix this thing. But I did want to stop by and say HI and I promise to go back and get properly caught up.

Hi MaryEllen! So are you sold on the Mac? I love reliving the trip and looking at my Epcot pictures. I'm trying to pick some to get printed in black and white to frame in a series to hang on my stairwell... that's my latest project. Really it's just an experiment to see how many Disney related things a person can squeeze into a single (pretty tiny) house!

C what gorgeous pictures!! EPCOT is just simply breathtaking!! You know you got love being so close you can "hop" over whenever you want!!!!

Awww..I love those towel animals...so cute!!!!

Hmmm...Food and Wine Snacks...especially Poland...now I'm hungry LOL!

Thanks, Jen! Yes, can't imagine staying anywhere other than Beach Club at F&W time. Can't wait to be back there this October!!

Mousekeeping was incredibly creative with the towel animals for my visit. I loved it!!

 

[MeMom]

All nice pictures. World Showcase looks lovely and warm to me today as I can only see white out my windows.

The food looks good. Italy and France are both beautiful.
Hey, I have an idea, let's go right now!

Don't I wish?!?!?!?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

You may have noticed a new photo in my signature? It's true, I'm now official. A Beach Club Villa owner.

So here's my latest plan... DIS'er long weekend for F&W 2011. Maybe a Grand Villa at OKW? We each contribute some points and/or rent the remaining points needed? Seriously, how cool would that be???

 

[cdotla]

Christine!!!!!! Are you kidding?????!!!!!!!

Whoooooo Hooooo!!!! You a DVC Member????!!! And BCV to boot??!!!


Congrats, congrats, congrats!!!

I am so, so excited for you!!!!




So next question: do you have any points available to join us for even a quickie long weekend trip in May????

 

[MeMom]

You may have noticed a new photo in my signature? It's true, I'm now official. A Beach Club Villa owner.

Awesome!!!
That private entrance is going to be getting a lot of use now!

 

[All7OfUs]

Either that or all the cocktails just make me hold the camera funny.

Which might not be SUCH a bad reason!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Commenting as I catch up....
A Vera left behind in a stroller? Bad, bad, momma!

I'll agree the fall decorations are just lovely and the Grand Floridian lobby is so very, very GRAND!

and, I want one of those Mr. Toad t-shirts too!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I can't wait for you to try the other spas and get your opinions before I even try out one of them....

Very nice pictures of GF grounds! So pretty!
You do such a great job with your camera!
Back to catching up!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Caught up!
Congratulations! WE ARE NEIGHBORS!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

You may have noticed a new photo in my signature? It's true, I'm now official. A Beach Club Villa owner.

So here's my latest plan... DIS'er long weekend for F&W 2011. Maybe a Grand Villa at OKW? We each contribute some points and/or rent the remaining points needed? Seriously, how cool would that be???

That would be so much fun!