Live From the GF!!!

[johnsonet]

deleted

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Gordon ~

How awesome that you are doing live updates!
I was at the GF with 5 girlfriends from the 1st-4th. We had a BALL! I couldn't believe how relatively empty the resort seemed on the 1st and 2d but things got busy the night of the 2d!!
It was so beautiful! I can't wait to be back next month

Here's a pic I took 2 days ago

Yes, the resort was very quiet on the 1st and the first part of the 2nd. So sorry I missed you. We need to communicate better while we are there. We spend a LOT of time at the resort since we go frequently, and would love to hang out with some fellow DIS members! I will post the trip report and restaurant report on the 7th!

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Gordon ~

How awesome that you are doing live updates!
I was at the GF with 5 girlfriends from the 1st-4th. We had a BALL! I couldn't believe how relatively empty the resort seemed on the 1st and 2d but things got busy the night of the 2d!!
It was so beautiful! I can't wait to be back next month

Here's a pic I took 2 days ago

OMG...This picture was taken a mere 10 feet from our table on the same day and time. We were on the pool deck...the third table from the end...10-15 feet away from where you took this picture. I was the average looking guy with three absolutely beautiful females. ..DW, DD18, and DD17.

I married over my head and our girls look like their Mom...thank goodness!

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Gordon,

I remember your story about your last trip with your mother to WDW. I suspect it is your wife and daughters that are the lucky ones!

Lori

 

[johnsonet]

deleted

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Gordon,

I remember your story about your last trip with your mother to WDW. I suspect it is your wife and daughters that are the lucky ones!

Lori

You are too kind!

 

[tnkrbell]

Hey Gordon,
Have you been to any of the parks?? How were the crowds?

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Hey Gordon,
Have you been to any of the parks?? How were the crowds?

Good Morning Sheri,
Yes, we have been to all four on a few occasions. We really have utilized the EMH in the evenings to our advantage. Early in the trip the crowds were moderate. On the 1st we went to MK during the EMH's and literally walked on everything in 5 minutes or less. We did AK in a half a day that morning and ate at RFC then back to swim.

MGM on the 3rd was PACKED during the Evening EMH, however, we still did the attractions we wanted to. Epcot that morning...Soarin was great!

We stayed at the Pool and DTD on the 4th. We watched the Fireworks from the GF and they were WONDERFUL! Some of the best I've ever seen. People coming back to the GF from the MK said it was wall to wall people!

I bet, next week you will have more moderate crowds.

More to follow!
Gordon

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Well! That is wild!
I did not notice your 3 gorgeous ladies , but that is probably b/c I was daydreaming about my massage therapist next door at the Spa When I took the picture I think I was headed over for afternoon tea w/ my friends at 2pm and then on for another massage...

I don't blame you!

 

[johnsonet]

Hey Gordon
We were also at EMH at MGM on the 3d My friends had FPs for RNR and still waited in line nearly an hour to ride!
I am intrigued by your travel style and would love some tips. DD and I will be at AKL CL for 7 nights and BC 3 nights followed by 7 nights at GF. As much as I love WDW I was recently wondering whether it was all going to be a bit much. We will have friends joining us for the first week and most of the last week but I'd love to know what your average day at WDW consists of. I know we won't want to go to the parks 17 days in a row. Also - I don't want to spend all my time eating
I love reading about your trip(s)!!
HAVE FUN!!

 

[tnkrbell]

Im glad to hear EMH has been good. We did that in May at Epcot and it was PACKED!! I really would like to MK EMH. Have you had any problems getting into sit down restaraunts?
When do you guys leave?

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Im glad to hear EMH has been good. We did that in May at Epcot and it was PACKED!! I really would like to MK EMH. Have you had any problems getting into sit down restaraunts?
When do you guys leave?

We really have not had an issue with our dining choices and availability. We made a few PS's, California Grill, Narcoossees, and Alfredo's. Otherwise, there have not been excessive waits anywhere.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Hey Gordon
We were also at EMH at MGM on the 3d My friends had FPs for RNR and still waited in line nearly an hour to ride!
I am intrigued by your travel style and would love some tips. DD and I will be at AKL CL for 7 nights and BC 3 nights followed by 7 nights at GF. As much as I love WDW I was recently wondering whether it was all going to be a bit much. We will have friends joining us for the first week and most of the last week but I'd love to know what your average day at WDW consists of. I know we won't want to go to the parks 17 days in a row. Also - I don't want to spend all my time eating
I love reading about your trip(s)!!
HAVE FUN!!

Hi Liz,
I appreciate your kind comments.

We are fortunate that we are able to travel pretty extensively in general and to WDW on average, 4-5 times annually for about a week at a time. I have gone to WDW since the first week the POLY opened and my DW and our girls had no choice but to be Disney ZEALOTS!

Because we do go so frequently, our mindset is very relaxed. We love the resorts and the experiences they afford. We will go to the parks on average every other day and then usually break it up with swimming mid day. On non resort days, we go to the pool, DTD, and perhaps a Movie. Some trips we do Resort only. We also try to dine at a variety of restaurants. With our daughter's ages, my DW and I are able to go to the pool or for a cocktail by ourselves. (We got a glass of wine from Mizners last night and sat in the Lobby enjoying the music ) However, we spend 99% of our time all together.

Since our daughters were old enough to realize the different resorts, we have alternated our Resort choice between the four of us. Our 4 schedules are becoming more and more difficult to coordinate. In fact, we realize that we may not have as many opportunities to travel together in the future.

I know you will have a blast with your DD, your friends, and the different resort experiences!

 

[johnsonet]

deleted

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Thanks for your kind response.
I'm looking forward to taking it easy and really soaking up the resorts. It's amazing how Disney trips can actually be relaxing - not so when you've only got 4 or 5 days and young children and want to GO!GO!GO!
I will follow your lead and plan for an every other day approach. Sounds nice.
My only problem will be making arrangements for DD while I'm at The Spa

Hello again Liz,
How old is your DD? Would she enjoy a Spa Treatment? Manicure or a Pedicure. When we were at the Spa last time, my wife saw a young girl getting both of these treatments. She said the staff was terrific with the girl.
Gordon

 

[johnsonet]

deleted

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Hi Gordon!
Yes - my DD is 8 and would like the My First Facial~ The problem is I want to work out - if only for 30 minutes or so - and get some 80 minute massages during our stay. Her facial will be only 25 minutes. You're sweet to let me know about those other offerings
I have DD booked into the Mouseketeer Club our first afternoon (transferring over from the BC) and a massage booked w/ "my" therapist from last weekend; My SIL will actually arrive the next day with DNiece for 5 nights. I think she'll be doing some "babysitting" while at The Grand I just need my Bliss Fix over at the Spa. Unfortunately, I think I'm addicted I cannot believe how wonderful I felt all evening after those 80-minute massages. It truly is worth every penny!
Let me ask you - do you recommend Narcoossee's? I guess you do b/c I remember it was on your list of the PSs you make in advance... In all our stays at GF (8 or so...) we have never eaten there. We live in the Carolina Lowcountry and are surrounded by great fish, crab, shrimp, etc., so I don't normally go to seafood spots when on vacation but I think it must be really good. Wonder if I can get in there one evening? Anything on their menu you particularly recommend? Thank you once again
Take care~

Hello again Liz,
On this trip, Narcoosses was a mixed bag. The food was good, one surf & turf, 2 Wahoos, and one Filet, for our food choices. The service was marginal at best. I will post on the Restaurant Board my review, however, the server was distracted by another server's husband and son at the bar. Several servers spent an inordinate amount of time at the bar with this person. Don't get me wrong....they should acknowledge this person...however, they spent forever with him to the patron's expense. Our server forgot our salad..that was only the beginning. I digress, overall our trip has been excellent.!
We have had good food and service here on several trips.

With that being said, based on your location, I would choose another dining option. We have a house in HH and I prefer the Low Country Seafood choices by far.

Great to hear from you!
Gordon

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Duplicate Post

 

[tnkrbell]

Are you home yet Gordon?? How was the rest of the trip?

 

[johnsonet]

I've been wondering as well~