McManus Family Vacation - GF Day 4

[TammiMcMan]

Cast of Characters: Tammi & Jim (mom-dad), Meg (16), Colin (12) and Casey (6). Our 13th trip to WDW

Tuesday July 30th: After our full day in Epcot yesterday, everyone was happy to sleep in this morning. We didn't get moving until about 9am. Jim took the kids down to the concierge lounge for breakfast followed by swimming. Meagan and I headed over to the spa for some pampering.

We showed up at the GF spa and were given robes and slippers to change into. The woman's area had a small lounge, complete with iced water, coffee and tea. Through another doorway, was the hot tub, steam room and sauna. All available for our use that day. There were showers and lockers to store our things. Both Meagan and I had selected the stress relieving facial, a 30 minute trip to heaven. It was so relaxing. Wonderful aroma's were massaged into my skin, followed by warm towels cleansing it. My skin has never felt so soft. When I completed that treatment, I melted into a chair in the woman's lounge and awaited my massage. A therapist came to get me and led me to her room. Complete with soft music, softer lighting and glowing candles. This was an aromatherapy massage, so we discussed the different oils that she had. I'm partial to lavendar, but where it was early in the day, I wanted something to rejuvenate me and not put me to sleep. She recommended japanese mint and it was perfect. The therapist concentrated on my neck and shoulders as that's where I seemed to be carrying most of my stress. For anyone who has never done this before, I can't put into words how nice it is. Definitely treat yourself though! Meagan also had a manicure and pedicure done. I've never had a pedicure, I think my feet would be way too ticklish, but she loved it. We pretty much floated out of there, ready to face anything.

I have quite a bit of family in the Orlando area, so today we were hooking up with my favorite cousin. She was the maid of honor at our wedding and our kids are pretty close in age. We got the car and drove about 30 minutes to their house. Went swimming, cooked out on the grill, and talked for hours. It was a great time. We e-mail each other a lot, but it was nice sitting down together for a while.

On our way back to the hotel, we drove through an amazing electrical storm. I swear that lightning was hitting the ground ride next to our car. The rain came down in buckets. Jim was thrilled, he's always dreamed of being a storm chaser, so I knew he was hoping to see a tornado touch down. As soon as we made it into the Disney complex, the skies cleared up and the storm moved off. Good thing, because we already had tickets to e-night tonight!

Casey and I headed to the concierge lounge to listen to the band and have snacks while Jim brought Meagan and Colin into the MK. I couldn't believe that they lasted the full 3 hours. According to them, they didn't wait in line more than 10 minutes for any of the rides. Colin was brave enough to try Alien encounter this time. Jim had red marks on his arm from Colin clutching onto him!

We fell asleep watching the castle turn colors out of our balcony window. It was another magical day.

Tammi

 

[disneyispi]

I see from your post that you've stayed at the Grand quite a lot. When were you there in 2000?
Do you feel the service has improved, or not, since then.

What can you tell me about the concierge services at the GF?

I am coming gor 2.5 weeks at Christmas time and have upgraded to the concierge level.

Thanks

 

[TammiMcMan]

We've stayed in concierge 3 seperate times now. In 1999 we were in the main building, loved it, and that's what we booked for 2000. Unfortunately, they had just started rehab and we ended up in lodge concierge. That's in the sugar loaf building. I was so disappointed. I didn't like the set up at all, the views were terrible and the mousekeeping staff was awful. I complained to anyone that would listen to me.

For 2002, we really wanted the main building again. I was kind of nervous reading all the GF reviews that were coming in just before our trip, but we ended up having a fabulous time. The mousekeeping, turndown, lounge and concierge staff was incredible. We never had a problem during our stay.

To explain the differences in the concierge, the lodge concierge is in one of the outer buildings. If you have a map of the resort, it's Sugar Loaf. You can only enter the building with your room key. On the ground floor is the concierge lounge. There's a big round table in the center and that's where they locate the food. Continental breakfast, light snacks, afternoon desserts. I think it runs until 4:30. There are 2 sofa's, an area for the concierge staff and tucked into the back entranceway for a few round tables for eating. The main building concierge is a bit different. You get much better views and the concierge level is accessible only by an elevator. You need to stick your room key into the slot in order to select floors 3-5. On level 3 is the concierge staff and on level 4 is the concierge lounge. This is set up around the balcony overlooking the main lobby, so at night you can sit and listen to the band play right below you. There are a few couches, 2 tv's and many tables for eating. Food service begins at 6:30am but runs until 10pm. Wine is served from 5pm-7pm and from 8pm-10pm they have desserts and cordials. We ended most of our evenings with coffee laced with Baileys. I just found this so much nicer. The lounge feels like an extension of your room. You could come down, sit, read the complimentary USA Today and not feel cramped inside your hotel room. You really can't make meals out of the food that's offered, except for breakfast. That included cereals and bagels, along with fruit, yogurt and muffins. We loved it for snacking though and as I said, the evening desserts and cordials was a wonderful way to end the day. You'll also have the services of a grand pre-planner about 45 days before your trip. They'll make any priority seatings that you wish, even the hard to get Cindy's breakfast. You're reservation will also have you listed as a vip and the seating is a bit nicer.

We've been to WDW many times and find ourselves enjoying the resorts more. That's why we normally choose concierge. If you're short on time, or really enjoy the parks from open til close, you may not get your money's worth from the upgrade.

By the way, I love Disney during the Christmas season. We've only been down once in December, but I'm constantly working my DH to go back down again during the holidays.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Tammi

 

[disneyispi]

Thanks for the info. I agree that the GF is the best place to stay. As for time, I'll be there for 16 days - do you "think" that will be enough to see and do most of WDW?

Also, when you visited in 2000, were you here for Halloween by any chance?

Do you recommend any particular restaurant at Epcot for the Candlelight procession?

Thanks again!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Sorry, I've never been to Disney during the Halloween season. It's too hard to take the kids out of school.

16 DAYS!!! I am so jealous. I'm hoping to extend our next trip there to 10 days. Even though we've been so often, there never seems to be enough time to see eveything.

Tammi

 

[Krissalee]

A spa trip is such a wonderful mother/daughter event! I bet you felt like jelly after your massage. A much needed massage after all your busy days!

Krissy