I was married at Sea Breeze Point on Dec. 14, at 4 pm in what Disney calls an "intimate" ceremony. It was simply the happiest day of my life, and as sorry as I am it is over, I am just as glad to be back at home in the hum drum routine of regular daily life, because now the hum drum is shared completly by the love of my life. Sappy, sappy. Sorry. You want me to tell you what I learned, you have to pay the price. 
My TR is going to be as honest an appraisal of things as it can be because when I was in the planning stages I so appreciated honest, first-person opinions. And that's what they will be: Only My Opinion. So please, if you don't agree, please don't take offense. The "world" is a big place, with something for everyone. My something just may not be your something, and vice-versa.
So, without further ado, I'll get started. Oh, and I will post photos ASAP. Sorry I don't have them back yet.
We spent a week there, from Tuesday, December 12 to Tuesday, December 19. Four days at the Grand Floridian with the dining plan, three days at Port Orleans French Quarter. I'll be reviewing the hotels, the meal plans, and restaurants as well as the wedding. Weekdays (especially Tuesday and Wednesday) were great, weekends pretty crowded, but stll do-able. MPO, no way in h-e-l-l would I do Disney in the summer.
Arriving: We used the Magical Express. Liked it, thought it was well-run and convenient and much less hassle than renting a car. It's also fun sharing the excitement of all the happy arrivees. We packed my gown and Kelly's suit in a suit hanger and took on board. No problems. I also carried on my jewelry. One thing: The airport in Orlando is not well marked as to where to catch the ME, so don't be shy about asking directions when you arrive in Orlando. It's a big airport compared to our little Austin one. Getting up at 0 dark-thirty and flying always makes me a little dinged out anyway, so I just go with the dinginess--- and ask for help.
I have no pride.
Checked in at the GF, quick and easy. No lines. Go to our room and have a great view of the MK and seven seas lagoon which I love, but my DF is not liking the two queen beds. Since we had requested a king, he calls down to ask if they have one available. They tell him no, and launch into a long and unnecessary explanation about how many king beds are in the GF (not many, apparently) and how they try to reserve the king rooms for honeymoon couples. Uh, hello? This inattention to detail will be a theme with the GF, I am sorry to say. It's like they have a stock answer for things and don't really focus on their guests. You know how some people always make you feel like they aren't really listening to what you say because it seems like they are too busy thinking about what to say back to you instead? Well, that's how I felt at the GF. Summing up: Pretty hotel, great convenience on the monorail, decent health club. So so pools, crowded lobby, over priced. I wasn't expecting a true 4 star, regardless of the price (I realized we were going to pay a premium for the monorail and Disney) but still. IMO not worth the $$$. Faux del Coronado, and faux service to match. Some nice CM's but overall a disappointment. And we haven't even gotten to the screaming desk clerk and the cake smashing bellman, yet.
But we will.
Oh, yes we will.
That night headed over to MVMCP, after inquiring about having tea at the GF since we hadn't eaten all day but were told they were booked through Christmas! It's okay, since we had ADR's at Tony's on Town Square. Had a table right by the fountain, barely waited five minutes with our ADR, and I had a really good salmon. Had an appetizer (salad) and creme brule for dessert, all on the dining plan. Very yummy. The service was excellent.
Officially begin to worry about fitting into my dress.
Left Tony's and collected our wrist bands for the party. The party was a blast, and not too crowded at all! Went on Pirates for the first of about five times, and Space Mountain for the first of about five times. Walked around soaking in the Magic Kingdom, and trying not to notice that tiredness was starting to set in. The parade was so cute, and I really want one of those dancing reindeers to come live on my front lawn.
Okay. Maybe just during the holidays.
Tomorrow...Breakfast at 1900 Park Faire, or: Why I needed to take out a restraining order against the Mad Hatter.
My TR is going to be as honest an appraisal of things as it can be because when I was in the planning stages I so appreciated honest, first-person opinions. And that's what they will be: Only My Opinion. So please, if you don't agree, please don't take offense. The "world" is a big place, with something for everyone. My something just may not be your something, and vice-versa.
So, without further ado, I'll get started. Oh, and I will post photos ASAP. Sorry I don't have them back yet.
We spent a week there, from Tuesday, December 12 to Tuesday, December 19. Four days at the Grand Floridian with the dining plan, three days at Port Orleans French Quarter. I'll be reviewing the hotels, the meal plans, and restaurants as well as the wedding. Weekdays (especially Tuesday and Wednesday) were great, weekends pretty crowded, but stll do-able. MPO, no way in h-e-l-l would I do Disney in the summer.
Arriving: We used the Magical Express. Liked it, thought it was well-run and convenient and much less hassle than renting a car. It's also fun sharing the excitement of all the happy arrivees. We packed my gown and Kelly's suit in a suit hanger and took on board. No problems. I also carried on my jewelry. One thing: The airport in Orlando is not well marked as to where to catch the ME, so don't be shy about asking directions when you arrive in Orlando. It's a big airport compared to our little Austin one. Getting up at 0 dark-thirty and flying always makes me a little dinged out anyway, so I just go with the dinginess--- and ask for help.
I have no pride.
Checked in at the GF, quick and easy. No lines. Go to our room and have a great view of the MK and seven seas lagoon which I love, but my DF is not liking the two queen beds. Since we had requested a king, he calls down to ask if they have one available. They tell him no, and launch into a long and unnecessary explanation about how many king beds are in the GF (not many, apparently) and how they try to reserve the king rooms for honeymoon couples. Uh, hello? This inattention to detail will be a theme with the GF, I am sorry to say. It's like they have a stock answer for things and don't really focus on their guests. You know how some people always make you feel like they aren't really listening to what you say because it seems like they are too busy thinking about what to say back to you instead? Well, that's how I felt at the GF. Summing up: Pretty hotel, great convenience on the monorail, decent health club. So so pools, crowded lobby, over priced. I wasn't expecting a true 4 star, regardless of the price (I realized we were going to pay a premium for the monorail and Disney) but still. IMO not worth the $$$. Faux del Coronado, and faux service to match. Some nice CM's but overall a disappointment. And we haven't even gotten to the screaming desk clerk and the cake smashing bellman, yet.
But we will.
Oh, yes we will.
That night headed over to MVMCP, after inquiring about having tea at the GF since we hadn't eaten all day but were told they were booked through Christmas! It's okay, since we had ADR's at Tony's on Town Square. Had a table right by the fountain, barely waited five minutes with our ADR, and I had a really good salmon. Had an appetizer (salad) and creme brule for dessert, all on the dining plan. Very yummy. The service was excellent.
Officially begin to worry about fitting into my dress.
Left Tony's and collected our wrist bands for the party. The party was a blast, and not too crowded at all! Went on Pirates for the first of about five times, and Space Mountain for the first of about five times. Walked around soaking in the Magic Kingdom, and trying not to notice that tiredness was starting to set in. The parade was so cute, and I really want one of those dancing reindeers to come live on my front lawn.
Okay. Maybe just during the holidays.
Tomorrow...Breakfast at 1900 Park Faire, or: Why I needed to take out a restraining order against the Mad Hatter.
).
... waiting...
This is taking way too much time!
!
Really sucks about the king bed...same thing happened to my DF and I last week. We just go back from Pop Century on the 23rd.
) I also think about Happylalagirl and her DF; they are having an Illuminations dessert party, and while I forget what day their party was I am hoping they really enjoyed it. 
Hopefully you can get those soon.
Pretty Please...
