My PC, GF, VWL, BCV, VWL, and SSR vacation

[KayleeUK]

What a gorgeous room

 

[Alicnwondrln]

WOW is all I can say!
i cant wait to read more.

 

[KittyKitty]

So I'm going thru the trip report list, as I do everyday, deciding on what report to read. Yes, I usually read all of them.
And I see this one with 10 pages. Boy, I think, it must have some real wild stuff in it, so have so many replys. Must be a argument going on. Wonder what it is.

As I start reading, I realize, I think I better go get a cup of coffee!. This is one of most unique reports I've read. A new way of enjoying of WDW.

Thank you so very much for taking the time to write this. I am there right with you every step. I have only gotten to page 4, but it's like Christmas and I'm opening up one of my favorite gifts. I put this on par as when a new Harry Potter book come out!!!

So again, thank you. This report is much appreciated.

Now back to the report............. how did the party come out?............. did everyone make it on time? Was it Mickey or the balloonist?.....what is a slipper dessert??? I must know.

Susan

 

[boston1029]

This is my first time reading a trip report and all I can say is WOW!!! I feel like I am right there with you. Thank you so much for including all of us in your Disney Magic.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Yeah Janet ROCKS

WOOHOOO!!!!!

Its like reading a novel I cant put down.

 

[Janet2k]

Before I begin describing the event walkthrough that I had with my Grand Floridian Convention Services Cast Member, I thought I would give you folks a little overview of the Grand Floridian Resort. It should help you visualize the locations where my dinner party and surprise dessert party would be held. I’m going to break this post up into two parts: Part 5A and Part 5B. The first part, Part 5A, will describe the Summerhouse Dinner Party, while the second part, Part 5B, will describe the Marina Dessert Party.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Grand Floridian Resort, let me show you the resort’s map: click here. As you look at that map, you will notice that I have notated two areas with black arrows. The “Dinner” area shows the location of the Summerhouse; my dinner party would be held there. The “Dessert” area shows the location of the marina; my surprise dessert party would be held there.

Now I’d like to show you a view of the Grand Floridian Resort that I took from the water: click here. I have circled in “yellow” the location of the Summerhouse patio and beach area. As you can see, that area is very nicely sized. And in case you were wondering how close the Summerhouse is to the Grand Floridian’s themed swimming pool (its newer pool), I thought I’d show you the following photo: click here. The area on the left that is circled in “yellow” is the themed pool’s bar. The themed pool is not shown in this photograph, but it lies directly to the left of that pool bar. The Summerhouse is a nice distance away from the themed pool area. That makes the Summerhouse location both private and quiet – perfect for an intimate dinner party.

At precisely 3:40 PM that Saturday afternoon, my daughter and I left Conch Key and walked over to the Summerhouse patio and beach area. Our meeting with the Grand Floridian Convention Services Cast Member who had put together my family’s dinner party was scheduled to begin at 4 PM and we did not want to be late. It was a gorgeous afternoon, though still quite hot, but not as hot as it had been at high noon.

As we arrived at the Summerhouse (click here), we could see that it was being set up for a private function. The area was cordoned off and signs (click here) were stationed stating something about a wedding reception. My guess was that the wedding reception would be an early evening one, or at least that was my hope because it was still so warm outside, and the sun was still so strong, that anything starting sooner than early evening would probably be somewhat uncomfortable, temperature-wise, for the wedding guests.

I should note that in all my years of staying at the Grand Floridian Resort, I had not only never walked through the Summerhouse patio area, I had never seen it set up for a party. Since my own party was going to be held the following evening, I was curious to see how the location would be decorated for today’s wedding reception.

I did not walk through the Summerhouse patio area at that time since it was cordoned off and was still being set up for the wedding reception, but I did glance at it from afar. From what I could see, it was obvious that the wedding reception was going to involve way more guests than my dinner party; there were quite a few tables set up on the patio. I also noticed that the linens on those tables were white, and the tables contained no centerpieces. My guess was that colored overlays and decorative centerpieces would be added to those tables shortly before the event began.

Even though the area wasn’t completely set up yet, I could tell that it was going to look beautiful when it was completed. The bride and groom were fortunate to have such a lovely location for their outdoor wedding reception. When I got married eons ago, I never officially had a wedding reception, so I tried to imagine the emotions that the bride and groom would feel when they came outside to their party. Amongst other things, they were certain to feel joy.

Since my daughter and I were early for the meeting, we decided to check out the beach area that was located both in front of and next to the Summerhouse. I didn’t take any photographs at that time because I had left my camera behind in my resort room. However, I did return a few days later to photograph the area. I will post links to those photos here so that you may see what I saw during my event walkthrough that afternoon.

As my daughter and I stood on the beach, we could see steps leading up from the beach to the Summerhouse patio area (click here). To the left of those steps was a semicircular patio area that contained several umbrella tables (click here). To its left was another set of steps (click here).

Immediately to the left of the Summerhouse was the Grand Floridian’s main beach area (click here) where my daughter and I were presently standing. This beach contained lounge chairs (click here) for the explicit use of resort guests who chose to sunbathe.

If you looked down the beach a little ways, you could see the resort’s catamaran sailboat (click here). You could also see a pool bar (click here). Located beyond that pool bar was the themed swimming pool (the resort's newer pool), followed by another stretch of beach. Further down, you could see Franck’s Bridal Studio (click here) and the Wedding Pavilion (click here). Continuing along the shoreline of Seven Seas Lagoon, you could see the Polynesian Resort (click here).

As my daughter and I stood on the beach, I noticed that the shoreline leading out into the lagoon was shallow for several feet (click here). I didn’t know it at the time but that important fact would come into play when my dinner party began the next evening.

After wandering up and down the beach for a few minutes with my daughter, I noticed two Cast Members standing on the Summerhouse patio (click here). I wondered if one of them was the gentleman who had planned my family’s dinner party. Since it was just about 4 PM, our prearranged meeting time, my daughter and I decided to head to the Summerhouse in order to find out.

As we approached the Summerhouse’s patio (click here). I asked the Cast Members if one of them was named Xxxx. Someone responded and asked me if my name was Janet. I said that it was and extended my hand in greeting. My Convention Services Cast Member responded that our first meeting really required a hug since he felt like he knew me so well (we had been working together on the dinner party for several weeks). I got a kick out of that and so we hugged. He also presented me with a Halloween pin from the prior year since he knew that Halloween held special significance for me. I thought that was incredibly sweet; what a lovely gift.

I introduced my daughter, and my Cast Member introduced the other Cast Member who was with him. Once the introductions were out of the way, the Summerhouse Dinner Event walkthrough began.

The area that we were standing on was described to me. The Cast Member went into detail about how my dinner party would be set up. He pointed to the area where the dinner table would sit (click here). He stated that the table would sit within the semicircular recessed area that borders the beach. Since this area was located next to the steps, it made for easy access to the beach for the children. I liked that idea. The dinner table would be round and would easily seat all nine dinner guests. He then mentioned that the view from this location was particularly lovely since it was unobstructed (click here).

As my Cast Member was describing the dinner party’s setup and was going into detail about how the event would unfold, I actually got goose bumps. Everything sounded absolutely perfect and I was completely over-the-moon with what I was hearing. Life just did not get any better than this.

The Cast Member then began describing where the Chef would be stationed (click here). The Chef would be on-stage throughout the dinner party. He would grill everyone’s food to order: T-bone steaks, shrimp, vegetable kabobs, corn on the cob, and so on. I was getting hungry listening to the dinner menu being described. I could almost smell the food. The Cast Member then mentioned that there would be an auxiliary table (click here) set up that would contain all the fixin’s for the barbeque dinner: cornbread, beans, various salads, and so on. It was all I could do to keep my stomach from growling.

As he described the rest of the dinner party’s setup, I looked around the patio area (click here and click here and click here). The whole area was lovely. Perfect for an intimate dinner party. My heart told me how lucky I was.

Then came the topic of the surprise dinner guest. My Cast Member began speaking very quietly. Since my daughter was with me, he said that he didn’t want her to hear something that I may have been holding back from her as a surprise. I assured him that she pretty much knew everything about the entire event, Mickey and all, and that I had sworn her to secrecy about the whole thing. I then mentioned that she actually knew more about the event than my husband did. With that, I told the Cast Member that he did not have to whisper or hold anything back in my daughter’s presence.

The Cast Member described how Mickey Mouse would make his entrance at my dinner party. He said that the trial run with the float boat that Disney had performed a week or so ago had gone very well. Mickey’s arrival via this float boat would definitely be unique. He said that it hadn’t been done before at the Grand Floridian, thus the requirement for the trial run. He also mentioned that he had heard that a float boat arrival had been done maybe only once or twice before in Walt Disney World's history. He and the other Cast Member began trying to figure out where it might have happened. They had both worked at the Contemporary and knew that it didn’t happen there. They hadn’t heard of it happening at the Yacht or Beach Club. They discussed a few other locations and couldn’t figure out where it might have been. It didn’t really matter to me, I was just so dang excited that Mickey was going to be at my party. His unique arrival would just make things even more memorable than they already were going to be.

As to Mickey’s arrival, the Cast Member stated that Mickey would board the float boat at Narcoossee’s Restaurant. When the Cast Member gave the official word, the float boat would depart Narcoossee’s and begin making its way towards the Summerhouse beach area (click here). (Note: I marked up that photo with yellow arrows to give you an idea of Mickey Mouse’s route to my dinner party.)

As my Cast Member continued describing the event, my goose bumps grew larger. He said that Mickey’s boat would beach itself right in front of the Summerhouse patio area (click here) and Mickey Mouse would walk ashore. I could honestly imagine the surprised looks upon my guests’ faces as they saw Mickey Mouse. I knew it was going to be a moment that none of us would ever forget.

With the discussion of Mickey Mouse’s arrival out of the way, it was time to discuss Part Two of my dinner the surprise dessert party.

 

[jennymouse]

I got goosebumps too! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[johnsonet]

Janet - this is all too wonderful for words! Thank you, thank you for all the wonderful details
Funny...I'd just assumed Mickey would launch from the MK Makes more sense that he came from around the corner

 

[Janet2k]

Here is the Grand Floridian’s resort map again: click here. As you look at that map, you will notice that I have notated two areas with black arrows. The “Dinner” area shows the location of the Summerhouse. My dinner party would be held there, and I discussed that in detail in Part 5A of this thread. The “Dessert” area shows the location of the marina. My surprise dessert party would be held there, and I will discuss that in detail here in Part 5B of this thread.

After the Grand Floridian Convention Services Cast Member had described the Summerhouse dinner party to me, he went on to describe the surprise dessert party. This dessert party would be held in the marina area of the resort. He asked me if I wanted to see the location and I told him yes. Wild horses couldn’t have kept me away. And so we headed towards the marina.

As we walked, he mentioned that near the end of the dinner party, my bartender and bar would be transferred to the marina location. That would ensure that there would be plenty of cold beverages at hand for my dinner guests as they enjoyed their desserts and waited for the Magic Kingdom’s Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular to begin. I was pleased to hear that.

He then went on to state that a note would be delivered to the children towards the end of the dinner party. This note would tell them that a treasure map was hidden somewhere on the beach and they were to find it. Once the children had found the treasure map, they were to follow it. As they did, they would lead the dinner guests to the marina area of the resort. Once everyone had arrived at the marina, we would find the dessert party waiting for us.

My goose bumps returned when I realized just how precious this portion of the evening would be. I couldn’t wait to see the children trying to find the treasure map in the sand, and I couldn’t wait to see the look upon my guests’ faces as they arrived at the surprise dessert party. It was going to be another highlight of everyone’s evening, none more so than my own.

After a few minutes of walking, we arrived at the marina. The Cast Member led me to the location for the dessert party. As I viewed it, I immediately realized that this location was far better than anything I had imagined. It was perfection, and all was right with the world.

Please note that I did not take any photographs during my event walkthrough because I had left my camera behind in my resort room. However, I did return a few days later to photograph the area. I will post links to those photos here so that you may see what I saw during my event walkthrough that Saturday afternoon.

I’d first like to show you a view of the dessert party location that I took from the side balcony of my Conch Key resort room (my Magic Kingdom view room had two balconies: one faced the Magic Kingdom and another faced the resort’s marina). I have circled in “yellow” the location of my dessert click here. I zoomed-in with the following photograph so that you would have a better idea as to the shape and size of the location: click here.

Here are a few photos that I took as I stood directly across the marina from the dessert party location:
Photo # 1
Photo # 2
Photo # 3

Photo # 1 shows you the scope of the location. Photo # 2 shows you the location in reference to the front of the marina, while Photo # 3 shows you the location in reference to the back of the marina.

As I stated before, this location was better than anything that I had imagined. It looked absolutely perfect for the party. I instantly knew its view of the fireworks would be breathtaking.

As the two Cast Members, my daughter, and myself entered the dessert party location, this is what we saw: click here. This patio area was slightly off the beaten path and could be cordoned off from the public sidewalk that lay beside it. This would ensure a feeling of privacy for the guests in attendance at the party.

As we entered the patio area, this is what I saw as I faced the marina and looked to the right: click here. This is what I saw as I looked forward: click here. And this is what I saw as I looked to the left: click here. As you can see, the large part of the patio (click here) actually faced the front of the marina and thus the Magic Kingdom (if you look closely at that picture, you will see the top of Cinderella Castle peeking out above the trees in the distance). Here are a few more photos of the patio area:
Photo # 1
Photo # 2
Photo # 3

The other entrance to the patio area was on the opposite side of it: click here. If you stood near this entrance, you would have the following view: click here. Here is another shot of that view that shows Cinderella Castle above the tree line: click here. As I stood there with the Cast Members and looked at that gorgeous view, it was easy to visualize in my mind what the Wishes fireworks would look like for the party, ~sigh.~

From the front edge of the marina, I took this photo as I looked back at the dessert party location: click here. You can see the Grand Floridian’s main building at the back of the marina. Not a shabby background, eh?

This photo shows what the view of Conch Key looked like from the dessert party location: click here. This photo shows what the view of Sugar Loaf looked like: click here. And this photo shows what the view of the back of the marina looked like: click here.

Since this patio was located next to the Grand Floridian’s Sago Cay building (click here for resort map), there would be very little foot traffic, if any, walking by. This would add a feeling of remoteness to the location. And since there were only two entrances to the patio area, it could easily be cordoned off for privacy. With the area cordoned off, this mound of shrubs and trees would provide further privacy: click here. I should mention that this mound separated the patio area from the public sidewalk.

As I took in my surroundings, my Cast Member described where the dessert buffet table would sit. He also mentioned that he was thinking of having a large, round table set up in the center of the patio area. My guests would sit at that table as they enjoyed their desserts. He said that everyone sitting together, family-style, should work out well for my small guest list. I agreed.

With the dessert party described and discussed, our meeting had come to an end. I was very thankful that the Convention Services Cast Member had taken the time out of his busy schedule to meet with me. He didn’t need to do that, but I was certainly glad that he did. As we exchanged our goodbyes, he stated that he would be in attendance at tomorrow night's party just to make sure that everything went well. I was pleased to hear that. Just knowing that he would be there gave me such a sense of relief. I knew that nothing would go wrong. How could it under his watchful eye?

And so we parted ways. The two Cast Members walked back to the Convention Center, while my daughter and I walked back to Conch Key. It was time to wake up ol’ Sleeping Beauty, also known as my husband. I couldn’t wait to fill his pretty little head with the details of tomorrow night’s dinner and dessert parties.

 

[Janet2k]

Within a few minutes, my daughter and I had arrived at Conch Key. We took the elevator up to the 4th floor and walked down the hallway to our room. Upon entry, we found my husband still napping. We woke him up and filled him in on the afternoon’s activities. He stated that everything sounded wonderful for tomorrow night’s party. He was right, of course.

Everyone put their swimsuits on and headed over to the resort’s themed pool (the newer pool). As we walked by the Summerhouse, we could see final preparations taking place for the wedding reception. I paid particular attention to the lights that were being set up. During my event walkthrough, I had forgotten to ask what sort of lights would be used for my dinner party. For the wedding reception that lay before me, I could see various lights being readied for the event. I wondered if any of them would be used for my party.

Since it was late in the afternoon by the time we made it to the pool, it was very crowded. Quite a few guests in the pool were talking about the wedding reception. It was obvious to me that many guests were either staying at the Grand Floridian or were visiting others who were staying there. Everyone appeared to be in good spirits. I always enjoy seeing friends and family having a good time together. I envied the bride and groom slightly since my own vacation was strictly for my immediate family; it would have been fun to have invited others along. But I quickly banished that thought because I had deliberately kept this vacation a secret from everyone. Shame on me for second-guessing that decision. Still, I couldn’t keep myself from wishing I were part of a large group, or as Disney now calls it, a Magical Gatherings™.

As the late afternoon wore on, guests began leaving the pool. Some were heading off to the wedding reception, while others were heading off to dinner. My family was having too much fun swimming to worry about dinner, so we stayed put in the pool for another hour or two.

Eventually, we got hungry and my husband went to get us a bite to eat from Gasparilla Grill. He brought soup and sandwiches back to the pool. Everything tasted great. We hadn’t realized how hungry we had been.

After eating, it was back into the pool for my daughter and me. My husband stayed on dry land reading the newspaper.

As darkness approached, we knew the pool would be closing soon. We got out of the water and dried ourselves off and headed back to our resort room. As we walked by the Summerhouse, we could see that the wedding reception was in full swing. A few guests were even dancing to the DJ. It looked like such a lovely party.

Once inside our resort room, we changed out of our swimsuits and into shorts & t-shirts. My husband decided to stay put, but my daughter and I wanted no part of the great indoors. We hit the road again and headed to the lobby of the resort. We wanted to see if Christian Frederick was playing. My daughter and I had heard him play during our last vacation, and we wanted to hear him again.

As we entered the lobby, the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra was playing. We love this band so we listened to them play for a bit, then it was time to head outdoors again.

It was a few minutes after 10 PM when we walked by the Summerhouse. The wedding reception had pretty much ended but a few guests were still lingering about. I was surprised to hear the DJ playing music. I had been told that the Grand Floridian has a policy of no loud music after 10 PM. As soon as that thought had popped into my head, the DJ must have read my mind – he began playing the closing song from the Mickey Mouse Club TV show:

Mickey Mouse Club Alma Mater

Now Mouseketeers
there's one thing we want you
always to remember…

Come along and sing our song
and join our family.

M-I-C
K-E-Y
M-O-U-S-E

Through the years we'll all
be friends
wherever we may be.

M-I-C
K-E-Y
M-O-U-S-E

Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse
forever let us hold our
banner high.

Now it's time to say goodbye
to all our company.

M-I-C
(See you real soon)
K-E-Y
(Why? Because we like you)
M-O-U-S-E
​

And so we took our cue from the DJ and headed back to our resort room. My daughter and I had a date with the Sandman.

 

[Janet2k]

Gang, I will be unable to post for awhile. This week I am heading to Florida for a few days. I have an on-site planning session scheduled with the Fairy Tale Weddings folks regarding my upcoming vow renewal. That vow renewal is quickly approaching and I haven’t done any planning for it. It’s time to get off my lazy butt and get myself in gear. This planning session should help me do that. During it, I’ll be meeting with Entertainment, Floral, Catering, Photography, Videography, Transportation, and so on. I’m also going to take a tour of my dinner venue. Between that venue tour and the food tasting, I can barely contain my excitement. I feel like a schoolgirl, not an old married woman.

I should mention that just the other day I was told who my Event Manager is. It’s none other than the gentleman who put together my family’s Grand Floridian Summerhouse dinner party. I was very excited when I heard the news. I’m still pinching myself, wondering when I’m going to wake up from my dream. My vow renewal will certainly be ~magical~ underneath his guidance.

To my planning session I have invited a couple of my favorite Dis girls. Three of us will be staying at Port Orleans, while the fourth lady resides in Florida. We’re planning on seeing Bob Jackson’s show at Port Orleans’ River Roost Lounge during one night of our stay. Talk about a hot time in the old town tonight. I’m sure Bob will have us conga’ing through the lounge, making complete fools of ourselves (all good-naturedly, of course). It should be a lot of fun.

So hang in there. Upon my return home, I will pick back up with this thread and post about the Summerhouse dinner party. In the meantime, take my word for it, it was simply magical.

 

[KayleeUK]

You can't go away


Janet lovely reports, Thank you

 

[Aristocath]

Janet, Have a wonderful trip and say hi to Mickey for me. I am so excited for you. Although it is going to be a very long week for me- having to wait for the next installment!

Cathy

 

[Dizz42]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it sound like being a Convention Services Cast Member or Events Manager would be a dream job? I know, of course, there are many careers that hold more important and necessary challenges but hey, making magic is what brings joy into our lives. And joy just can't be measured. Kinda like reading Janet2K's trip report - What joy! What fun! Thank you soooo much!

 

[snubie]

Have fun planning your vow renewal. Can't wait to read the trip report from that adventure. Great storyteller!

Stacey

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Oh, no! I can't believe you're leaving us in suspense right before you get to the party part of the report!

Have a great time planning your celebration, and hurry home to finish the story!

 

[TwingleMum]

Oh Janet you wicked , wicked woman!! Making us wait while your having fun with the Mouse . Enjoy your trip, but please hurry home to us at the Dis so we can live vicariously through your posts.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

bumping this up to the top

THIS IS THE BEST REPORT
you gotta read it

 

[Janet2k]

Hi, everyone. I just came back from WDW a few hours ago and I am tired beyond words. These past few days flew by. I hope to continue on with this trip report within the next few days. Please hang in there with me.

I know you folks are gonna ask, so I should mention the following… I honestly have no idea how I’ll ever be able to write a trip report about my just completed Fairy Tale Weddings’ (FTW) vow renewal planning session. That day was a marathon that lasted 8-1/2 hours long. I don’t think I can ever possibly do it justice. It’s just one of those days that you have to experience to believe. There was so much information exchanged with me that my brain eventually overloaded – yikes! But if I can find the energy, I promise I’ll try to write up a few of the things that I was fortunate to have experienced. For example, a before-hours venue walkthrough of my dinner celebration’s location (the venue is incredible and should provide one heck of a night to remember), a food tasting session that was created and prepared for me by two remarkable Disney chefs (the FTW folks made my unspoken wish come true when they set that up for me), and a whole bunch of other fun details that presently are making my head spin every time I reflect back on that day.

And speaking of reflecting back on that day, two things immediately come to mind: (1) The kindness and professionalism of the Disney Staff – every single one of them, and (2) The kindness and friendship of the three lovely ladies who joined me for my FTW planning session – Bonzie1, Nutz4dzny, and WeFullTime. When those three beautiful ladies accepted the invitation to join me for my planning session, they had no idea how they made my heart sing. I will cherish my memories of that remarkable day always. And before I forget, I am still pinching myself over the fact that my gorgeous FTW Sales Manager was able to arrange it such that my favorite Grand Floridian Convention Services guy is now my Fairy Tale Weddings’ Event Manager. I had no idea that could be done. How lucky can a girl get?! I hope I never wake up from this dream.

But I’ll save all that for another trip report. In the meantime, I hope to pick back up with this one soon. I think when I left you last, it was right before the day of my Summerhouse dinner party began. Stay tuned...

 

[Dizz42]

Welcome back, Janet2k. I believe I speak for everyone when I say we missed you! :: Rest, refresh and when you're up to it, please tell us "...the rest of the story."
Also, I (and I'm sure all of us) would love a glimpse into your marathon planning day with the FTW folks. Ohhhhhh...what fun!