Our 2008 grand, GRAND FLORIDIAN Christmas trip 12/6-12/14

[mtmbyck]

This is such a great report - I can hear the excitement in your words......

Can't wait to see the room and the concierge amenities!!

 

[Lcaemom]

Good morning everyone...just catching up with emails and things...the kids have a 2 hour delay for school so, I can't get out to work until they leave.

Loralie Sorry, didn't mean to leave you out...I notice your post in between two of my posts and didn't catch it until this AM. So glad to have you along!!! My kids are not really picky eaters...they are actually very good eaters. But, my older two are considered adults...which we knew when we were trying to make the decision to use the DDP. The corndogs were our first experience with deciding on a quick snack and finding out they were not included. I told the CM...just put them on our roomtab...but, as the week went on, I found that we did that more frequently than I would have liked. Had we not done that...and went with snacks that were covered, it would have felt like we were adhering to too many restrictions and we were on vacation. Who wants restrictions on vacation?!? The other thing that bugged me was, that my 11yoDD decided she didn't like anything on the adult menu, at one of our TS meals. The waitress let her choose from the kid menu...I thought she would still use an adult TS credit...which fine in my opinion. When we got the receipt, we realized that she used two of my 7yoDD TS credits...so, she was now short a TS meal, for the rest of the week. I just think that is a pain. Over the week...there were other things that came up...I'll get into to those as we go. I just think that next time...unless the DDP is free...we will opt out of it. If your kids ARE picky eaters...I think you will find that there are not many options for them on the adult menus. Depending on where you have ADRs...you will probably not find chicken nuggets or pizza. Hope this helps a little...and again, welcome!!!

A's Princess Welcome...glad to have you! I hope you can get to the GF...keep calling about those codes and pins...you may have one next to your name and you won't know unless you ask...they won't offer that information. I'm sure the BWVs were great. We loved the GF but, next time we're planning on staying on the Boardwalk...hopefully, at the BCVs. I love the whole Epcot area...never realized how close it is DHS, too.

Kristen Those SM stories are the stories that families laugh about for years!!! Hoping today is a better work day...but, we now have a two hour delay for school so, it's not looking too good!!! At least, I can do a little catching up here, for now. Have a great day!!!

Proudmommyof2 I hear you about the excitement!!! I am a VNA nurse now...not much excitement there! But, it's so convenient with the kids. With a regular job and a two hour school delay, I'd be scrambling. With this job...I need to start later than normal but, at least I have the option. That is my most favorite part...but, love nursing in general. I have worked in ICU, telemetry and before becoming a nurse, in maternity/postpartum. Loved all of it!!! Your prior field must have had it's difficult moments!!! But, very exciting, from a medical perspective and always challenging. I think all the time about grad school...I never say never...but, right now I'm pretty content with everything. Always up for a new opportunity though, I may take you up on that offer. Thanks!!!

mtmbyck Thanks for joining!!! Can't wait to start typing about the GF...getting there...slowly but, surely!!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Good morning!! We lucked out here today and didnt get the snow delay...but I'll tell you, standing out at the bus stop this a.m. was miserable! Is it Spring yet?!! Gotta love New England Winters....they are just lovely!! heehee!!

True, these moments are what add to our family vacation memories!! Just as long as no one needs therapy from them!! LOL!

Have a great day!! Looking forward to some more updates!! Stay warm!!

 

[Lcaemom]

Kristen

More snow, today!!! Good day to work on my TR!!! Talk to you soon

 

[princess&her4princes]

Kristen

More snow, today!!! Good day to work on my TR!!! Talk to you soon

LOL!! I know!! My Mom and I are heading to Providence to shop for the night....let's hope I can get home tomorrow! Can't wait to read your next update!! I'll write more in a day or two. Have a nice warm weekend!! ttys!

 

[Lcaemom]

We took the train from Toontown back around to the front of MK. The plan was to get off and watch the parade from the second floor of the train station. We ran up the stairs and sure enough there were people up there (really had no idea if we were allowed up there) but, there were also...TABLES AND CHAIRS!!! Score!!! We had been eating all day so, we weren't really hungry but, we had about 45 minutes to wait for the parade. We didn't get anything to eat but, I thought that was a great plan for next time...grab a table and then send someone for food...a great place to eat...it's in the shade at 3pm and you have front row seats for the parade!!! Shhhh!!! Don't tell anyone my secret! This is just between you and me. We didn't get anything to eat...we just grabbed a table and some chairs. We almost had to wrestle this little old lady to the ground...just kidding!!! She saw us coming and she stacked up a bunch of chairs and was guarding them with her life...as if we might try to steal them from her. We were able to grab the three remaining chairs and pull them over to an open spot. While we were waiting I got some great pictures of the castle and Main Street. The tree wasn't there yet. It was peaceful and quiet...love the music box music.

Then the parade started!!! These were the greatest seats!!! No one could squeeze in between us and the railing at the last minute...and there was plenty of room up there, that there was really no reason to even try. Mission number...whatever ?3, accomplished!

I just LOVE this parade!!! Love the music...love all the characters...love the floats. It is not a Christmas parade but, the floats are decorated with Christmas decorations. After seeing the parade...I end up humming that song for the rest of the day..."Just believe in the Disney magic...just believe and your dreams will come true..." I think that's how it goes...that is what I sing in my head, anyways.

Love Tigger...and Pooh, but, my Pooh picture didn't come out so well.

This is two years in a row that I have taken GREAT pictures of the wicked Queen...I don't even like her but, she seems to photograph really well!!

My 7yoDD LOVES the princesses so, of course we have to take lots of pictures of them...couldn't believe how close they were!!! They of course, blew her kisses...she still talks about that.

Minnie is just so cute...love this picture of her...almost as if she was posing.

The plan for when the parade was over...yes, there was almost a plan on how to do everything...we learned alot from last year. The plan was to watch from the train station and as soon as the last of the parade made it by us, was to RUN...ok walk, quickly...to the exit and get out before the HUGE crowd behind the parade, made it out and clogged all the transportation. So, right after Minnie went by...that is exactly what we did...we weren't first but, close enough...it sure saved us a ton of time because the lines were 10 times the size, just a few seconds later. We got in line for the RIGHT monorail this time and were off for the GRAND FLORIDIAN!!!

I could tell my DDs were very excited...this never happens!!! Can you feel the love?!?

Next up: The GRAND FLORIDIAN!!! I know...finally!!

 

[HockeyMomR]

Love your parade pics. Your seats were excellent, I am going on a ladies only trip in April (my neighbor has a conference at the Dolphin). Very excited about this trip as I am going to do the things that I would like to do, but family doesn't like as much - like the parades. So, did you sit center of the area to watch the parade? Will I see the tables?

 

[Lcaemom]

Love your parade pics. Your seats were excellent, I am going on a ladies only trip in April (my neighbor has a conference at the Dolphin). Very excited about this trip as I am going to do the things that I would like to do, but family doesn't like as much - like the parades. So, did you sit center of the area to watch the parade? Will I see the tables?

Hello...thanks for joining me. You're going on a ladies only trip...that is becoming something I am seriously considering more and more these days.
We did not get center seats...a few minutes prior and maybe we would have. I actually like where we were better, on the corner, though, as the parade was almost coming directly at us as it made the corner...so, we could had views of the fronts and the sides of everything. You should see the tables...and chairs...grab a late lunch or coffee and pastry and enjoy.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Was there any sort of concession on the 2nd floor? How do you get up there?

 

[Lcaemom]

Was there any sort of concession on the 2nd floor? How do you get up there?

I remember getting off the train and walking past where some strollers were parked...there was the option to go down the stairs or go a little further and take a left onto the second floor landing. When we left we down a flight of stairs the entrance was right there. I guess you would go up the stairs as if you were getting on the train. Not sure if that helps...I remember it was easy to get to, if you were looking for it...I just can't remember exactly how to get to it. There was no concession stand up there, you would need to get food on the way up there.

 

[Lcaemom]

The ride over and the walk to our room is now a blur...I remember being so excited...and the girls fighting over who would swipe their card to get us into the building and into the room. I do remember walking into the room, though and just loving it. POR is quite dark...this room was so light and airy...it smelled so good...not that POR smelled bad but, this room just smelled sooooo good. I made sure that I took pictures right away...before we had a chance to mess it up...another mission of mine...but, I've lost count, as to which one I was on. I immediately loved this room and everything about the GF...it just kept getting better and better. This room was much bigger than our last room. The bathroom was separate from the sleeping area...unlike POR, which is separated by a curtain. The bathroom was filled with big, white fluffy towels and stocked with H2O products, which I have since fallen in love with. Everyday, we were fully stocked up with more...I think that is what the room smelled like. DH noticed the flat screen tv...I noticed the desk with all of the plugs for chargers...and lots of room for my laptop. My 7yoDD noticed that she got a couch, instead of a trundle bed...which she was never really crazy about. We also got a nice arm chair and ottoman. My most favorite part was the balcony...I spent every morning out there, reading or planning while waiting for the rest of the family to wake up...I could have sat doing absolutely nothing...it was just so beautiful to wake up every morning to that.

My 13yoDD was greeted by a package upon walking into our room. Her good friend from school and soccer, had stayed at the WL, the week before, 11/28-12/4. My DD's bday, was 11/29...her friend was away for it. She suprized my DD with a stuffed Pluto and a beautiful card, that had been stored for her and then delivered to our room, upon check in. It was waiting for her when got there, that day. My DD was starting not to feel very well...I'll get to that later...but, she perked right up when she saw this. It was just so cute and so thoughtful. Every parent wants only the best for their children and this made me feel so good to know that she has made some really great friends. I also couldn't wait to thank her mom, who traveled over from the WL to execute this plan with her DD. We spent months sitting at soccer games, chatting and planning for our trips. I couldn't wait to thank her and chat about our trips...which we still haven't had the time to do...I've since thanked her but, I'm really hoping to get together soon to share our trip details!

Our first towel animal...well Mickey...very cute!

Our chair and ottoman...makes a huge difference when you're in a hotel to have something to sit on besides the bed and desk chair...you realize that, after going without one.

Lastly...our balcony...and our beautiful view!!! I couldn't get enough of that view!!! I sat down out there and called my mom...it was her birthday...so, I wished her Happy Birthday and to tell my parents all about the trip, so far. I told her it was still light out...she said that it was already dark at home. I told her I was sitting on the balcony watching the palm trees blow in the breeze...she mentioned that they got their first snow of the season. It was all too surreal. She said that my dad was having a cake for her, with my brothers and my uncle so, I told her I'd let her go and to have a great night. I called back about 5 minutes later, after bell services left from bringing up our bags. The bellman showed us how to flip the couch into a bed...my 7yoDD now loved "her" couch even more than she already did. He also mentioned that hor deurves were being served in the building's lobby in about 10 minutes. WHAT?!?

Next up: "Twilight Refreshers," the Rose and Crown and Illuminations...

 

[wdwgirl03]

Great pictures of the Grand Floridian! It looks beautiful. And how neat that your daughter got a gift! That was very sweet of her friend. I bet she was thrilled.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

The room and your view look beautiful!

 

[A's Princess]

Oh it all seems like a dream! The GF definitely looks like someplace DH would love (I kid him that he's the "fooffie" one!)

Really enjoying your TR! Thanks for writing it.

 

[MeMom]

I'm enjoying your report. Your GF room is awesome! We can only afford to visit there for now, but someday we'll at least stay a night or two there, just to say we did.

We also sat on the Poly beach with Dave and Kathy via his webcam, too. I enjoyed watching and reading along, but did not join in the conversation. They were such nice people! NYE fireworks were incredible! We watched Fourth of July fireworks from the beach in real life, but NYE ones seemed even better. We will actually be in WDW next New Year's Eve, so we're planning to go by and meet them in person when we go over to see fireworks again.

Your girls look like they're having a good time so far. They're lucky to be able to say they've stayed at the premiere Disney World resort!

The parade pictures are great! I look forward to seeing more and hearing all about your fun.

He'll be taking his webcam again on February 6th, in case you missed that news, but they'll be at Saratogo Springs.

 

[loralie]

I love your pics of the room. I will be so excited if they upgrade us for our May trip but I know not to expect it. We are happy just to have the chance to stay there. How was it getting around the resort? Is it a long walk to the restaurants, the pool, the monorail, the bus stop?

Can't wait to read the rest.

Loralie

 

[Lcaemom]

Kristen Hope you have a great time with your mom. Is this for your/her bday? Did you make any more plans for another WDW trip? Hope you can make it home in the snow...looks like we're getting more than they originally said.

wdwgirl My DD was thrilled...checking into the GF was great, just in and of itself...that was a great added bonus!!!

Keepmovingforward The view was great...every time I went out to the balcony, I think I took a picture...get ready for more!

A's Princess You are so welcome...thank you so much for reading it. It wouldn't be as much fun to write, if I didn't have you all here to read it! It really did feel like a dream!

MeMom Thank you so much for joining me! Where are you staying for NYE? That will be so exciting. You'll have to let me know how that goes...we're thinking of NYE 2010.

Loralie I think you're going to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the GF. I didn't find anything not to love! The resort looks huge...but, it is all pretty contained. The walk to the monorail and the bus stop were probably the longest walk but, they were just in the next building. We actually found the boat to be a shorter trip, depending on the crowds, from the MK. Gasparilla's was right outside the door, of our building, at the end of the marina. There were two pools...the quiet pool was the closest to us, right outside our door. The pool with the slide and the beach was about 5 minutes away. Everything was probably a 5 minute walk give or take a few minutes.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hi!! GREAT update!!! Love all the pics of the girls, they look SO happy and like they are having so much fun already. Great pics of the GF....it's just beautiful and I love the way you described the room and the smell, I can just imagine it. Oh no, your DD wasn't feeling well?!! But how sweet of her friend to leave a gift, that was so thoughtful!!

Had a great time in Providence and made it home just fine. Mom and I had a great time and I decided to tell her about my plan for the Fall...she was SO excited and I'm checking prices now! My DH is all for it.....so, maybe?!! Hate to get too excited, but it may happen this year!!!!

I'll ttys!!!! Have a great week!

 

[hobbester]

Lcae- I was there the same week you were. I can see our room in your pictures. We stayed in Boca Chica, 1st floor, kinda close to the pool house. We are thinking about going the week before Thanksgiving this year. I know that MVMCP will start that week - which we loved, and some of the decorations will be up. You are doing a great job on your trip report - Lisa.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

i followed you over from my TR, and you are doing a great job, love to read about the GF, thanks for all the pics so far,