Our Magical WDW Adventure ~ 23 Days of Fun, Food, Cocktails... London Trip 2/8

[ariel2007]

Yes, I did. I called their Private Dining number about a month or so before we went. They emailed me menus, wine lists, etc. When I called back with my menu selections, we finalized the location of our dining - they gave me quite a few options and we had a backup in case of rain. I paid everything on CC ahead of time, and gratuity is added at that point. I ordered the glass slipper white chocolate for one of the desserts. The manager was quite nice during our conversations and our server for the evening met us by the piano in the Grand Lobby - white glove service. Wonderful!

Sounds great. As much I would love to do it I don't think we have the time this trip. But I will definitely keep it in mind for next time

 

[Disneyfan71]

Hi Ariel...I'm joining your PTR---sounds like you're going to be VERY busy during your stay. But I hope that you have a magical time!!

 

[ariel2007]

Hi Ariel...I'm joining your PTR---sounds like you're going to be VERY busy during your stay. But I hope that you have a magical time!!

Hi and . Thank you so much, I am so excited. I'm glad you've joined me.

 

[Disneyfan71]

Of course...I love reading PTR's---makes my time go by that much faster!!! Plus I LOVE looking at the pictures and putting faces with the names. I've got a PTR too!!! I think you've checked it out already if I'm not mistaken.

 

[ariel2007]

Of course...I love reading PTR's---makes my time go by that much faster!!! Plus I LOVE looking at the pictures and putting faces with the names. I've got a PTR too!!! I think you've checked it out already if I'm not mistaken.

I don't think I have seen your PTR so far but will go and have a look in a minute . I know what you mean about putting names to faces, I always build up images of people in my head and then when I see pictures they are often completely different.

 

[xoktenox]

oooo the GF is gorgeous but I think for me its a little bit too...stuffy? I've never been there but I feel like I'd have to talk quietly and not laugh loud...I'm from New York! I don't do anything quietly haha And I feel like I'd have to be dressed nice there all the time lol I hope you get your wish to stay there sometime soon!

 

[ariel2007]

oooo the GF is gorgeous but I think for me its a little bit too...stuffy? I've never been there but I feel like I'd have to talk quietly and not laugh loud...I'm from New York! I don't do anything quietly haha And I feel like I'd have to be dressed nice there all the time lol I hope you get your wish to stay there sometime soon!

I thought it would be really posh inside too, and although it is really beautiful, its not too stuffy. When we were there there were lots of people in shorts and t.shirts and in the lounge area there was even some kids running around a few times. They have 1900 PF which is a character meal and a Princess tea party thing so are used to children running around and shouting.

 

[troobabiee7]

Aw I LOVE the Grand Floridian too! Before we visited in 2005 I also thought it would be too stuffy but it's not at all. It may be the most expensive Disney resort, but it's still Disney. Love it!

 

[ariel2007]

Aw I LOVE the Grand Floridian too! Before we visited in 2005 I also thought it would be too stuffy but it's not at all. It may be the most expensive Disney resort, but it's still Disney. Love it!

Yes I think it is one of the most Disney resorts of all. Its so princessy, and beautiful, all the things you think of with Disney. But its also really subtle, not to OTT. I know a lot of people prefer more modern resorts, but I love the grandeur of it, all the chandeliers, flowers, domed ceilings, Victorian decor, its so me . Whats your favorite resort then?

 

[troobabiee7]

Yes I think it is one of the most Disney resorts of all. Its so princessy, and beautiful, all the things you think of with Disney. But its also really subtle, not to OTT. I know a lot of people prefer more modern resorts, but I love the grandeur of it, all the chandeliers, flowers, domed ceilings, Victorian decor, its so me . Whats your favorite resort then?

I usually like more modern resorts too but the Grand Floridian's gorgeous. And it's not to much that I like "modern" resorts, but I like resorts that are bright, open and airy, and the GF's just that. My favorite resort is probably... that's hard! It's a tie between the three monorail resorts and the Beach Club. I'd choose one of those over all others! The Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are great and so unique, but not really my style.

 

[ariel2007]

I usually like more modern resorts too but the Grand Floridian's gorgeous. And it's not to much that I like "modern" resorts, but I like resorts that are bright, open and airy, and the GF's just that. My favorite resort is probably... that's hard! It's a tie between the three monorail resorts and the Beach Club. I'd choose one of those over all others! The Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are great and so unique, but not really my style.

Yes it is very open and light isn't it, I love that too. How come you choose the Beach Club over the Yacht Club then?
I find it hard as I love all the resorts, especially the Deluxes. AKL is amazing. I know some people think its too dark, and I can see that, but I just love the architecture, its so unique and true. When I was looking at the hotels and lodges in Kenya they looked just like the lodge (or vice versa really ). And I love all the things to see and do there, there is so much. The animals, the fire pit, the glass window, the stairways, the night viewing, the flamingo's, the picture rubbings, the decor in the rooms, the bar and restaurants, and walking around at night is magical. We loved our stay there and I can't wait to go back again one day, its just a bit far out.

 

[Disneyfan71]

I don't think I have seen your PTR so far but will go and have a look in a minute . I know what you mean about putting names to faces, I always build up images of people in my head and then when I see pictures they are often completely different.

Well I finally found out what happened...I accidentially deleted the link..but it's there now. And I know what you mean about putting faces w/ names. But it's interesting all the same

 

[Villainess]

Ooooo your favorite resort? That is so hard! I loved staying in the Contemporary - we were in the A frame w/ a view of the castle and AKL is just gorgeous. Soooo hard to choose!

 

[ariel2007]

Disney Dreams...
... Part 4​

Following on from my Dream to sty in the beautiful Grand Floridian Hotel, is another Disney hotel I have dreamed of staying in for many, many years.

Disney Dream Number Four...

Our first visit to Disneyland Paris was the most magical surprise arranged by my Mum and Dad when I was 9. Since it was my first visit, and I had been dreaming of going there for so, so long, everything was just so amazing and beautiful to me, it was all like a dream. But one thing that specifically stood out (apart from the magical castle of course) was this beautiful resort that stood at the front of the park. The Disneyland Hotel reminds me a bit of the Grand Floridian in its grand Victorian style but not only that it has some magical Disney quirks and is also unique in the fact that you actually walk under it to get into the Disneyland park. The location is amazing and some of the rooms actually have the Castle in view. But not across a lake, but just up Main Street. Its not only beautiful by day but by night it comes alive with thousands of beautiful lights. Here are some pictures we have got over some of our visits

It has beautiful fountains and a Mickey flower bed in front

You can see the entrance that goes under the hotel

The beautiful clock and Tinkerbell weather vain, I would love to have these at home

The hotels side inside the park

The hotel annex as you exit the park

​

So my fourth Disney Dream is probably the dream I have had the longest. My dream is to stay in the Disneyland Hotel, and not just a regular room, but in the Castle Club. The Castle Club is like a concierge facility but also has its own private entrance to the park and you get some fastpass perks. And after waiting all this time to stay there I would settle for no less than that magical Castle view

Coming Up... Disney Dream Number Five ​

 

[Disneyfan71]

I love the pictures of Dinseyland Paris...and the hotel I'd love to go there some day to see the difference in WDW and DL

 

[ariel2007]

I love the pictures of Dinseyland Paris...and the hotel I'd love to go there some day to see the difference in WDW and DL

DLRP is obviously much smaller and only has 2 parks, the main Disneyland Parks and a Studio's Park. They have 7 hotels and a Disney Village (like DTD), most of which is all within walking distance. The parks lack a lot of atmosphere, and you come across a lot of rude and ignorant people, but I still love it, maybe because it was my first Disney park. And the rides are great, a few are better than WDW like Space, Thunder, POTC, Haunted Mansion.

I hope you get to go one day

 

[Villainess]

Oh when you head to that Castle Club, please, please, please let me hide in your suitcase for you! OR let me follow you guys and take pictures of your trip. That is just gorgeous!

 

[ariel2007]

Oh when you head to that Castle Club, please, please, please let me hide in your suitcase for you! OR let me follow you guys and take pictures of your trip. That is just gorgeous!

Yes sure, why not

 

[Disneyfan71]

Thank you Ariel...i'd love to go to DLP some day. I've seen Space Mountain pictures at Disneyland Paris...and it actually goes upside down Which of course the ones here don't.!!! Oh well!!

 

[ariel2007]

Thank you Ariel...i'd love to go to DLP some day. I've seen Space Mountain pictures at Disneyland Paris...and it actually goes upside down Which of course the ones here don't.!!! Oh well!!

Space Mountain is great. You start by shooting up this tube which uncovers as you go up so you can see the park, and it goes pretty fast lie R&RC. Then in the dark it goes upside down and does corkscrews, its so much fun. POTC has more and bigger drops in. The mountain you go around in Thunder Mountain is actually in the middle of the lake so you have to go underground to begin, and it seems a bit faster and more themed too. Small World is also a bit different, the ride itself is the same but outside the entrance is this huge SW globe and then the front of the attraction is huge and open with clocks and worlds and things. There are a few rides that you don't have a WDW so it is worth a visit sometime. If you want to read anymore about it I did a report of our Halloween trip, the links below in my Small World trip report (right near the end).