"Practically Perfect In Every Way!" Grand Floridian-Oct 2008*New 12/23 Our Last Day:(

[BippityBoo]

Yay! I can not tell you how happy I am to finally be writing a Trip Report! After almost a year of lurking, your great Trip Reports have inspired me to begin to write my own! Although, it has been a while since my trip (October of 2008!!)BUT the good news is that ya'll will love our trip. It was a PERFECT first trip (as you can tell in my title)

Ok so...here we go!!!

Let me start with some highlights of our trip, just to get you excited!

~Grand Floridian AWESOME MK View!!

~1900 PF Character Dinner, Aker. Princess Breakfast, Ohana, Bippity Boppity Boutique

~MK+EPCOT+AK+DHS=950 pictures!!

And now the cast:


Me/Katie(28)- Loving wife and mother! Cinderella is my very favorite character. OCD is really an understatement when it comes to me! That is one reason I am on DIS now is because you guys are the only ones who understand my obsession with all things Disney! Planning for the trip is equally as fun for me than actually going I am also a southern girl, so you will be seeing lots of "ya'lls" in my reports. I am a SAHM and a student getting my Teaching Certification in English and Social Studies with a minor in Creative Writing (high school level). I plan on finishing in Dec 2010 with a special Christmas Disney Trip to celebrate, OF COURSE!

DH/Chris(29)-Such a loving husband and Dad. I could not ask for a better soul mate! Get this ladies...he actually enjoys to cook, does the dishes and cleans on a regular basis without being asked, and gets up early with the baby so I can sleep in! He is truly my prince charming. Chris looks for any opportunity to have a good time and be with family and friends. He is a Real Estate Broker and Appraiser and loves Disney too! We both feel very lucky to have WDW to share with our kids and grandkids (one day) Oh and sorry any Bama, Ole Miss or Florida fans...GEAUX TIGERS! We bleed purple and gold!

DD/Abby(6)-Our resident princess in training. She is truly the light of our life. She loves to dance and has been in lessons since the age of 2! She also plays piano, scrapbooks, reads beautifully and really enjoys life. Her favorite character is Ariel, but I think it is really hard for her to pick a favorite! She is a wonderful daughter and big sister.

DS/Aiden(1.5)-Wow! What a little character Aiden is! He was very young during our trip (11 months) but is now a VERY active and vibrant toddler. His favorite character is "Lightning". He loves any movie, any song, really any opportunity to party and dance We can not wait to see what fun times he will bring in the future to our family!

OK! So, done with the introductions. I am going to briefly start this report tonight as it is getting late! However, I will update soon (promise!)

Also, we may have another trip coming soon so get ready for my oh-so-detailed PTR! OCD Mommies Unite!

 

[BippityBoo]

Just a disclaimer...please forgive any technical problems or bad Dis-etiquette I may display. I am learning

So--some facts from our trip.

~This would be my first time at Disney (shocking, I know!). It was also a first for Abby and Aiden. My DH had been a couple of times before, but his last trip was in the late 90s for his high school trip.

~My in-laws were with us too. I have to ask them permission to put pics, etc on DIS...hopefully I will have some soon! They were great and it helped to have the extra hands! It was their 3rd trip to WDW!

~Our trip was October 1-6 2008. My daughter had to miss about 4 days of school, but she was only in Kindergarten so, she did not miss much! I assume it just gets harder as they get older to miss! I was off for Fall Break, so that was great.

~We stayed at the Grand Floridian and had a MK view. The Resort was breathtaking! LOVE the GF!

OCTOBER 1, 2008: TRAVEL

Chris and I had decided to fly because Aiden was so young and it would just be much quicker. The rates were still really low then, so we flew Southwest for about $80 a person My inlaws spent a couple of days at the beach in Florida, then met us in Orlando.

We set the alarm for 5:00am. Our flight was scheduled to leave around 9am, so we had plenty of time. One bit of info. I forgot to give was that I LOVE to dress my children (and sometimes my DH) alike. I really want to utilize all the time I have left to match the kid's outfits in some way before they get too old!! So on that note, I had put out the kids matching t-shirts and all of our clothes the night before, so the morning actually went smoothly.

We arrived at the airport right on time and an added bonus was that Air Force One was at the airport, dropping off President Bush!! It was such a sight to see...unfortunately, my camera was packed safely away, and far from my reach...no pics

The kids loved the airport! I had printed out a bunch of Disney color sheets for Abby, so that kept her plenty busy! Aiden enjoyed running around and I let him do so! I was praying for him to take a nap on the plane, so I wanted him to get tired!! Once we were on the plane, the flight went very smoothly (even though Aiden did not get that much prayed for nap) Everyone was well behaved. I had starbursts for Abby and a pacifier for Aiden to make sure their ears did not hurt. Aiden was a little bothered but Abby did so well! I really dislike flying, but it was a beautiful day, so I got lucky!



I had read in my "Ultimate Guide" book that there was a car service that would pick you up from the airport and bring you to your Resort. Chris and I decided to book the service to bypass the lines and try to make our first ADR at 1900 Park Fare that night. The service was awesome! The man was waiting for us with a sign and escorted us to baggage claim. He had our suitcases ready and after a quick luggage check..we were off!




You can even get car seats for the kids, which made me feel very safe. Both kids fell asleep immediately! Unfortunately, they missed this---

My in-laws had already
OH WELL! Can't win them all. It was still such a great moment for my husband and I. I was in WDW!!

After pulling up to the Grand Floridian, we tipped the driver then went to go check in.

My in-laws had gotten there and so, they met us in the lobby. The kids were a little groggy from their naps and I had to remind Abby that it was not a dream! I have to say that the lobby in the GF took my breath away! I loved the overall feel and decor...totally speaks to my personality and my taste. I really felt like it was "home"

OK so...as mentioned before...I like to plan. I read every thread about requesting rooms through fax, email and phone calls. I spent hours calling to confirm with the CM that they knew (down to the room number) what rooms we wanted. I had tips from the DIS and from friends who had stayed at the GF. I had ALL AREAS covered. Well...my in laws checked in before we got there. When they walked out to the balcony...they were greeted by 4 painters hanging from rafters! What a way to start your trip. They asked the staff member how long they would be there and he replies "Probably all week, to be honest." Ok, so, what to do? Well, my MIL knew I would not be happy when I arrived, so they moved us to a new location. We had adjoining rooms with my in-laws which was great b/c we were able to send the kids over for some quick babysitting service! haha. The rooms were very spacious. The best part of the GF was the balcony. I can still hear the soft waves from the boats and the light toot of the monorail horn....ahhh....

Ok...(sigh) back to reality.

UP NEXT: 1900 Park Fare Character Dining...we finally meet Cinderella!

 

[BippityBoo]

Just a question...I began this report as a Thread. Do I reply to my origional thread to continue the report, or reply to the last person who commented on the last post? Thanks! Just getting use to this!:

 

[mickeystoontown]

First of all, let me answer your last question. Just continue posting to this thread and responded to the replies posted.

Second, what a cute family you have!

I am looking forward to hearing all about your Disney adventures!

Lisa

 

[BippityBoo]

Thank you Lisa! I have been reading and enjoying your TR too...LOVE the title! I will post again tonight...thanks for writing me...you are my FIRST EVER!! Woohoo

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Hi Katie,

Love your darling family. Little ones are wonderful and they grow to darn fast. I think you are the type that enjoys every moment with them thought.

Good start to your report. I have never stayed at GF but would love to do that on a girls trip out with my two daughters. I don't think the sons-in-law or grandsons would enjoy th full benefit of it.

Anxious to read more.

Ginny

 

[ThePin Princess]

Hi Katie. I'm definately subscribing, I'm so jealous that you stayed at GF. It is so gorgeous there. You're kids are so adorable! I can't wait to hear all about your trip! Great start

 

[mickeystoontown]

Katie:

I just went back and reread your first post. You guys are from Louisiana! We live in West Monroe. Where are you?

Lisa

 

[cinderella-princess]

Subscribing! Your family is beautiful and I can't wait to hear more about your perfect trip.

 

[BippityBoo]

Thanks! That pic of you getting engaged is adorable! Cant wait to read more from you too!

 

[BippityBoo]

Thanks! The pic of you getting engaged is adorable! Cant wait to read more

 

[ladybugmom]

Hi Katie!! I'm definitely subscribing!! I found your TR from your post on my TR!! We do have A LOT in common!! I am a SAHM (used to be a Kindergarten teacher) and yes, I'm super OCD!!! Our hubbies sound a lot alike!! He cooks and lets me sleep in on Saturdays!! But we are huge BAMA fans (his alma mater--don't hate us)! Oh and I use ya'll all the time, too (originally from GA and now live in TN). So do ya'll live in Louisiana? My Ally and your Abby have a lot in common, too!! Ally has taken dance since she was 2, Ariel is her favorite princess, she LOVES to read, and will be starting piano this fall. I can't WAIT to hear more about the Grand Floridian!! We're trying to decide if we're going to stay there on our next trip or if we'll stay at the Poly again (LOVED the Poly)!! Can't WAIT to read more!!

 

[BippityBoo]

Hi Katie!! I'm definitely subscribing!! I found your TR from your post on my TR!! We do have A LOT in common!! I am a SAHM (used to be a Kindergarten teacher) and yes, I'm super OCD!!! Our hubbies sound a lot alike!! He cooks and lets me sleep in on Saturdays!! But we are huge BAMA fans (his alma mater--don't hate us)! Oh and I use ya'll all the time, too (originally from GA and now live in TN). So do ya'll live in Louisiana? My Ally and your Abby have a lot in common, too!! Ally has taken dance since she was 2, Ariel is her favorite princess, she LOVES to read, and will be starting piano this fall. I can't WAIT to hear more about the Grand Floridian!! We're trying to decide if we're going to stay there on our next trip or if we'll stay at the Poly again (LOVED the Poly)!! Can't WAIT to read more!!

Hey!! I know...told you we had a lot in common! I will not hold it against you that you like Bama...I actually had many friends who went there. Same here, LSU is both our alma maters and our parents! I am the only one in my family who still likes Saban!!

We are in Louisiana. Abby and Ally seems so much alike from your description! Even their names are the same! haha. I am going to post more about the GF tonight and about our night in MK and 1900 park fare. May get to 1st day at EPCOT if I dont fall asleep! I was trying to figure this out until 3am lastnight I am also going to start a PTR...we are probably going to stay at the Poly!! haha...go figure! I will have to ask you for tips! Good to talk to you

 

[BippityBoo]

Subscribing! Your family is beautiful and I can't wait to hear more about your perfect trip.

Hey there! Sorry, I did reply to you but did not use the quote option! Just wanted to let you know I appreciate you reading

 

[BippityBoo]

Hi Katie. I'm definately subscribing, I'm so jealous that you stayed at GF. It is so gorgeous there. You're kids are so adorable! I can't wait to hear all about your trip! Great start

Thank you! I am excited..but still getting the hang of this DIS thing GF was awesome and I have tons more pics to share!

 

[ladybugmom]

Hey!! I know...told you we had a lot in common! I will not hold it against you that you like Bama...I actually had many friends who went there. Same here, LSU is both our alma maters and our parents! I am the only one in my family who still likes Saban!!

We are in Louisiana. Abby and Ally seems so much alike from your description! Even their names are the same! haha. I am going to post more about the GF tonight and about our night in MK and 1900 park fare. May get to 1st day at EPCOT if I dont fall asleep! I was trying to figure this out until 3am lastnight I am also going to start a PTR...we are probably going to stay at the Poly!! haha...go figure! I will have to ask you for tips! Good to talk to you

Hee hee!! Good you're not going to hold it against me! I actually married into it. Dh is from Alabama and he and all of his family went to BAMA. I went to a small christian college here in TN. Glad to hear you still like Saban--he did a lot of positive things for LSU.

Let me tell you how amazed I am at all that you remember from your trip since it was back in October! I don't know if I'd be able to remember all of those details! I can't wait to hear more about GF and 1900 Park Fare--we didn't eat there this time around but it's top on our list for next year!! And I can't say enough about how wonderful the Poly is!! We loved staying there!! looking forward to more!!

 

[hlrababy]

Hey Katie!!!

I am here for your wonderful trip!! I can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[BippityBoo]

Hee hee!! Good you're not going to hold it against me! I actually married into it. Dh is from Alabama and he and all of his family went to BAMA. I went to a small christian college here in TN. Glad to hear you still like Saban--he did a lot of positive things for LSU.

Let me tell you how amazed I am at all that you remember from your trip since it was back in October! I don't know if I'd be able to remember all of those details! I can't wait to hear more about GF and 1900 Park Fare--we didn't eat there this time around but it's top on our list for next year!! And I can't say enough about how wonderful the Poly is!! We loved staying there!! looking forward to more!!

Well, SOME of the details are a little fuzzy. To be honest with you, I really did not think about it until I began to write the report! I tend to remember the small things though! I am about to post about 1900 PF. I think it was just as fun (if not MORE fun) for the adults than the kids!! Who would have thought I would ever meet the step mom and step sisters in person!! They were so funny! Talk to you soon!

 

[BippityBoo]

So, we were now unpacked and cozy in our new "home" for the week. My DH and I thought it would be a good idea if we made the kids lay down for a nap after the early morning and flight. Well...of course this did not go as planned! Abby was too excited to sleep and to be honest, we were too!

So, we got ready and toured the grounds. We got use to the monorail and bought some things from the gift shop. Finally, it was time for our 6pm reservation at 1900 Park Fare! We figured this would be a good restaurant to start with because it was in our Resort and would not be hard to get to. We did have to get a buzzer and wait, but only for 2 or 3 minutes! I felt bad because there was a lady yelling at the CM about how long they had been waiting and we just walked in

The restaurant was packed, but it was not uncomfortable or loud at all. I liked the decor, pretty standard GF. The food was very good but I did not get any food pics because this is before I found the trip report page. I will make sure to do so in the future

First came Prince Charming, then Cinderella, both Step Sisters and finally the Step Mother! The Step Mother and Sisters were SO FUNNY! They stayed and joked with us for a long time. My mother-in-law said something like "Oh! Here are the evil step sisters!" and they said "We are not evil, just misunderstood!" They would not talk to her the rest of the conversation and acted like they were mad at her. It was a really funny start to the vacation! Last, Prince Charming and Cinderella had a royal dance in the middle of the room. All the girls were invited to dance around with them. It was so special! Here are some pics...


At this point, my in-laws suggested we go to Magic Kingdom. It was around the time that Spectromagic was to begin. I have to admit I was against this plan. I really wanted our first time in MK to be us walking towards the castle on a beautiful, crisp morning...all RESTED and HAPPY. I was not sure it would be the best thing with the kids. But, being a good daughter-in-law, I went along with the plan.

Will our first moment at MK be a success...or a total failure!??

 

[ladybugmom]

Oh wow!! 1900 Park Fare looks WONDERFUL!! We HAVE to do this on our next trip! We got to meet the stepsisters and stepmother in front of the Storytime With Belle area--they were HILARIOUS!! The Drizella we met is the same one from your pics! (you'll see on my TR in a few days) I hope your night at MK is magical!! Can't wait to hear!!