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

[mom2mek]

You look a lot like I do on roller coasters, Katie! Clutching for dear life, eyes glued shut, you know...totally relaxed! I'm so glad you rode it - it's a great ride, isn't it?

I have never seen the AK parade - can you believe it? I do really want to as it looks so colorful and lively!

Great pics - can't wait to hear about what you did next.

Sara

 

[BippityBoo]

Ooooh--I'm intrigued by this bus Mickey sent you!! And totally impressed that you rode EE! We didn't get to ride it due to all the rain when we were there. I LOVE the pic!! You look terrified! Can't wait to read more!!

EE was great! You def. need to try it out on your next visit! I was so scared, but in a really good way

Also, I plan on starting my PTR tonight (hopefully---if time allows!) so I will make sure to include the Disney Movie Nights!

 

[BippityBoo]

I think that parade is one of the best in all of Disney. The animals, the cm's everything about it is just great. We found a perfect spot in the shade to watch. That was about the only time the sun was even out that day. Now to EE. I am so glad you got to ride it twice. I so wanted to close my eyes the first time but since we were between storms I knew I only had the one chance. I think that is the best ride ever. I can't believe I just said that. I'm glad you are learning to like the rides at a younger age than me. I can't believe I missed out on so much in my life. I have a lot of catching up to do.

I loved Abby's face painting. That was just too cute.

Congratulations on another good update.

Ginny

Hey---Its never too late to try new things Here's to us for catching up with the rest of them And glad you agree with me about the parade. We taped the whole thing and I just love to re-watch it! In fact, I am going to do it right now!

 

[BippityBoo]

My goodness Katie,

I was 7 pages behind. Yes, 7 pages. For some reason, I didn't get update email notifications.

How in the world do you guys continue to look so fresh and perky after a long day in the parks? We look like a bunch of sweaty, tired folks at the end of the day. Seriously, great pictures, great updates, great everything.

Lisa

I cant believe it did not alert you!! I have been wondering where you were So happy you are back!

Thanks for the compliments! I think when you live in Louisiana, your body learns to take the heat Somehow, my family does seem to keep it together. Probably because I am following them around with a brush, hairspray, a fan and water

 

[BippityBoo]

You look a lot like I do on roller coasters, Katie! Clutching for dear life, eyes glued shut, you know...totally relaxed! I'm so glad you rode it - it's a great ride, isn't it?

I have never seen the AK parade - can you believe it? I do really want to as it looks so colorful and lively!

Great pics - can't wait to hear about what you did next.

Sara

Haha! I learned my lesson this trip...I am going to make sure and smile next time, or just look more presentable It was really perfect though b/c it captured the moment so well!! I am happy to hear I am not the only scardey cat

You MUST see the parade when you go back! It is awesome! I was not expecting to like it so much. The music is great... and the floats are so impressive! I have lots of other pics, but decided not to put them all on my TR It would be 50 pages long. Thanks for reading!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Hey---Its never too late to try new things Here's to us for catching up with the rest of them And glad you agree with me about the parade. We taped the whole thing and I just love to re-watch it! In fact, I am going to do it right now!

We have it on tape also. Don happened to catch Tim giving Minnie the call me sign with Mike's rabbit ear fingers over his head. Too funny. I think it must be so good because of the colors. It is so bright and cheery.

I haven't decided if I will ride any roller coaster or just stay true to Disney's.

 

[BippityBoo]

We have it on tape also. Don happened to catch Tim giving Minnie the call me sign with Mike's rabbit ear fingers over his head. Too funny. I think it must be so good because of the colors. It is so bright and cheery.

I haven't decided if I will ride any roller coaster or just stay true to Disney's.

What! I am not crazy---only Disney coasters for me

 

[mickeystoontown]

I cant believe it did not alert you!! I have been wondering where you were So happy you are back!

Thanks for the compliments! I think when you live in Louisiana, your body learns to take the heat Somehow, my family does seem to keep it together. Probably because I am following them around with a brush, hairspray, a fan and water

Looks like the alerts are starting to get to me again. Thank goodness.

Being from Louisiana, I know exactly what you mean. We get tickled when somebody makes a comment about how hot and humid Florida is. We just look at them and laugh 'cause it's nothing like Louisiana heat and humidity.

 

[BippityBoo]

So cool you are from LA So you totally get it, then! I also saw that you are leaving in 6 days for WDW!? Is that right?

 

[mickeystoontown]

So cool you are from LA So you totally get it, then! I also saw that you are leaving in 6 days for WDW!? Is that right?

We are from West Monroe. We'll start our drive next Wednesday when I get off work, will stop for the night and then drive the rest of the way on the 6th. I wanted to get my packing done ahead of time but so far it's just wishful thinking. My daughter is home from missionary college in Georgia and one of her fellow Mission students came down to stay for the week. My schedule for the last week or so has been work, clean house, work, cook, wash clothes, work, etc. etc. etc. In between, I've been trying to keep my 12 year old entertained for the Summer. That Disney vacation can't get here soon enough!

 

[DWGal210]

What a good update, Katie! I'm glad you rode EE - I am not a roller coaster person either, by any stretch of the imagination but I do like EE. The theming is very good and I think they've done a nice job with the line, in particular. I hope next time you get to take a bit more time to walk through the line - it's neat to see all the details!

I love your pic. When we went in September 07, I went with my cousins (as I am on this trip too). We rode a few times and finally, after seeing our pictures, my cousin Sam said he would tell me when I needed to lift up my arms for a good picture - and he did! The picture turned out great!

 

[BippityBoo]

We are from West Monroe. We'll start our drive next Wednesday when I get off work, will stop for the night and then drive the rest of the way on the 6th. I wanted to get my packing done ahead of time but so far it's just wishful thinking. My daughter is home from missionary college in Georgia and one of her fellow Mission students came down to stay for the week. My schedule for the last week or so has been work, clean house, work, cook, wash clothes, work, etc. etc. etc. In between, I've been trying to keep my 12 year old entertained for the Summer. That Disney vacation can't get here soon enough!

Wow! Sounds like you need some time off I am so excited to read about your trip! I can not wait to take an anniversary trip one day

 

[BippityBoo]

What a good update, Katie! I'm glad you rode EE - I am not a roller coaster person either, by any stretch of the imagination but I do like EE. The theming is very good and I think they've done a nice job with the line, in particular. I hope next time you get to take a bit more time to walk through the line - it's neat to see all the details!

I love your pic. When we went in September 07, I went with my cousins (as I am on this trip too). We rode a few times and finally, after seeing our pictures, my cousin Sam said he would tell me when I needed to lift up my arms for a good picture - and he did! The picture turned out great!

I agree with the theming!! If it wasnt for the theming, I do not think I would have EVER agreed to ride They sure know how to get us scardy cats on

Also, great idea about the arms up warning! I do not think I could keep my arms up the whole ride!

 

[beyondblessed]

Oh Katie - Your kids and their little outfits are just darling. I want to squeeze them!!! I LOVE your TR - I'm all caught up and can't wait for more. So hurry up and update, okay?

 

[Scot-n-Michelle]

Just found your trip report - your kids are adorable!! Love the outfits!! Did you make them yourself? Can't wait to read more - would love to stay at the GF one day.

 

[cdotla]

Great TR! I am having a blast reading along!

Loved the last update on EE! And that photo...too funny! I can see why you bought it...I am sure you and your husband will be laughing over that one for years.

Can't wait for more!

 

[BippityBoo]

Oh Katie - Your kids and their little outfits are just darling. I want to squeeze them!!! I LOVE your TR - I'm all caught up and can't wait for more. So hurry up and update, okay?

Thank you!! Your compliments are soo sweet! I will give the kids an extra squeeze for ya! You will also see that dressing my kids has become a hobby for me! I love to plan their outfits! Actually preparing to order their football season outfits (LSU and SAINTS) and Holiday outfits! This is the best time of year

I have my mother babysitting tonight, so I will probably update tonight! Thanks for reading!

 

[BippityBoo]

Great TR! I am having a blast reading along!

Loved the last update on EE! And that photo...too funny! I can see why you bought it...I am sure you and your husband will be laughing over that one for years.

Can't wait for more!

Thank you for reading! It is always nice to know that I am not talking to myself

And yes---we still crack up every time we see the pic! I bet I could win an award or something for biggest roller coaster baby

I will probably update tonight---happy you are joining along

 

[BippityBoo]

Just found your trip report - your kids are adorable!! Love the outfits!! Did you make them yourself? Can't wait to read more - would love to stay at the GF one day.

Hello!!! Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I LOVE comments

Unfortunately, I do not make the outfits! I have a great lady that does them for me. I come up with the ideas, and she makes them happen If you ever need her website, PM me and I will send it your way!

The GF was really special I hope to stay there again and again! Thanks again and hope to hear from you soon!

 

[BippityBoo]

After the closing of AK, we decided to skip our ADRs at BOMA (bummer!!) and head back to the Grand Floridian for some much needed R&R. We waited for the bus to the GF. and it came right away! But this bus was no ordinary bus...it was magic!

Just kidding...it was actually EMPTY! We decided that Mickey sent it just for us, so we had a little fun goofing off on the ride back to the Resort!


View to the left

View to the right

When our magical bus departed, we ran to our rooms to change into our swimsuits. Along the way to the pool, we got to take in the BEAUTIFUL grounds of the GF. I remember that I was pushing the stroller, so no good pics of all the flowers and landscaping

We got to the beach/pool area and it was a little chilly that night. However, not chilly enough to stop us from having fun



We found a great spot in the sand at a table and got some wine for us and Sprite for Abby from the pool bar. Of course, we could not resist sliding down the waterslide!! We must have done this 30 times! Also, a great option for those with younger kids was the very shallow area at the beginning of the pool. Aiden could sit and splash because it was only a small puddle, then increased into deeper water. Perfect!


The sun began to set and a chilly wind was picking up. We were very hungry at this point, so we said goodbye to the pool and headed over to the Quick Service Gasparilla Grille by our room.

One last pic of the GREAT pool!

One thing I would like to say is that GF at night is so wonderful Here are some inspiring pics--

We ended up ordering an incredible pizza from the Grill and then had some hot tub time (while Aiden slept, of course!). We met lots of interesting people and Abby made friends with all of their kids. The hot tub was located in the second pool, a little more family friendly (large olympic style pool w/ hot tub and bathrooms).

Overall, it was a great end to a great day. I was a little bummed to miss BOMA because of all the great things I have heard about it. BUT, the memories of the Grand Floridian at night will always be with me

**UP NEXT: Lobster for Breakfast and a Bippity Boppity Transformation!