Ringing in the New Year - Jan '12 TR - UPDATED Sept 4 I BROKE MY FOOT**

[Windsor Princesses]

Chapter 26 – The Grand Floridian Cafe

As soon as the doors opened up they welcomed us into the Grand Floridian Cafe. It was so cute and homey, but fancy at the same time. Every section had a different weathervane;

We were seated in the rooster section

Our waitress, Delicious Dottie, came over and explained how the menu worked, which was pretty normal, and brought us a delicious basket of different typed of rolls and bread complete with a delicious red sea salt butter.

Danielle and I opted to split the Caesar salad for an appetizer and when Dottie brought it out she had them split it for us in the kitchen. How sweet.

Danielle ordered the Bone in New York Strip Steak

DD got the Grilled Pork Chop

DM ordered the Grand Floridian Burger with Lobster

And I ordered the Shrimp and Orecchiette Pasta, sans the Shrimp. I asked Dottie and she said the could use chicken instead which was a lovely alternative for me.

Everyone loved their dinner; DM especially couldn’t believe how good the Grand Floridian burger was.

At this point the table next to us arrived and one of them had special dietary needs. The chef came out and was very pleasant with them and explained all the alternatives they could get from the menu. When their food arrived they seemed very pleased about it. Not that I was listening or anything.

Next came dessert when Dottie informed us that the sampler, although made for two, still counted as a dessert for one when on the Dining Plan.
I ordered the Dessert sampler and Danielle ordered the Chocolate Fondue, we again shared both of our desserts with each other so we could try more of everything.

DD and DM decided to share the Dessert sampler, and DD ordered a coffee to go with it.

When it came to the sampler my favourite dessert was the Key Lime Tart , I didn’t care much for the Boston Cream Pie or the Fresh Berry Tart (they weren’t bad, I just preferred others more).
DD’s favourite was the Boston Cream Pie, and DM was the Fresh Berry Tart. So much so that DM wished she would have ordered just the Tart for her dessert instead of just sharing with DD.
Danielle’s favourite was the Lemon Cheesecake, but she really loved her Chocolate fondue. Although she did wish she would have asked for more fruit instead of marshmallows.

We were so happy that we tried the Grand Floridian Cafe because we usually just passed it by. The food was great and the service was lovely. I know I hear some bad stories from time to time about it here on the DIS but when we were there everything was amazing and we really enjoyed ourselves. We tried to save our chocolate Mickey from the dessert sampler, Dottie brought us a to-go coffee cup to store him in. Will he make it??

Continued In Next Post​

 

[Windsor Princesses]

Chapter 27 – The Rebel Spy

Can I just say grrrrr , Photobucket is being the worst photo loader lately, it always freezes my computer, I think it froze at least 6 times trying to get these posts out. Can anyone suggest another, BETTER, photo option. We used imageshack before but we ran out of space, or perhaps someone has a suggestion as to why my computer freezes every time I open photobucket in my browser. Thanks DIS friends

After dinner we decided to split up again, DM and DD were tired and wanted to head back to the hotel while Danielle and I had Fast Passes burning a hole in our pockets! Before we left the GF we decided to hit their washrooms since they are way better than the ones in the parks or our hotel for that matter. So if you’re ever eating at a deluxe resort and then heading back to the parks, make sure to make a pit stop before you leave.

Alright, back to the fun stuff. We exited towards the GF bus stop. They had a TV outside that was playing Stacey on a loop so we were more than happy to wait until the bus arrived. It came fairly quickly and we made it to the DHS within 14 minutes but when the bus arrived he let us off so far from the gate! Like I’m talking back where people who aren’t even staying at Disney Resorts get let off. We walked soooooo far to finally make it to the entrance to the park where we made a bee line for the newly revamped Star Tours.

Danielle was really hoping she would get to be the Rebel Spy so she could get the T-Shirt at the end in the gift shop, but it was no luck. Some guy in the back was picked and his picture was hilarious. I’m pretty sure they just pick whoever is making the craziest face in their picture when they get on because I have never seen a good one.
Next time I guess Danielle will just have to come on acting crazy in hopes of getting picked.

After Star Tours we headed over to use our RR fast passes from earlier that day (ahhhhh the days when you could hoard a day’s worth of fast passes).

On the way out of the ride we saw a CM that had an Oogie Boogie pin and we just had to trade with them.

The lines were huge that night because it was EMH so we just decided to call it quits and go home to thaw out since we would be returning for the Toy Story Mania run in the morning. Like a sign from above the bus was just waiting for us when we got to the bus stop and we pulled away moments later.

When we got back to the room this little guy was waiting for us, how cute! We showered and rested up for our last day so we could make the most of it.​

 

[yankee3366]

Love reading your TR, can't wait for the next chapter!

 

[Windsor Princesses]

Love reading your TR, can't wait for the next chapter!

Thanks so much for reading along, we love to know you're here
We are almost done this TR but stayed tuned because I'll start my next one when I get back from Disney on the 13th of September, it should be an interesting trip​

 

[marDgreen88]

I've never been into Basin but it's probably a good thing... I think that store would be dangerous for me. I enjoy smelling good.

The floors of the GF are just TOO cute. Ahhh love.

The GFC looks great!

Or you could have seatbelt problems... that usually works to be the rebel spy. Not that I know from experience or anything.

 

[mickeyplanner]

The chocolate Mickey was too cute. Did he make it?

 

[Windsor Princesses]

I've never been into Basin but it's probably a good thing... I think that store would be dangerous for me. I enjoy smelling good.

The floors of the GF are just TOO cute. Ahhh love.

The GFC looks great!

Or you could have seatbelt problems... that usually works to be the rebel spy. Not that I know from experience or anything.

Basin is simply delicous, we always limit ourselves to only one bar soup and then a little something special, it helps to cut back on getting home and being like, "gosh why did I buy so much soap?" GFC was great and so quiet, it was our first time there are we will definately go back.
We have never heard of this "seat belt" trouble, perhaps I will try that this time, I'll let you know how it goes, thanks for the tip ​

The chocolate Mickey was too cute. Did he make it?

OOOOOhhhh stayed tuned, I tried my hardest to save his little Mickey life, I was determined.
We are working on the last of this TR and will be moving on to my new one quickly once I return, shouldn't be too long before we post our final day​

 

[DisFan89]

Basin is just so great! We always go to the DTD one , so I've never seen the one at the GF. Maybe on our next trip we will look at that one for our souvenirs.

 

[Windsor Princesses]

Basin is just so great! We always go to the DTD one , so I've never seen the one at the GF. Maybe on our next trip we will look at that one for our souvenirs.

We always go to the GF one but this time we booked thought CAA/AAA and we got a discount card for a bunch of stores,
it includes the DTD location so I guess we will be going there.
MORE SOAP FOR ME!!! ​

 

[Windsor Princesses]

​

SAD NEWS EVERYONE​

I am disappointed to report that on Thrusday during a spirder emergency involving the vacuum and the wall I had an accident and broke my foot. I have been to the doctor and I am to stay off of it for 6-8 weeks. I have a walking cast and crutches right now and lots of medication for pain and swelling. I am asking for a favour from my fellow dis boarders, does any one have any tips for my up coming trip, which sadly I am a little nervous for now. I have made a reservation for a wheelchair from applescooter for the week but I have no idea how this will affect my trip as I am always able bodied when I am in the big D.​

Any help/advice/comments is appreciated. Please post.​

​

 

[DisFan89]

Oh my gosh! That is so horrible

 

[marDgreen88]

OH NO!!! Omg, so sorry! That must have hurt. (And also been terrifying- spiders are no one's friends.) Unfortunately I don't have any experience in this field so I'm no help. I am so sorry about your foot though.

 

[jecskc]

I am right there with you. I fell down the stairs 6 weeks ago and hurt my ankle badly. MRI results from last week have determined I need surgery to fix a Peroneal Tendon Subluxation and after surgery I will be in a cast for three months. I have already been on crutches for six weeks. I scheduled surgery for the 20th since we leave for a week at Disney this coming Friday, Sept. 7. I rented a scooter from Apple scooters so we will see how that goes. Surgery when we get back. Sooooo dreading it.

So, I know exactly how you feel. Keeping your foot up as much as possible will help with swelling and pain. But I agree that doing Disney on crutches is daunting. I hope you heal faster that I will !!

Good luck and God bless !!

 

[mickeyplanner]

You poor thing, I don't have any advice/tips to pass along. Just and prayers for your trip. Just on a side note to give you something to look forward to let me tell you what happen to us yesterday and hope you have the same opportunity on your September trip.

We just got back last night from WDW and can't wait for our January trip, especially for Fantasyland to open up. To our surprise yesterday after being inside Mickey's Philharmagic an announcement was made that Disney is doing a testing on one of the new attractions at Fantasyland and if we had an hour to spare and would like to take part please head back to the blue construction walls and cast members will direct you from there. So of course we went to check it out, we only had 1.5 hours until we had to catch the ME to the airport but we weren't going to miss this opportunity to be some of the first to see parts of the new Fantasyland additions.

DD had a Belle outfit on and the CMs leading us into Fantasyland kept making a fuss over DD. So we started to think we were going to see some of the new Beauty and the Beast areas of Fantasyland.

Just let me tell you the details we saw were AMAZING .

We got to enter in Maurice's cottage. Hanging on a wall is a picture of Belle as a child with her mom. There is also a growth chart of Belle on one of the walls. We of course had our DD stand next to it to see where she compared with Belle. There is even the book that Belle is reading in the movie and the sheep took a bite out of the page sitting on a table inside the cottage.

Then they take you into Maurice's workshop. There are blueprints all over the place and a beautiful mirror hanging on one of the walls. We made sure to stand in front of the mirror. Once everyone is inside, the CM tells you no more flash photography and asks us to repeat after him. "Show us the night Belle and Beast fall in love" The mirror then transforms into a doorway and we are asked to walk through. It was so magically to see the mirror transform and then walk into Beast's castle.

Once inside the castle, which is breathtaking , another CM is there with the enchanted wardrobe. Yes, there is a lifesize talking/animated wardrobe inside this room. They explain that the Beast wants to surprise Belle by having us "villagers" help retell the story of how they met. They ask for villagers to help act out the parts. DH was picked to be one of the "marching" knights. The villager actors are given props for their roles and we all practice our "parts".

We are then lead into the Castle Library and Luminaire is on the mantle to meet us along with two additional CMs. The actors are asked to take their places and the rest of us "villagers" are asked to take a seat on three different rows of benches. We decided to sit on the far right side of the room up front to be position in front of DH. WHich happened to be a great spot because we were seated right next to the door that Belle entered and exited. Everyone acted out their parts and they had a Photopass photographer taking pictures. All the actors got a bookmark from Belle and a special photopass card with Belle on the card. I wasn't planning on buying photopass from this trip but now I might be tempted once I load up all our cards.

I hope this helped to cheer you up about your upcoming trip.

 

[ChelleyB]

​

SAD NEWS EVERYONE​

I am disappointed to report that on Thrusday during a spirder emergency involving the vacuum and the wall I had an accident and broke my foot. I have been to the doctor and I am to stay off of it for 6-8 weeks. I have a walking cast and crutches right now and lots of medication for pain and swelling. I am asking for a favour from my fellow dis boarders, does any one have any tips for my up coming trip, which sadly I am a little nervous for now. I have made a reservation for a wheelchair from applescooter for the week but I have no idea how this will affect my trip as I am always able bodied when I am in the big D.​

Any help/advice/comments is appreciated. Please post.​

​

Oh! I'm so sorry! I don't have any advice, just a hug Hope you feel better soon! Milk the chair for all it's worth

 

[Windsor Princesses]

Oh my gosh! That is so horrible what rotten luck. I have never gone with anyone who needed a wheelchair so I don't have any advice. But I will be thinking of you and hoping everything goes smoothly for you.

Well thank you so much, I know it is not something that everyone has had to experience.
I am just a little nervous since I 'was' a Disney vet, now I feel like a newbie since I have no idea how this will affect me. I'll keep everyone posted.​

OH NO!!! Omg, so sorry! That must have hurt. (And also been terrifying- spiders are no one's friends.) Unfortunately I don't have any experience in this field so I'm no help. I am so sorry about your foot though.

Lol it was kind of funny at the time, Danielle did not believe me one bit, once reality set in though there were some tears shead.
Good news is a new TR is a definate now as I feel it is my duty to report on this experience, look forward to a 'Disney with a broken foot' TR ​

Oh! I'm so sorry! I don't have any advice, just a hug Hope you feel better soon! Milk the chair for all it's worth

Thank you so much Chelley, I'm hoping the chair doesn't slow us down too much, I had huge plans since it was DBF's first trip, now I suppose we will be winging it.
I'll let you know how it goes.​

 

[Windsor Princesses]

I am right there with you. I fell down the stairs 6 weeks ago and hurt my ankle badly. MRI results from last week have determined I need surgery to fix a Peroneal Tendon Subluxation and after surgery I will be in a cast for three months. I have already been on crutches for six weeks. I scheduled surgery for the 20th since we leave for a week at Disney this coming Friday, Sept. 7. I rented a scooter from Apple scooters so we will see how that goes. Surgery when we get back. Sooooo dreading it.

So, I know exactly how you feel. Keeping your foot up as much as possible will help with swelling and pain. But I agree that doing Disney on crutches is daunting. I hope you heal faster that I will !!

Good luck and God bless !!

Sorry to head about your ankle, it is nice to know there is someone out there in the same sort of situation. I'm a little nervous now about being confined to the chair now, but I suppose it could be a blessing perhaps. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a feel scooterer with a foot injury, I can wave from my chair. Good luck with your surgery and the up coming trip, once we get home we can offer all our wisdom to other unfortunate souls with foot injuries.​

You poor thing, I don't have any advice/tips to pass along. Just and prayers for your trip. Just on a side note to give you something to look forward to let me tell you what happen to us yesterday and hope you have the same opportunity on your September trip.

We just got back last night from WDW and can't wait for our January trip, especially for Fantasyland to open up. To our surprise yesterday after being inside Mickey's Philharmagic an announcement was made that Disney is doing a testing on one of the new attractions at Fantasyland and if we had an hour to spare and would like to take part please head back to the blue construction walls and cast members will direct you from there. So of course we went to check it out, we only had 1.5 hours until we had to catch the ME to the airport but we weren't going to miss this opportunity to be some of the first to see parts of the new Fantasyland additions.

DD had a Belle outfit on and the CMs leading us into Fantasyland kept making a fuss over DD. So we started to think we were going to see some of the new Beauty and the Beast areas of Fantasyland.

Just let me tell you the details we saw were AMAZING .

We got to enter in Maurice's cottage. Hanging on a wall is a picture of Belle as a child with her mom. There is also a growth chart of Belle on one of the walls. We of course had our DD stand next to it to see where she compared with Belle. There is even the book that Belle is reading in the movie and the sheep took a bite out of the page sitting on a table inside the cottage.

Then they take you into Maurice's workshop. There are blueprints all over the place and a beautiful mirror hanging on one of the walls. We made sure to stand in front of the mirror. Once everyone is inside, the CM tells you no more flash photography and asks us to repeat after him. "Show us the night Belle and Beast fall in love" The mirror then transforms into a doorway and we are asked to walk through. It was so magically to see the mirror transform and then walk into Beast's castle.

Once inside the castle, which is breathtaking , another CM is there with the enchanted wardrobe. Yes, there is a lifesize talking/animated wardrobe inside this room. They explain that the Beast wants to surprise Belle by having us "villagers" help retell the story of how they met. They ask for villagers to help act out the parts. DH was picked to be one of the "marching" knights. The villager actors are given props for their roles and we all practice our "parts".

We are then lead into the Castle Library and Luminaire is on the mantle to meet us along with two additional CMs. The actors are asked to take their places and the rest of us "villagers" are asked to take a seat on three different rows of benches. We decided to sit on the far right side of the room up front to be position in front of DH. WHich happened to be a great spot because we were seated right next to the door that Belle entered and exited. Everyone acted out their parts and they had a Photopass photographer taking pictures. All the actors got a bookmark from Belle and a special photopass card with Belle on the card. I wasn't planning on buying photopass from this trip but now I might be tempted once I load up all our cards.

I hope this helped to cheer you up about your upcoming trip.

OMG!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT!!!
If I was a little sad before maybe I feel 10% better now just knowing that this may even be remotely possible. I am so happy for you that you got to have that experience, if that isn't pixie dust I don't know what is. Thank you for your exciting news and your happy thoughts.
I'm so glad you have an awesome vacation, I'll be sure to let everyone know how mine goes when I return.​

 

[ChelleyB]

Hey WindsorPrincesses! How was your trip? How's your foot?