Shaken, Not Stirred, With a Twist of Pixie Dust! A Food and Wine Trip!NEW! Pgs.75,76

[andrews1ma]

I have never stayed at GF but did tour the resort on our last stay when we went last year and stayed 10 days at BC- we ate at Narcooses and that was absolutely amazing....but I would have to vote for BC and I think it could have potential to be Chelsea's new dream resort- BC has everything you want and more.

I found GF a little to posh and fancy for my liking. The BC is just dreamy- from the smell being piped throughout the lobby, the pool- SAB need I say more. The pool activities staff are amazing! I love the refurbed rooms and the location is perfect. We walked to the boardwalk a few mornings for breakfast and ate at the BW Bakery- Yum! We went to the ESPN zone a few eveining to watch hockey play off games- which made DH and DS very happy- which they then made me very happy and obliged all future whims! we walked to Epcot nearly everyday on our trip and the walk back to the resort was the best. Beaches and Cream was so much fun- you must do the Kitchen Sink- if you haven't already. I could go on forever- I think I had the cheesiest smile painted on my face for the entire 10 days and I kept thanking DH and telling him that this was my absolute most favorite trip of all times! I think both Connor and Chelsea will just flip over this resort. Since you are thinking of going in July you will want to take many afternoon swim breaks and I cant think if anywhere better than SAB and the sand bottom pool. They play great games everyday with awesome prizes- DS came home with a ginormous Transformer after winning poolside bingo. Good luck with your decision- it is a tough one- although I do recall a few trips back that this was your original resort- before you switched resorts ( a few times I think) so I think this one is meant to be for you! and congrats on the code - drooling over here![/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/COLOR]

 

[Charleston Princess]

I would do Grand Flo, hands down.

There are many unspeakable acts I would commit to get a 40% off code to that resort, let me tell you.

But honestly. Just a slight warning. I stayed there for the first time when I was 10 (younger than Miss Chelsea, but you'll see where this is going) and I never got it out of my head. As a matter of fact, during that trip, at the tender age of ten, I told my parents that when I got married I was going to honeymoon there.

And I did.

Just so you know, you may be setting her up.

I just wrote you a long response about all of this in the email I sent you. I fell in love with the Grand Flo the first time I saw it from across the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, so really this would be as much about me as Chelsea.

Would the BTGs be at GF though? You'd probably just see them in the parks. And fwiw, we saw them last January too.

No, I don't imagine the BTGs stay at the GF, but they would be a consideration in the parks. Not to mention the unbearable July heat. Yick.

Ahhh so lucky you already got a 2010 PIN! Would it be possible to do a split stay at BC and the GF?

We probably could, but I am never big on a split stay -- I like to get one place and completely unpack.

I have never stayed at GF but did tour the resort on our last stay when we went last year and stayed 10 days at BC- we ate at Narcooses and that was absolutely amazing....but I would have to vote for BC and I think it could have potential to be Chelsea's new dream resort- BC has everything you want and more.

I found GF a little to posh and fancy for my liking. The BC is just dreamy- from the smell being piped throughout the lobby, the pool- SAB need I say more. The pool activities staff are amazing! I love the refurbed rooms and the location is perfect. We walked to the boardwalk a few mornings for breakfast and ate at the BW Bakery- Yum! We went to the ESPN zone a few eveining to watch hockey play off games- which made DH and DS very happy- which they then made me very happy and obliged all future whims! we walked to Epcot nearly everyday on our trip and the walk back to the resort was the best. Beaches and Cream was so much fun- you must do the Kitchen Sink- if you haven't already. I could go on forever- I think I had the cheesiest smile painted on my face for the entire 10 days and I kept thanking DH and telling him that this was my absolute most favorite trip of all times! I think both Connor and Chelsea will just flip over this resort. Since you are thinking of going in July you will want to take many afternoon swim breaks and I cant think if anywhere better than SAB and the sand bottom pool. They play great games everyday with awesome prizes- DS came home with a ginormous Transformer after winning poolside bingo. Good luck with your decision- it is a tough one- although I do recall a few trips back that this was your original resort- before you switched resorts ( a few times I think) so I think this one is meant to be for you! and congrats on the code - drooling over here!

Wow! What a great description of the Beach Club! Thanks! I know the kids would enjoy staying there.

 

[IluvXU]

I can't say on this friend. I know Chelsea wants GF... so that would be a pull for me, and celebrating a birthday is big at WDW (actual day and all).

But the Beach Club.... you know I have spent five months drooling at the odds of getting DVC there for this summer. I am totally excited.

Both are great options... call, see what is available. That might determine the choice for you!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

That would be a REALLY easy choice for me. I'd always stay at the resort that would allow me to stay longer. My Mom stayed at the GF once and she said the rooms were just basic rooms even though the resort itself is extravagant. We have stayed at value resorts the past 2 years in a row so that we could stay 10 days. We just feel like we can enjoy the resorts without staying at them. We make reservations at them for dinner and shop at them. We even did a photo session at the GF last year so I felt like I got to enjoy them without having to pay for them. But I know everyone has very different opinions about this topic. I am the queen of all things frugal, so I may not be the one to ask anyway!

 

[If U Had Wings]

That's a really tough call. The good thing is that you can't go wrong either way. I'd be tempted by BC because of SAB in July, but the GF for Chelsea's b'day is great too.

Ugh! I'm no help am I?

 

[Charleston Princess]

I can't say on this friend. I know Chelsea wants GF... so that would be a pull for me, and celebrating a birthday is big at WDW (actual day and all).

But the Beach Club.... you know I have spent five months drooling at the odds of getting DVC there for this summer. I am totally excited.

Both are great options... call, see what is available. That might determine the choice for you!

My head hurts from thinking about it all, Laura, so I really think I am just going to stop thinking about it for now. Charles, who was the one saying we should do a deluxe since we had a discount said to me tonight maybe we should just stick with staying at CBR in June -- it would still knock $500 off the original package price.

I will call at some point, but I am afraid if I call right now I will end up booking while I am on the phone -- I have the tendency to get carried away when I am talking to Disney, and I should really wait until after Christmas to book.

That would be a REALLY easy choice for me. I'd always stay at the resort that would allow me to stay longer. My Mom stayed at the GF once and she said the rooms were just basic rooms even though the resort itself is extravagant. We have stayed at value resorts the past 2 years in a row so that we could stay 10 days. We just feel like we can enjoy the resorts without staying at them. We make reservations at them for dinner and shop at them. We even did a photo session at the GF last year so I felt like I got to enjoy them without having to pay for them. But I know everyone has very different opinions about this topic. I am the queen of all things frugal, so I may not be the one to ask anyway!

That's normally how I feel about the deluxes, but when I am looking at paying only $275 a night for a room at the Grand Floridian or $250 a night for a room at the Beach Club, it's hard to say no.

 

[Charleston Princess]

That's a really tough call. The good thing is that you can't go wrong either way. I'd be tempted by BC because of SAB in July, but the GF for Chelsea's b'day is great too.

Ugh! I'm no help am I?

I was almost tempted by the Boardwalk as well -- in fact, I am easily tempted by any of the deluxes. They are all so beautiful! The only thing I really worry about are the heat and crowds at the end of July. Neither sounds very appealing to me.

 

[MeMom]

The thirteenth birthday is special.
I'd go Grand, if that is what Chelsea really wants.

I'd rather stay at Beach Club and tack on one or two special nights at the end for GF for her, but it doesn't bother me to do a split stay. That would be the best of both worlds for me.

Value season and 40% off is probably the best deal you're ever going to see, though, so it seems like the timing is right for GF.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm here late with my opinion....
But you know what I'm going to say...
So I'm not going to say it at all......

 

[Charleston Princess]

The thirteenth birthday is special.
I'd go Grand, if that is what Chelsea really wants.

I asked her tonight if she could stay at any Disney hotel, where would she like to stay. Her response was the Grand Floridian.

I'd rather stay at Beach Club and tack on one or two special nights at the end for GF for her, but it doesn't bother me to do a split stay. That would be the best of both worlds for me.

That would be a fun way to do it as well!

Value season and 40% off is probably the best deal you're ever going to see, though, so it seems like the timing is right for GF.

I know -- right now I am waffling completely. (Surprise, surprise .)

I'm here late with my opinion....
But you know what I'm going to say...
So I'm not going to say it at all......

I knew you would weigh in for Beach Club. I don't know if you saw one of my previous replies, but tonight Charles was saying we should just stick with our original June plans and take the savings. On the other hand, I was really getting used to a Christmas trip in 2010. Agghhh! Why can Disney trip planning never go easily for me.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I did see Charles response and was just ignoring his opinion....

 

[wigdoutdismom]

You know, I really did like MeMom's idea of spending a couple of nights at the GF!

 

[jordanyosh]

Can't go wrong with CBR.........BUT

Beach Club is all about location. It may not have the grandest lobby; it may not be the closest to the MK; it may not have the best restaurants BUT

I love the spaces to just hang out--The Solarium, The Drawing Room at the BCV, the rocking chairs on the porch.

I love the proximity to Epcot. You can pop in for a meal or go shopping for an hour or two and be back in your room in 5-10 minutes.

SAB nuff said.

I could go on and on.....

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

If you feel like you have a rare deal, then go for it. I would just choose the one that allowed me to stay longer b/c I don't like short Disney trips. To me, it is too much packing, planning and anticipation to only stay a couple of days. I like to go for the long haul! But you probably go more regularly than I could go, so that may not be an issue. I don't think I can help you with this one! Maybe do a short GF trip ealry in 2010 AND do a budget trip for Christmas. Now that is a plan I could live with!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I did see Charles response and was just ignoring his opinion....

I do the same thing from time to time.

You know, I really did like MeMom's idea of spending a couple of nights at the GF!

I do, too.

Can't go wrong with CBR.........BUT

Beach Club is all about location. It may not have the grandest lobby; it may not be the closest to the MK; it may not have the best restaurants BUT

I love the spaces to just hang out--The Solarium, The Drawing Room at the BCV, the rocking chairs on the porch.

I love the proximity to Epcot. You can pop in for a meal or go shopping for an hour or two and be back in your room in 5-10 minutes.

SAB nuff said.

I could go on and on.....

Stormalong Bay is the big selling point to me. I know the kids would love that pool with the sandy bottom.

If you feel like you have a rare deal, then go for it. I would just choose the one that allowed me to stay longer b/c I don't like short Disney trips. To me, it is too much packing, planning and anticipation to only stay a couple of days. I like to go for the long haul! But you probably go more regularly than I could go, so that may not be an issue. I don't think I can help you with this one! Maybe do a short GF trip ealry in 2010 AND do a budget trip for Christmas. Now that is a plan I could live with!!

That would be wonderful to do both, but I don't think our finances will allow that. This next year is most likely going to be just a one-trip year.

 

[IluvXU]

CBR for most... then GF for two night? You have a car, so the move would not be too terrible or you can have the CM do it for you. Good luck... I know what CP dreamed of last night!

 

[MeMom]

I asked her tonight if she could stay at any Disney hotel, where would she like to stay. Her response was the Grand Floridian.



That would be a fun way to do it as well!



I know -- right now I am waffling completely. (Surprise, surprise .)

Having the special nights at the end of the trip would just add to the element of surprise. Tell her Beach Club is what you could get this time, visit GF during the trip at some point and talk about how maybe when she has her 16th birthday, you guys can stay there. Then surprise her with it at the end of this trip. She would be totally shocked!

When we switched over at WL for the last two nights, we just packed up almost everything and put what we needed in more like overnight bags for those last two nights. It worked out just fine, and there was a lot less packing to do on the last day. It's something to think about, anyway.

 

[IluvXU]

To piggyback on MeMom's idea. I second staying at the GF or the more deluxe at the end. It was crazy going from the space and magic at the Contemporary to CSR. We would have enjoyed CSR a lot more if we stayed there first...you just compare no matter what.

 

[Lady Lallie]

CP, for the two years I have known you on these boards the plan has been the Grand Floridian for Chelsea's 13th birthday. I think you should stick with that idea. For anyone to have their heart set on the same resort for two years is a huge deal....especially you all mighty resort hopping Queen.

 

[jenjolt]

LOL....I'm sure you already have a million different ideas going on in your head on what you should do with the pin code!!!!! So I'm going to try not to make it more difficult for you...LOL (I'm sure easier said than done). 13th birthday is a big deal and if you are doing this trip in mind for Chelsea I think you should go GF...besides it would be a once in a lifetime experience for your whole family and that would be AWESOME!!!!

We both know I love me some Beach Club...but for this occassion I'm okay with you passing on it LOL!!!!!!

PS...I want a pin code too LOL!!!!