I already posted this in the general resort forum, but also wanted to post here b/c all of you were so helpful.
Loralie - I'm pretty sure that you and I had a nice conversation by the beach pool on your day of check-in. Glad to hear that your vacation went well and that you loved the resort as much as I did.
I am eventually going to try to post some pics, just not sure how yet!!
Vacation - 5/8 - 5/16
Check-in: We waited less than 5 minutes at check-in. When we got to the front desk, the CM informed us that they had a surprise for us - upgrade from a GV room to a TPV corner room. I cried. We have never received an upgrade before and I was so grateful that this was the vacation that we were to experience our first. The CM (I think her name was Penny) was wonderful.
The Room:OMG, I don't even know where to begin. In addition to being a corner room, it was also a dormer room. The ceilings were vaulted making the room look even larger. We had 2 balconies - one facing the MK and one facing the marina. We could watch the fireworks from the balcony as well as hear the happenings at the MK. There is nothing like having the train whistle wake you up every morning. The room amenities were great - love the H2O products - will definitely be ordering some at a later date. And what is it with the smell of the room? We loved opening the door every night after a day at the parks and being welcomed w/ that wonderful aroma. Wish I could've bottled it and brought it home!
Service: Mousekeeping was wonderful. The only negative was that the balconies were a bit yucky when we got to the room, but after some advice from some great people on these boards, we quickly called to have that remedied. I always thought TD service was silly - who needs that? However, I came to realize how nice it really is! All of the CM's that we encountered at the resort were great. It really was a different atmosphere than all the other resorts we have stayed at. They all seemed to go out of their way to make our stay special. My DH even received some special help in choosing a Mother's Day bouquet that was specially delivered to me at our cabana on Mother's Day!
Resort Food: We only tried Gaspies, Grand Floridian Cafe and room service. Gasparillas was OK-not much of a selection and very small. The Grand Floridian Cafe's food was great, service - not so much. It seemed to take a very long time to get served. The restaurant was not busy, but I think we got there after the b-fast rush and they were slowly preparing for lunch. Room service was outstanding - food was great and the service was terrific.
Pools: Loved them - especially the courtyard pool, which seemed to be significantly warmer than the other. We did rent a cabana for a day. Was it worth the $100 - I would say yes, but it not something I would do more than one day. There are lots of activities at the beach pool to keep the kids occupied.
Overall: We decided to go all out for this trip for 2 reasons. 1 - you couldn't beat the 4/3 deal, really that was the only thing that allowed us to stay here 2 - we knew that this would probably be our last trip in a while, so we wanted to splurge! (plus we were celebrating my 40th and my oldest DD 13th b-day - 2 milestones) We couldn't have had a better vacation. My whole family has agreed that we will wait to return to Disney until we can afford to stay at the Grand Floridian again! My 8 yr old son has said that he wants to stay in the Main Bldg next time because he wants to be in the middle of it all - LOL We better start playing the lottery!
I also think that what added to this much needed vacation was that b/c we have been so fortunate to vacation at Disney almost every year for the past 8 years, we took the time to relax and just hang out at the resort. No rushing around to get everything done - we didn't feel like we missed out on anything!
PS - not that this has to do w/ the resort, but I just wanted to add that while we were there, we got to see Atlantis lift off from KSC - that was something I have wanted to do since I was a kid - very memorable moment!
PPS - we also came home w/ lots of Bath Bombs from Basin White - love them!!!!
. I am really glad you had such a great time. I'd love to hear about it -- and I'll be looking forward to your new photos once the 
Dont you just hate that after trip laundry!!!
O.K....rant over. Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Can't wait to see your pics and I hope you do another trip report. I am in the middle of doing my trip report, check it out when you get time. Can't wait to hear about your great trip.
I keep waiting for a pin code, but the pin code gods never send one my way.
and thanks for the link.
Wow, a campfire and movie at the GF? That is great to hear! Looking forward to experiencing that one!
Congrats on your code. 
