The Grand Lady on the Lake: Jan. 2011 *10/26* The Lady's Waiting

[Sassagoula Billy]

The Grand Lady on the Lake: Jan. 2011

Table of Contents

Update #1: Thank God I'm Not Menopausal! (7/30)

Update #2: Invasion of the Body Snatchers! (8/2)

Update # 3: Hotel del...Coronado? (8/8)

Update #4: Why is that popcorn eating my DH?

Intro/Background

Hi! I can't believe I'm writing this.

It just so happens that my BFF is celebrating his 40th birthday this coming January with an all-out grand gathering kinda thingamajig. I have decided to take this opportunity to realize my as yet unrealized dream of staying at the Great Lady on the Lake: The Grand Floridian.

And how bad could that be?

So here are my plans thusfar (Jan. 5 - 7):

Day 1

• Late morning flight. Magical Express to the Great Lady on the Lake.
  
• Check-in, Grand Floridian (Otherwise known as the OMG!)
  If room isn't ready, who cares? I've never even stepped foot in this place! I wouldn't allow it! I'll sleep on a sofa in the lobby for gods sake. Um, I'll make Tanzanian chocolate pyramids, or do whatever it takes to stay there.
  
• Pool/Beach (In that weather?!)
  But honestly, I've looked at pictures of those little domed thingies on the beach there for nearly 20 years now! As Vivien Leigh as my witness, I will get my picture taken underneath one with a blue alcoholic drink in hand. I just hope they don't rope the place off. If they do, I may have to ask a special favor. That's okay, I can flirt with the best of them. EDIT: Thankfully, the beach is open year-round. So, I'll be able to get my photo after all!

• Dinner, Victoria and Albert's.
  Oh yes. With wine pairings.

Did I mention I'm turning 29 again next year? AND it's WDW's big 40th birthday in addition to my BFF's? So I feel there's ample reason to celebrate.

Gosh... I've watched every snooty GF segment on Disney vacation planning videos since I was 10 years old. And then I discovered Some Like It Hot, so naturally, I love it even more.

Day 2

• Epcot
  
• Afternoon Tea!!!!!!
  My BFF and his partner will be joining us for this. I cannot wait.
  
• Possible Monorail tour of Contemporary and Poly.
  I'd like to use the train while we're staying there at least once, and be able to say, "Yes, we're getting off here. You know. At the GRAND FLORIDIAN!" I'm really that mean. Just check out my Le Cellier Resort and Spa thread.
  
• Dinner, 1900 Park Fare for the Reality Show character dinner: Lady Tremaine, Drizella, Anastasia, Cinderella and Prince Charming!! Can you imagine the drama? And I only JUST found out about this. Where have I been? I hear the food sucks. (Subject to change)
  
• Watch fireworks from the beach (Subject to change)
  If there are fireworks. I hope there are fireworks. I hope they let us onto the beach. I'll have to flirt again. EDIT: According to wdwinfo.com, there are no fireworks scheduled for the 4th. Damn. This may throw a wrench into my planning, as it appears there are no fireworks until the 6th. I may possibly shift everything up a day. And I HAVE!

Day 3

• Check-in luggage
  
• Breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe/Kona Cafe
  
• Possible theme park before Magical Express back to MCO (Yes, Pop Century has been cancelled)

That's all I have planned now, the rest depends on what the BFF is doing for his birthday. This is all subject to change. I mean, all of it. It feels like a pipe dream as it is, but the possibility is mindblowing to me.

I'll keep you informed of any changes!

 

[Scott MC]

God, you're a riot.

Oh, The Grand.......
It's kind of sad how that word has worked its way into my vocabulary the way it has. Most frequently, it's used along the lines of "This would never happen at The Grand."

Anyway, Having read (O.K. lurked) on your other TR, I'll come out and say that I'm looking forward to hearing about your Grand adventure. I've already had my first (see: TR in signature) of hopefully many. If it's your first time, I'd recommend calling ahead and asking The Grand to be gentle, as it can be a bit much for a GV (Grand Virgin, not garden view).

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Scott, I can't wait to read your adventures, I love your humor already. I've intentionally avoided any trip reports in regards to The Grand because I wanted to avoid too much spoilage. But at this point, I don't see how it could be harmful.

And now when I say we're staying GV, I'll know what it truly means. Ha!

There's another trip report I've seen entitled "From Pop to the Top". This is definitely the reverse.

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Just made a few updates regarding the beach, which WILL be open despite the winter weather. Yes, I know... stay outta the damn lakes! I just want to make sure I'm able to get my picture taken on those darned domed beach thingies.



Debating whether to switch everything up a day in order to take advantage of watching Wishes! from the beach. The show is dark the 4th and 5th, and I'm only planning on staying two nights at The Grand before shifting to the Pop Century.

 

[NessieBird]

Hilarious! Scott MC turned me on to this PTR and I'm sold. Can't wait to read more!
PS--We're going to see an outdoor screening of "Some Like It Hot" this Friday. How timely!

 

[Guatemommy]

I'm already subscribing! I can't wait for this report!!!!

 

[dellasgirl]

z

 

[John_RN]

OMG! This will be the most anticipated TR EVER!! I can't wait to hear your stories!

Note : Just added "Some Like It Hot" to my Netflix queue. Never seen it. Do I have a certain time limit to watch it before I get my gay card taken away??

 

[I<3EvilQueen]

Yay. So happy for you

 

[Jennifer48]

I can't wait to hear about this trip!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I am so excited to read about this trip!

 

[Kaleigh]

Just found this, and I just have a tidbit. If it is possible, and I know it would ruin your thread title, may I suggest you start at the pop...then move to the top. Justification? Here goes... Four or so years ago, we booked a delicious
(first time on dining plan) trip to stay in a deluxe hotel for the first time ever. It was to be the Wilderness Lodge after we waltzed through the lobby the prior year and, after getting our breath back, just stared for who knows how long. So, since we are military and since we could not afford a whole week at WL, we decided to split stay with the Shades of Green. Which is a very nice resort. I am pretty sure. But, here's the thing, it may as well have been the 7th circle of hell after 5 days at the WL. Where's the theming? Why isn't our lobby pretty anymore? Why can't we just take a boat from the MK? Why doesn't our room overlook Bay Lake anymore? These are questions that would not have been asked if we simply had swapped around our ressies. So now we have a rule that will not be broken--- start with the lesser of the two hotels because you cannot properly enjoy the crappier one if you visit it after the amazing. You just compare constantly. Whereas, the other way around, you are just like "This is so awesome." And you barely even think about the other hotel.

 

[acc82]

I will be reading too! I love reading your posts - you're so articulate but oh so on point. I'm going to be at the GF in august too and I feel the exact same way about it. Like, there should be an orchestra following me into the lobby so that they can narrate my shock and awe accurately to the rest of the world. I didn't book V&A though, so looking forward to reading about that. Have a great trip and planning period!!

 

[jakenjess]

What the heck!!! How in heaven's name did I miss this? I am SO excited for you! Since when do they have nights with no fireworks? Is this new? I really should be more on top of this stuff. You are going to LOVE the Grand, and I can't wait to hear all about it.

I agree with Kaleigh, start out at Pop and end with a Grand finale at the Grand. This may also solve your fireworks issue. Ooooohhhhh, this is gonna be good!!!

 

[lblume91]

I'm totally in!! I loved your TR & am soooo excited for your dream trip!
Laura

 

[__disneygirl]

Of course i'm on board for this! I'm SO happy you are getting to realize your dream. That's what Disney is all about. I can't wait to read this hilariousness and fabulousness!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Woohoo so excited that you are going for it & staying at the Grand. I am soooooo along for this ride. Can't wait to hear all about it-esp dinner at Victoria & Albert's. I can't seem to talk DH into getting that dressed up for dinner at Disney.

On a side note....have you ever been out to San Diego to see the Del Coranado in person? It is a slice of heaven.

 

[RAPstar]

Great start, I love your writing style. Gave me plenty of lol's.

 

[Cat0727]

I'm in! I loved your last TR so of course I'm subbing for this one! I'm glad you decided to start your PTR for your dream trip, can't wait to hear about it!

 

[bottles]

I've been lurking in your other trip report and I'm throwing caution to the wind and signing on for this one! Love it!

By the way, have you ever heard the one about the girl tuba player who was stranded on a desert island with a one-legged jockey?


Katie