THE MURPHYS are LIVE from the GF!!! (1/1/12-1/8/12)

[TigrLvsPooh]

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Almost forgot!! A big SHOUT OUT to Susan who was working down at 1900 Park Fare tonight and recognized us and asked if we were doing a live report! That was super cool!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Oh, also, for those who don't follow my twitter, I tweeted a pic tonight of a sign down near the back entrance to the main building of the GF. Evidently Jack Frost got to some of the flowers and they were pulled up and gone today with a sign letting guests know. I was surprised because they were covered up so well with tarps.

Oh, and one more thing, we met a man and his wife today working the turnstiles at AK side by side It was super cute!

 

[Stitch2244314]

Hello all! What a day!!!!!!!! I swear it just goes by so fast, one minute we are waking up, the next minute we are going to bed. We had another great day. AK wasn't too crowded, we were able to do EE, Dinosaur, Triceratops Spin, and Primeval Whirl. We tried to get on the safari but the wait was too long and fastpasses were all gone for the day. We had lunch at Flame Tree, just as good as it always is, and we saw the parade. Mom and I did more shopping, the kids played at the Dig site, so we got a lot of things done. We left around 5:00 to head back to the GF for a rest. We were supposed to have dinner tonight at Coral Reef but we really didn't feel like going back to Epcot, so we canceled and booked 1900 Park Fare instead. The kids loved the buffet, and even though I'm not a fan of buffets myself the salmon and beef tenderloin were both excellent. There were of course 100 screaming toddlers in tiaras all over the place but we had a table in the far back corner so it was a little more quiet. After dinner we went to MK and did Pirates, Small World, Peoplemover, and Buzz. Thunder and Space mountain were both closed for technical problems. We got back to the room around 11:00. Crowds were definitely a bit better today than earlier this week. But honestly this is the busiest first week of January I've ever seen in the 15 years we've been going to WDW. I'd say a majority of the people seem to be from Europe or Asia, I'm guessing Disney must have offered some really great deals to people from overseas. I don't think I've hardly seen an English speaking family at this hotel all week. I wonder what kind of deals they get??? It must be pretty good.

We did notice some marathon people are starting to arrive, and Disney has a lot of stuff already set up and ready for the races. Cones, barriers, medical tents, etc. DH is running the mini, luckily he runs right past the GF so we will go down to see him run by.

If you've been following my photobucket album I've been able to upload more pics. I let it run today while we were gone. The wifi is sooooooo slow its crazy. I've got another 100 or so pics running right now that will probably take all night.

Anybody have any questions about the parks? Or the GF?

There is a bounceback offer in our room. 35% off. Most of April and June are blacked out. Also all of July. But plenty of other weeks throughout the year.

Glad you're all having a great time! Again, excellent pictures.. the Osbourne Lights look incredible. I was wondering how you think the GF compares to the Poly. If we did stay on the monorail, we would choose one of those resorts. I've always wanted to try GF, but my family does really enjoy the tropical theme a lot (which is why we keep going back to CBR). Any comparison/preference you could give for the two would be appreciated! Thanks and I hope the crowds get lighter!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I love the Poly, but I have to say our room here at the GF is nicer. The double sinks outside the bathroom toilet and shower really helps us all get ready quicker than at the Poly where the one sink is right next to the shower so if someone is showering the mirror is basically useless because of steam. Here someone can shower while two others comfortably get ready at the double sink area, plus there is a lot of counter space on either side of the sinks as well. At the poly we had to keep most of our toiletries on the shelves. As far as the rooms go they are probably about the same size. This GF room does feel slightly bigger, but I don't know if that's just because the lounge chair and ottoman are maybe slimmer? But it definitely feels bigger to me. We've got 5 people so we needed extra floor space for everyone's suitcases. Maybe it just seems bigger because at the Poly the double closets with the fridge in between takes up more room?? Or fridge here is under our TV.

The #1 difference I see here at the GF is the service. Anything we have asked for has come in 5 minutes. I'm wondering if each building has a full time 24 hour a day staff person?? Because there is no way someone is coming from the main building over here that quickly. When we asked for things at the Poly (Hawaii) in October it definitely took a lot longer. That might also be because the concierge staff has a lot more work to do. I know they are insanely busy over there trying to keep guests happy as well as the lounge taken care of. But previous stays in Fiji, Samoa, etc, we've never had service this fast and efficient. Maybe the GF has to keep their standards super high in order to maintain their 5 star status????

I would never be able to say one resort is better than the other, because I love so many things about the Poly... the whole feel of the Poly is so fantastic, but since we were just there in October staying here at the GF has made the trip feel like a whole new experience. Also due to the fact we haven't stayed here since 2003.

Does that help?? If you want more specifics just let me know.

 

[Stitch2244314]

I love the Poly, but I have to say our room here at the GF is nicer. The double sinks outside the bathroom toilet and shower really helps us all get ready quicker than at the Poly where the one sink is right next to the shower so if someone is showering the mirror is basically useless because of steam. Here someone can shower while two others comfortably get ready at the double sink area, plus there is a lot of counter space on either side of the sinks as well. At the poly we had to keep most of our toiletries on the shelves. As far as the rooms go they are probably about the same size. This GF room does feel slightly bigger, but I don't know if that's just because the lounge chair and ottoman are maybe slimmer? But it definitely feels bigger to me. We've got 5 people so we needed extra floor space for everyone's suitcases. Maybe it just seems bigger because at the Poly the double closets with the fridge in between takes up more room?? Or fridge here is under our TV.

The #1 difference I see here at the GF is the service. Anything we have asked for has come in 5 minutes. I'm wondering if each building has a full time 24 hour a day staff person?? Because there is no way someone is coming from the main building over here that quickly. When we asked for things at the Poly (Hawaii) in October it definitely took a lot longer. That might also be because the concierge staff has a lot more work to do. I know they are insanely busy over there trying to keep guests happy as well as the lounge taken care of. But previous stays in Fiji, Samoa, etc, we've never had service this fast and efficient. Maybe the GF has to keep their standards super high in order to maintain their 5 star status????

I would never be able to say one resort is better than the other, because I love so many things about the Poly... the whole feel of the Poly is so fantastic, but since we were just there in October staying here at the GF has made the trip feel like a whole new experience. Also due to the fact we haven't stayed here since 2003.

Does that help?? If you want more specifics just let me know.

Thanks, yes that does help a lot! I did not realize that the Poly didn't have the double sinks.. we'll be 4 people in the room so like you said, it would definitely be easier for all of us to get ready in the morning at the GF! And that's great to know that you're having such a good experience with the CM's.. I think you're right, they're probably held to the highest standard. If it were me I would choose the GF hands down, but I know some of my family members prefer the looks of the Poly. I will be sure to pass down this information though. Thanks again!!

 

[ZIPBAGS]

Thanks for the info! I am amazed you go there so often. We go once a year and friends think we a lot. I guess going multiple times you save a lot by getting annual tickets? Thanks!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

At Epcot, crowds are better today. Longest wait is Soarin for 65. Many things around 10 or 20.

 

[LizLvsMickey]

Thank you for taking the time to post during your vacation. Great pictures, great information. We'll be at Epcot tomorrow. Staying at the Dolphin for the first time. I was glad to hear crowds were better today. Thanks again for posting.

 

[Mamato3Princes]

I've enjoyed looking through this thread! Mmmmm! The WC skillet looks so good! Can't wait to eat there! And the Castle looks stunning. There really are no words to describe how beautiful it looks. I can only imagine what it's like to see that in person! Thanks for sharing !

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Sorry I have been MIA , we have been in a whirlwind of family time the last 24 hours. My husband and two of his brothers ran the half marathon yeaterday , then we spent pretty much the whole day at Epcot with all the family members.

Now we are on ME , somehow we made it out thru the marathon this morning , a miracle!!! I will upload the rest of my pics tonight and give final thoughts about our trip. We had dinner at Via Napoli last night.

See ya real soon!!!

 

[jocelyn6]

I love your live trip report! I am now going to check out your Poly visit as we are staying there for the first time in March. I have one silly question - I noticed that in your pics at the Grand Floridian you have the Spa toiletries - are these the same in the Polynesian or just something you have at the GF?
Also - I am now following you on Pinterest - can't wait to go on and check out your boards!
Jocelyn

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I love your live trip report! I am now going to check out your Poly visit as we are staying there for the first time in March. I have one silly question - I noticed that in your pics at the Grand Floridian you have the Spa toiletries - are these the same in the Polynesian or just something you have at the GF?
Also - I am now following you on Pinterest - can't wait to go on and check out your boards!
Jocelyn

Hi
We had the blue H2O toiletries at the Poly, these Spa toiletries we have only had at the GF. I'm not sure if that is something new or if it is always like that. The body butter was awesome!!!!!!
Isn't Pinterest awesome???? I have a ton of new pics to pin!!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I just typed a HUGE REPORT and my iPad safari app CLOSED!!!!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hey everyone! I'm home and working hard on laundry and unpacking! The kids go back to school tomorrow so I'm sort of in a panic But I've got time to update you all on our trip!

Ok, first let me give you our dining report:

Columbia Harbor House: first we checked Tortuga Tavern but it was closed as usual. Is it ever open?? So we decided CHH would have to do. I like it better than Pecos Bill's or Cosmic Ray's, the food is decent and we can always find a table upstairs even when its crowded. I had the fish and fries, it's not nearly as good as the Epcot fish and chips stand (not even close) but it was OK. Eating at MK is always sort of boring, it's always better to snack thru the park, I mean a dole whip and a mickey pretzel would have been better! But it served its purpose!

Teppen Edo: I think I already gave you guys the run down on this meal. We always eat here, the kids love it and the food is good. For a single table service dining plan restaurant (and most have gone down the tubes big time) this one has maintained pretty good food. I had chicken, DS had shrimp, DH had the steak, everything was cooked perfectly and our chef was amazing. It's really like a dinner show isn't it?? I think that's why we keep coming back. DH and I had some sushi appetizers, they were OK, not as good as the sushi at Kimonos (Swan hotel) but decent. We were seated with some off-duty castmembers and they were very interesting to talk to. We didn't have dessert so afterwards I managed to save room for a trip to germany for a chewy caramel bar. YUMMMMMMMMMMM

Whispering Canyon Cafe: I think I already told you guys we had a great meal here. We all had the skillet, it was very good. I like all-you-can-eat without having to get up We loved the meats, the cornbread, but I think you have to be in the mood for this type of food. Originally we were booked to eat at Liberty Tree Tavern that night, but DH's brother and his wife were in town to join us so we had to call dining and take what we could get. It was funny because I was standing in the Magic Kingdom thinking WCC sounded good and luckily they had it! The kids enjoyed yelling for the ketchup, the pony race, and having straws and napkins thrown around. Definitely worth a single table service credit. Oh, and the bottomless milkshakes, forgot to mention that!

Gasparillas: We ate here several times during the week. Breakfast items (cinnamon rolls, muffins, etc) and we ate lunch one day. I had the turkey club, it came with kettle chips and tomato/mozzarella salad. Very good! I used my refillable mug several times for the brewed coffee, which was so nice compared to the NesCRAPe we endured at Poly concierge in October. DH and the kids had the burgers and pizza, they said everything was good. I think a quick service spot at your hotel is crucial!

Lotus Blossom Cafe: in my top 3 for fast food at Epcot (along with fish and chips in the UK and Cantina in Mexico) I had the orange chicken, DS had shrimp fried rice and eggroll, youngest DS had sweet and sour chicken kids meal, everything was good. We love chinese food anyway so we were happy. I tried the apple egg roll for dessert, tastes like a McDonalds apple pie. Not bad. The portions of the entrees seemed bigger to me, I'm wondering if maybe they have revamped it because of complaints?

1900 Park Fare: I think I already told you guys what a nightmare of a place this is I mean it is literally the 9th circle of hell unless you are a 4 year old girl dressed as a princess but we were too tired to venture back to Epcot for our reservation at Coral Reef and we just wanted to eat in the hotel. We lucked out and got a table in the far back corner, so it wasn't as bad. The food actually was very good, and I hate buffets, I'd have to say its better than Chef Mickey's. We did pics with Cinderella and actually bought our photo package too because it was the only pic we have from our trip where we are all together!

Sunshine Seasons: Or I guess its just Seasons now (in the Land at Epcot) this place is never bad. I had the turkey sandwich, kids had roast chicken leg, their desserts are EXCELLENT, we always eat here when we are in Future World at lunch time. The only bad part is the crowds. It's like mass chaos of people trying to zig and zag from line to line and then pay. I'm not sure if ropes would help or just make it worse. But the food is always good and fresh.

Cantina: LOVE IT!!! I swear those nachos are so good, I don't know why they are so good, it must be the combo of the meat they use and the black beans, plus I love jalapenos. Their guacamole is also good. And the kids love the shredded beef tacos. This place is #1 as far as I'm concerned for lunch in Epcot with the fish and chips stand being a close second only because we can never find a place to sit.

Mama Melrose: Was a great meal and a great night! It was my Mom's first time seeing the Osborne Lights. She loved them! We had a yummy dinner, DH and I had the chicken pasta dish, mom had the gnocchi, we also had calamari and salad apps, kids had pizza, everything was good. I think this is another fantastic use of a single table service dining plan credit, even though we weren't on the dining plan I will recommend it to anyone.

Via Napoli (party of 14): we were so worried about where we could eat post-marathon with a group as big as we had but it all worked out fine. Originally we had a reservation for 8:40 PM but they were able to move us to 7:00 which helped since it was our last night and we needed to get back to the room to pack. All the kids had pizza and loved it, several of us had the parmigiana (chicken or veal) and it was good, DH and his dad had the seafood linguine and were pleased with it. The only negative is the salad deal. It was so confusing. I still don't really understand it. But apparently at least one person in your group has to order pizza and then everyone qualifies to order salad for $6 a person. But the bowls serve six people and we only had 7 who wanted salad, I don't even know what they did but somehow they split it up and we all got some. It was just complicated and weird. I have to tell you guys we had a ball at this meal, we were laughing and clapping along with the servers as they did their Happy Birthday songs, we even made friends with a brand new castmember named Alex who was working back in the kitchen! HI ALEX!! It was a fun night. The menu is SUPER LIMITED though, so I definitely wouldn't waste a dining plan credit here, but it was fine for us and we were just glad to be together.

Hmmmm, did I forget any places????

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Here's a picture of our picture!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

This pic makes me laugh LOL

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

One of the highlights of the night was this picture! the step-sisters were putting the moves on our 7th grader, oh man he was blushing like crazy! I love this picture, she was teasing him about seeing him "at the alter" have you ever seen a TWEEN BOY smile this big????????