Back from a Grand stay at the Grand Floridian at Disney

Well I'm blistered, burned and broke (LOL) but wishing I was back at Disney.

Day one we decided to take it easy and hang at the resort rather than rushing to one of the parks. DS loved the water slide at the pool and after a few margaritas, so did I.

We had a great dinner at the Yachtsman at the Yacht Club resort which is gorgeous. DS has a food allergy and all the restaurants were great with the exception of one. At the Yachtsman he has a nice grilled chicken which he wolfed down.

Day two we rented a car for the day and went to Legoland. Legoland was fun and DS picked up a set that he wanted. It barely fit in my suitcase so note to self....bring an empty one next time to transport sets home!

Day three was Animal Kingdom and it was beastly hot. Lots of Brazilian tour groups cutting line and making lots of noise which was really annoying. Had fun on the safari and the rapids. Lunch at the Tusker house was good. Great buffet and when DS didn't seems to like anything offered, the chef walked over to the other restaurant to get safe chicken nuggets and fries for him. Loved seeing the characters at lunch. Dinner was at Narcoosses at the GF. Awesome food!

Day four was a Typhoon Lagoon. We rented a cabana wand I highly recommend this is you go there. It was expensive but worth it to have somewhere to come back and get out of the sun, have a lockbox to keep valuables in, a cooler for drinks, towels and attendant to bring food and drinks. DS loved the wave pool but hated swimming with the sharks and fish! He swallowed a bit of the tank water so I don't blame him for his reaction. Dinner was at the Flying Fish Cafe at the Boardwalk Resort and this was the worst dinner of our two trips at Disney. Overpriced and just....yuck. I had the Duo of potato wrapped fish and NY Strip and the strip was crusted with so much spice it was inedible. The fish was just ok. All they offered DS was pasta with plain sauce which would have been fine but the sauce was so full of onion and so acidic he couldn't eat it. The waitress brought him plain pasta and he ate that but considering this dinner used two meals on the food plan it was a complete waste.

Day 5 - Going home. We took at quick trip over to the Magic Kingdom. Had lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern which was good. Had their signature salad which was tasty. The MK was very crowded again and lots of tour groups making a big spectible of themselves. An early dinner back at the GF at Gaspiralls Grill which we luckily averted a potential food allergy disaster. I spoke to the manager and asked if the hot dog and bun was safe for a milk allergy and she assured me it was. When I came out the bun looked very yellow so I was afraid it was buttered and grilled so I asked to speak to her again. Luckily she wasn't available and the other manager came out. He looked at the bun and said not it wasn't buttered but it wasn't the safe, allergy bun they use and this one DID have milk in it. Thank goodness I went back or DS would have have a reaction either at the airport or on the flight home from Disney. When in doubt, always double-check!

Some tips...
Bring lots of cheap dollar store hangers - there are never enough. Don't forget some with the pant clips from hanging up bathing suits in the shower.

Buy real ponchos at home, not the dollar store ones. They are junk and cling to your body and don't keep you dry at all. We purchased the Totes ponchos at CVS and they worked great and aren't too expensive at all. What was also great is that in a sea of white Disney and yellow dollar store rain ponchos, our red and blue one stood out so we could easily find each other.

Bring lots of pennies and quarters for the pressed penny machines.

Glowsticks make great nightlights.

Bring good conditioner for your hair. The Florida water is gross and I felt like my hair was being stripped every time I washed my hair.

Moleskin is your friend. I got a blister on our 2nd to last day and it worked great.

Take breaks. Go back to the hotel and cool off in the pool. I saw so many kids in full meltdown mode that just needed a nap or dunk in the pool. You don't have to do everything on one trip. Save something for next time.

Don't be a fashionista. Be comfortable. You would not believe how many women I saw wearing heels. I just don't get it.

Have a magical day!

Re: Back from a Grand stay at the Grand Floridian at Disney

So how did you like Grand Floridian? I have considered staying there and chose Poly over it. Did you see alot of kids? Did it feel boring or nice and quiet?

Back from a Grand stay at the Grand Floridian at Disney

Grand Floridian was beautiful. The decor was not very Disney - no characters or disney themed designs but still very nice. There were a ton of kids and the pools were always packed with them. The 1900 Park Fare restaurant has great characters dining options and there is a princess tea in their tea room for girls. I loved the convenience of being on the monorail line! I would go back in a heartbeat!

Back from a Grand stay at the Grand Floridian at Disney

I would love to stay there next time...looks so beautiful!