A Magical GF Surprise

[belle119821]

Since I was little, I remember my mom dreaming about staying at the Grand Floridian "someday." When we would visit she would longingly stare at the hotel and it never failed that she would mention wanting to spend even one night there. They were saving up...and then my little brother came along (17 years between us) and Mom realized her dream wasn't going to happen now because that money had to go to a college fund.

Well, my dad has secretly made our trip this summer one to make her dream come true. So I'm asking for suggestions to make her trip extra-special. She's had a difficult past year with a medical diagnosis, so I really want to help make this a trip she will remember for lots of reasons. I'm open to anything you're willing to share! We're scheduled to be there June 24-30th with park hopper passes for all 7 days.

Thank you!

 

[epcotisbest]

Since I was little, I remember my mom dreaming about staying at the Grand Floridian "someday." When we would visit she would longingly stare at the hotel and it never failed that she would mention wanting to spend even one night there. They were saving up...and then my little brother came along (17 years between us) and Mom realized her dream wasn't going to happen now because that money had to go to a college fund.

Well, my dad has secretly made our trip this summer one to make her dream come true. So I'm asking for suggestions to make her trip extra-special. She's had a difficult past year with a medical diagnosis, so I really want to help make this a trip she will remember for lots of reasons. I'm open to anything you're willing to share! We're scheduled to be there June 24-30th with park hopper passes for all 7 days.

Thank you!

How wonderful to be able to make that dream come true.
Sometimes simple things make lasting memories. I would suggest an evening stroll over to the Poly for a dole whip then a viewing of the fireworks from across the water on the way back and you can catch the electrical water pageant on the lake as well. This is a laid-back, peaceful way to spend an evening if you won't be in the parks late every day.

 

[mouse_luv]

Make sure to watch the Electrical Water Pagent and have a drink or other kind of treat. It's really fun and I think would make some special memories. You can view it from the GF.

 

[Kingoglow]

If you want to surprise your mom with something a little extra at the GF, but out on the grounds just before 8 am for the Parasol Parade (that is the most recent link I can find). You can verify the times and day with the desk.

It is not a big flashy event; it actually very quiet and peaceful. But it is sweet and great to see first thing in the morning.

 

[nickys]

At 3pm each day, Cinderella and her Prince come down the grand staircase along with lots of little girls (and boys) dressed in their dresses. They then have a dance at the bottom. Worth seeing once at least.

Take time to listen to the band play, and also the pianist. Both happen in the lobby at various times.

Maybe afternoon tea, although that’s pricey.

Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room - Temporarily Unavailable

Dine at this Walt Disney World restaurant

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Or a carriage ride at POR.

Horse Drawn Excursion - Carriage Ride at Port Orleans Riverside

Relax, play and enjoy this recreation option at Walt Disney World

disneyworld.disney.go.com

 

[Janir]

Since I was little, I remember my mom dreaming about staying at the Grand Floridian "someday." When we would visit she would longingly stare at the hotel and it never failed that she would mention wanting to spend even one night there. They were saving up...and then my little brother came along (17 years between us) and Mom realized her dream wasn't going to happen now because that money had to go to a college fund.

Well, my dad has secretly made our trip this summer one to make her dream come true. So I'm asking for suggestions to make her trip extra-special. She's had a difficult past year with a medical diagnosis, so I really want to help make this a trip she will remember for lots of reasons. I'm open to anything you're willing to share! We're scheduled to be there June 24-30th with park hopper passes for all 7 days.

Thank you!

These are al things at the Grand Floridian you could try.
If you have the extra cash, a dinner at Victoria and Albert's in the GF is a unique and special treat there. If that is too pricey, Narcosse's is very nice. Not nearly the same level of experience but planning a dinner around a firework time is nice to do from there. The afternoon Tea party with your Mom can also be a special GF event you can look into. A walk over to the Wedding pavilion and a walk around that area can be nice too. If there isn't a wedding or event going on, you might even be able to get inside is someone from Disney Weddings is around. They love to show off the area if there isn't any pressing engagement whey are dealing with.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Yay!

 

[donnylambb]

great news for you guys. take her over to the boardwalk at night and see the street performers

 

[durangojim]

These are al things at the Grand Floridian you could try.
If you have the extra cash, a dinner at Victoria and Albert's in the GF is a unique and special treat there. If that is too pricey, Narcosse's is very nice. Not nearly the same level of experience but planning a dinner around a firework time is nice to do from there. The afternoon Tea party with your Mom can also be a special GF event you can look into. A walk over to the Wedding pavilion and a walk around that area can be nice too. If there isn't a wedding or event going on, you might even be able to get inside is someone from Disney Weddings is around. They love to show off the area if there isn't any pressing engagement whey are dealing with.

I'd second the idea of Victoria and Albert's but with a few caveats. You need to be able to really enjoy food OR be willing to try new culinary experiences and have enough money where spending almost $1000 for four of you (I'm not sure how many of you there will be) won't ruin your evening. I can honestly say that there are few restaurants in the US that are as unique and special as V&A.

 

[belle119821]

How wonderful to be able to make that dream come true.
Sometimes simple things make lasting memories. I would suggest an evening stroll over to the Poly for a dole whip then a viewing of the fireworks from across the water on the way back and you can catch the electrical water pageant on the lake as well. This is a laid-back, peaceful way to spend an evening if you won't be in the parks late every day.

Make sure to watch the Electrical Water Pagent and have a drink or other kind of treat. It's really fun and I think would make some special memories. You can view it from the GF.

She has been mentioning fireworks and we talked about watching them from the beach. Thanks for reminding me about the Electrical Water Pageant. We've never seen it before!

If you want to surprise your mom with something a little extra at the GF, but out on the grounds just before 8 am for the Parasol Parade (that is the most recent link I can find). You can verify the times and day with the desk.

It is not a big flashy event; it actually very quiet and peaceful. But it is sweet and great to see first thing in the morning.

Ooh, that sounds right up her alley! I had no idea!

At 3pm each day, Cinderella and her Prince come down the grand staircase along with lots of little girls (and boys) dressed in their dresses. They then have a dance at the bottom. Worth seeing once at least.

Take time to listen to the band play, and also the pianist. Both happen in the lobby at various times.

Maybe afternoon tea, although that’s pricey.

Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room - Temporarily Unavailable

Dine at this Walt Disney World restaurant

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Or a carriage ride at POR.

Horse Drawn Excursion - Carriage Ride at Port Orleans Riverside

Relax, play and enjoy this recreation option at Walt Disney World

disneyworld.disney.go.com

Oh that's so sweet. Thank you for the links, too!

These are al things at the Grand Floridian you could try.
If you have the extra cash, a dinner at Victoria and Albert's in the GF is a unique and special treat there. If that is too pricey, Narcosse's is very nice. Not nearly the same level of experience but planning a dinner around a firework time is nice to do from there. The afternoon Tea party with your Mom can also be a special GF event you can look into. A walk over to the Wedding pavilion and a walk around that area can be nice too. If there isn't a wedding or event going on, you might even be able to get inside is someone from Disney Weddings is around. They love to show off the area if there isn't any pressing engagement whey are dealing with.

The tour of the pavilion would be really cool. We planned a lot of downtime for this trip for exploring places we've never been like this. I wonder if she would like the tea party. I'll have to look into the food (she's a bit selective!)

I'd second the idea of Victoria and Albert's but with a few caveats. You need to be able to really enjoy food OR be willing to try new culinary experiences and have enough money where spending almost $1000 for four of you (I'm not sure how many of you there will be) won't ruin your evening. I can honestly say that there are few restaurants in the US that are as unique and special as V&A.

It's on my own list of experiences that would be incredible to have, but I'm afraid she is not very adventurous, and as you mentioned, a bit expensive. Thank you for the suggestions though!

 

[DznyGrlSD]

Victoria & Alberts - it's unforgettable!!

 

[zurgandfriend]

We went from (then) Dixie landing to the Contemporary, to the Wilderness Lodge. My DW always wanted to stay at GF so for our 4th trip we did. My DW loved it. We did Victoria & Albert which was wonderful, every subsequent trip she always voted for the GF when we planned WDW vacations.

 

[Frankenstein79]

That's so sweet, as long as she has her kindhearted family then everything else is gravy.

 

[KikoKea]

What a special trip!
DH and I went to the Hoop de Doo Revue this Spring for the first time. It was a LOT of fun. The food was good, the staff was great, and the performers were wonderful. Lots of fun songs, corny jokes, and action. It's at Fort Wilderness, a nice boat ride from the MK docks. It is pricey, but a special treat to consider.

 

[belle119821]

That's so sweet, as long as she has her kindhearted family that is enough.

Thank you for the compliment! I hope it will live up to her expectations!

What a special trip!
DH and I went to the Hoop de Doo Revue this Spring for the first time. It was a LOT of fun. The food was good, the staff was great, and the performers were wonderful. Lots of fun songs, corny jokes, and action. It's at Fort Wilderness, a nice boat ride from the MK docks. It is pricey, but a special treat to consider.

It did always look like a lot of fun, and our kind of food! I'll definitely keep it in mind!

 

[mousehockey37]

From the sound of your post, you don't need to do anything to make it better. The dreams coming true by staying there.

 

[JusticeDisney]

Since I was little, I remember my mom dreaming about staying at the Grand Floridian "someday." When we would visit she would longingly stare at the hotel and it never failed that she would mention wanting to spend even one night there. They were saving up...and then my little brother came along (17 years between us) and Mom realized her dream wasn't going to happen now because that money had to go to a college fund.

Well, my dad has secretly made our trip this summer one to make her dream come true. So I'm asking for suggestions to make her trip extra-special. She's had a difficult past year with a medical diagnosis, so I really want to help make this a trip she will remember for lots of reasons. I'm open to anything you're willing to share! We're scheduled to be there June 24-30th with park hopper passes for all 7 days.

Thank you!

All I can think to say right now is, what a wonderful story! I hope your entire family - and especially your mom - have the best vacation of your lives!

 

[JusticeDisney]

Thank you for the compliment! I hope it will live up to her expectations!



It did always look like a lot of fun, and our kind of food! I'll definitely keep it in mind!

I will second the Hoop Dee Doo Revue! IMO, it is a must-do at least one time for every WDW lover!

 

[plutothedoggo]

This trip sounds absolutely wonderful and I am sure that it will create a lifetime of magical memories!

One thing that my wife's family usually does when we can meet them all near Christmas time at DW is the dessert party at Magic Kingdom before/after the fireworks. With your dates in June, they do have an After Fireworks Dessert Party https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/d...owland-terrace-after-fireworks-dessert-party/ for about $70 per person that includes a private viewing area for the fireworks in the Plaza Garden where the views are perfect and then you'll be escorted to Tomorrowland Terrace for an incredible dessert party to end the night off right! Lastly, after the dessert party ends and you are ready to head out, I'm sure the park will be much more empty and you and your family can enjoy a nice slow stroll down Main Street with less traffic than usual and get some fantastic castle shots with each other!

 

[LAM378]

I’m glad this is happening for your mom and the rest of you! GF is just so beautiful and serene. All I’d really recommend is to build in plenty of downtime to experience just being at the resort. I love just sitting in the lobby listening to the piano or the band, or sitting outside Gasparilla’s looking at the castle and watching the boats.

My family doesn’t do the fancier restaurants at the GF because we have a boatload of kids with us, but we never skip 1900 Park Fare, no matter where we’re staying. Both breakfast and dinner are excellent buffets with lots of variety and really fun character interaction.

Happy planning!