Trip Report A Poly Girl in a GF World *COMPLETED*

*Gasp!*

Is it true? Tuvalu, the die-hard Polynesian fan, spent 4 recent nights at a different deluxe resort? Didn't she already have three magical stays at the Poly this year? Didn't she take her name from her favorite longhouse at the Poly? Isn't this blasphemy? (Actually it isn't, but you get the point.)

Yep, it's true. Like many of you who have broken loyal ties to a political party (don't worry, I'm not gonna go there) Woody and I decided to try another option for our Food and Wine Festival excursion.

In anticipation of the question, "Why didn't you stay at an Epcot resort?" I will say, "Cause I like the MK resorts better."

Tuvalu and Woody taking a trip to WDW specifically for F&W is a bit ironic, since:
1) We are not foodies and
2) We are not big drinkers
But as we approach our sunset years, we are determined to keep ourselves open to new experiences and embrace change (even when we don't like it.)

And really, who doesn't like to eat?

Now back to the resort. The Grand Floridian. Disney's Flagship resort. The resort people call "too stuffy." Or "I could never be comfortable there." Or "The Four Seasons is a much better resort for the price."

Well, Woody and I were quite comfortable, despite a couple of irritating incidents to be revealed later. We had no problem walking around in our Target and Kohl's clothes. And we got a room rate that wouldn't have paid for the janitor's closet at the Four Seasons. (Okay, a slight exaggeration.)

The deets:
Dates: October 1-5, 2016
Cast: Tuvalu and Woody

Follow along to find out how we filled that "rumbly in our tumbly."

 

[Tuvalu]

Mission accomplished, we returned to the GF for dinner. We planned a special meal in celebration of Woody's new job. There are two restaurants that share a check-in desk on the second floor of the main building.

Behind these doors is the exclusive (and very expensive) Victoria and Alberts.

We would not be entering these doors. If you want to read about a V&A experience, you'll have to wait for @Tony the Tigger's trip report next fall.

Rather, we were dining here:

We checked in and were told to wait until our name was called. This is the view outside the window of the waiting area.

Soon we were brought to our table.

 

[MinnieM123]

Monorail, you let us down this morning. Boat will be our method of transport back to the GF.

And don't forget when the monorail is down, you don't have to take the standard boat either. Now, you can drop even more money on a private water taxi, from the GF . . .

 

[Tuvalu]

We did not receive a window table but one in the center of the restaurant.

Citricos has a casual elegance vibe, similar to the California Grill. Likewise we could see the open kitchen from our seats.

We were not overly impressed with our server. She exuded a "fake enthusiasm" that became annoying pretty fast. She was also (obviously) pushing additional items and the priciest entrees. And she was slow in tending to us. We hoped she was not indicative of all Citricos servers.

We began with drinks. A glass of red for Woody and a Pina Colada for me.

Bread service

Our server "highly recommended" the arancini appetizer.

It was fine, but I think the arancini at Via Napoli is much better. FWIW I also like the pizza at Via Napoli, so take my opinion with a grain of salt @BuddyThomas .

 

[BuddyThomas]

We did not receive a window table but one in the center of the restaurant.

View attachment 173863

View attachment 173864

Citricos has a casual elegance vibe, similar to the California Grill. Likewise we could see the open kitchen from our seats.

We were not overly impressed with our server. She exuded a "fake enthusiasm" that became annoying pretty fast. She was also (obviously) pushing additional items and the priciest entrees. And she was slow in tending to us. We hoped she was not indicative of all Citricos servers.

We began with drinks. A glass of red for Woody and a Pina Colada for me.

View attachment 173865

Bread service
View attachment 173866

Our server "highly recommended" the arancini appetizer.
View attachment 173868

It was fine, but I think the arancini at Via Napoli is much better. FWIW I also like the pizza at Via Napoli, so take my opinion with a grain of salt @BuddyThomas .

Wonderful pictures!! Sorry you had Annoying Annie as your server. But you look like you are having a good time in spite of it.

 

[Tuvalu]

Woody selected the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Ribs with Sunchoke Puree, Spinach and Carmelized Mushrooms.

I chose the Oak-grilled Beef Filet with Potato Purée and Baby Carrots.

We agreed our entrees were good but not spectacular. I have enjoyed the Oak-grilled Beef Filets more at California Grill and Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Our server brought us the dessert menu.

I think she was disappointed were requested one dessert to share. But we had difficulty finishing the rich Warm Chocolate-Banana Torte. Isn't it exquisite?

The "Crown" was indeed edible!

Woody and I were glad we tried Citricos but won't hurry back. It definitely wasn't $65 better than our dinner at the GF Cafe last night.

 

[BuddyThomas]

Woody selected the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Ribs with Sunchoke Puree, Spinach and Carmelized Mushrooms.
View attachment 173871

I chose the Oak-grilled Beef Filet with Potato Purée and Baby Carrots.
View attachment 173870

We agreed our entrees were good but not spectacular. I have enjoyed the Oak-grilled Beef Filets more at California Grill and Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Our server brought us the dessert menu.
View attachment 173872

I think she was disappointed were requested one dessert to share. But we had difficulty finishing the rich Warm Chocolate-Banana Torte. Isn't it exquisite?
View attachment 173873
The "Crown" was indeed edible!

Woody and I were glad we tried Citricos but won't hurry back. It definitely wasn't $65 better than our dinner at the GF Cafe last night.

I don't know how I missed all 11 pages of this wonderful trip report but I'm playing catch up now, so apologies in advance for the 13 million likes I am in the process of giving you, LOL.

 

[Tuvalu]

Wonderful pictures!! Sorry you had Annoying Annie as your server. But you look like you are having a good time in spite of it.

Woody and I always enjoy a nice dinner out even when the service is less than stellar.

 

[Tuvalu]

I don't know how I missed all 11 pages of this wonderful trip report but I'm playing catch up now, so apologies in advance for the 13 million likes I am in the process of giving you, LOL.

Awwww, thanks Buddy!

 

[Tiggerish]

The thunder was soon followed by rain. I sat on our balcony and gave @TrolleyFollower91 a call while Woody showered. The rain didn't last long, thankfully.

Late in the afternoon we took a quick trip to Epcot. We had two missions to accomplish.

#1 ~ Go thru the turnstiles to get a "visit credit" towards the 3 visit requirement for the commemorative Passholder Tumbler.
View attachment 173839

and

#2 ~ Go to MouseGear and exchange shirt my sister in law E purchased for herself last week.
View attachment 173845


Here's a tip ~ if you find something you love at Disney but are unsure of size, try it on before you buy. If it is not possible to try it on in the store, try it on when you are back in your room. Trying it on at home is not advisable, as returns must be made within 30 days of purchase. And then you are stuck. Unless your sister in law happens to be Tuvalu.

**Even more important tip ~ Save your original receipt!! Do not think you can use that green ship-to-resort copy as a merchandise receipt, even though the item and its price is clearly printed on the green copy. Because CMs are "not supposed to take anything back with a green shipping paper" unless "you just want to exchange the same shirt for a different size?" and then give you a sigh and an eye roll and say, "Just this once. Next time bring the original receipt."

Trust me, there won't be a next time!

I purchased that exact same shirt in September, in my usual size S. It had been my travel day, and I wanted to meet my GFs for dinner at Beaches & Cream feeling a little bit fresh, so I figured I'd French braid my hair and buy a new shirt, and get freshened up in the BC bathroom. Well, as soon as I got that shirt on, I realized that it was cut small and I'd need a medium. Back to the shop I went and exchanged it right away!!

It is a cute shirt

Far cry from the time I bought an outfit for my baby niece and was able to exchange it with no problem a year later!! (I did have the receipt)

Mission accomplished, we returned to the GF for dinner. We planned a special meal in celebration of Woody's new job. There are two restaurants that share a check-in desk on the second floor of the main building.

View attachment 173857

Behind these doors is the exclusive (and very expensive) Victoria and Alberts.

View attachment 173856

We would not be entering these doors. If you want to read about a V&A experience, you'll have to wait for @Tony the Tigger's trip report next fall.

Rather, we were dining here:
View attachment 173858

We checked in and were told to wait until our name was called. This is the view outside the window of the waiting area.

View attachment 173859

Soon we were brought to our table.

View attachment 173860

We love Citricos. Never noticed that. Ire from the waiting area!!

For the most part, have experienced wonderful service there, although there was that one time...

And that was offset by the other time when we so enjoyed the wine that we had there, I came home and had my local wine shop order me a case of it.

 

[Tuvalu]

I purchased that exact same shirt in September, in my usual size S. It had been my travel day, and I wanted to meet my GFs for dinner at Beaches & Cream feeling a little bit fresh, so I figured I'd French braid my hair and buy a new shirt, and get freshened up in the BC bathroom. Well, as soon as I got that shirt on, I realized that it was cut small and I'd need a medium. Back to the shop I went and exchanged it right away!!

It is a cute shirt

My SIL will be very glad to hear that the shirt runs small!

 

[Tuvalu]

And don't forget when the monorail is down, you don't have to take the standard boat either. Now, you can drop even more money on a private water taxi, from the GF . . .

Unbelievable, right? Is it really possible the lousy monorail service is being provided purposefully?

 

[Longers]

Thanks for the BTMRR photo - I haven't ventured to that part of the park to see it for myself - it's too painful! I am hoping by some miracle they might finish and open it early

 

[Tuvalu]

Thanks for the BTMRR photo - I haven't ventured to that part of the park to see it for myself - it's too painful! I am hoping by some miracle they might finish and open it early

Fingers crossed!

 

[Tuvalu]

There was a nice surprise awaiting us in our room.....turn-down service!

All rooms (not just club level) receive nightly turn-down service at the GF. The drapes are drawn, lights dimmed, pillows fluffed, TV turned to the resort music station and fresh towels and soaps placed in the bathroom.

And most importantly....chocolates!

 

[Tuvalu]

We did not linger in our room too long, as MNSSHP fireworks were about to start. Earlier in the day I noticed a bench outside Sago Cay that I thought would be a perfect viewing spot for Hallowishes.

And it was!

The soundtrack played over speakers in the marina so we had the full show experience.

It was the first time I'd watched Hallowishes not in the rain. Every MNSSHP I have attended it has rained during the fireworks. To all of you at tonight's MNSSHP ~ you're welcome!

As I said when I began recounting this day, we did have a delightful Disney day! Even this sight in the hallway outside our room didn't bother anti-double stroller Woody.

 

[MinnieM123]

As I said when I began recounting this day, we did have a delightful Disney day! Even this sight in the hallway outside our room didn't bother anti-double stroller Woody.

Fire safety code, people!!! (Years ago I worked for a hotel company, and this picture makes me CRINGE!)

 

[MinnieM123]

You and Woody were placed in the middle of Citricos, so that everyone else could see the guests of honor!

 

[LadyBelle]

Congratulations to Woody on his new job!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Congratulations to Woody on his new job!!

Thank you!

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, October 3

Remember how I said that Woody and I aren't foodies? Well, today is the day we expand our horizons! Time to strap on the feedbag and visit a kiosk or two (or 3 or 4!)

(Obviously I have my seasons mixed up! )

This morning it was Woody who made the breakfast run to Gasparilla's. His cashier was not aware of the new AP discount and didn't believe him when he asked for it. Normally Woody wouldn't want to go through a hassle just to save a dollar or two. Kudos to him for asking to see a manager who confirmed that yes indeedy, Woody spoke truth. He received the discount.

Chocolate twist pastry and bacon, egg and cheese croissant. I'll let you decide who ate which.

Since the Epcot monorail line did not begin operating until 9 am (because really, why would you want your monorail resort guests to get to the park prior to opening?) we lingered awhile in our room after breakfast.

We arrived on the GF monorail platform at 8:45 am and joined our first line of the day.

(Something tells me the resort monorail must be having issues....AGAIN!)