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]

Why why why do people need giant side by side strollers? One year we had 2 kids in need of strollers. We used a Disney single and an umbrella one from home for the kid that was almost out of the stroller.

I must admit I have a dislike for the double wide strollers. Most halls/sidewalks don't have the room for them and people coming the opposite way.

Those giant double strollers are called a "City Mini" ~ worst product misnomer ever!! There's nothing mini about them!

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, October 4

Last night we switched up our plans for today. The original plan was to visit DHS ~ we had morning FPs and a lunch ADR at 50s Prime Time. But we hadn't had much pool time this trip (one of Woody's pre-vacation requests) and the forecast called for sunny skies through early afternoon. So we ditched DHS in favor of a resort day.

We slept in a little later than usual. I booked a 9:10 am ADR for 1900 Park Fare (proof last-minute ADRs can be found!) which enabled us to dine at a third GF table-service restaurant.

The restaurant is easier to find since the entrance has been relocated next to the Grand Floridian Cafe. And there are chairs in the waiting area (as opposed to having to stand in the hallway at the former entrance.)

Isn't this coach gorgeous? I have always liked coaches (foreshadowing).

In only a few moments we were seated, right near this horse.

Calliopes are so intriguing. This one is easy to miss since it is up high. (A reminder to always look up, people!)

 

[Gabe1]

Those giant double strollers are called a "City Mini" ~ worst product misnomer ever!! There's nothing mini about them!

Amen Sister Friend!

Love the acronym MPB 2.0-giggle

 

[HurricaneHanna]

Calliopes are so intriguing. This one is easy to miss since it is up high. (A reminder to always look up, people!)

View attachment 175649

A Calliope. That is a rare find. I'm going to heed your reminder to look up from now on. Could get interesting!

 

[MinnieM123]

In only a few moments we were seated, right near this horse.

I nearly spit out my coffee--I read your comment quickly--and for a moment--I thought you said your seat was ON the horse!!!

(OMG . . . I have my moments!! All I could think about, in a split second, was seeing you balancing your plate and drink, while sitting up there on Trigger!!! I'm still laughing over this!!)

 

[Tuvalu]

I nearly spit out my coffee--I read your comment quickly--and for a moment--I thought you said your seat was ON the horse!!!

(OMG . . . I have my moments!! All I could think about, in a split second, was seeing you balancing your plate and drink, while sitting up there on Trigger!!! I'm still laughing over this!!)

What do you put in your coffee, @MinnieM123?

 

[MinnieM123]

What do you put in your coffee, @MinnieM123?

Starbucks French Roast -- I'm on a roll !!

 

[Gabe1]

Those giant double strollers are called a "City Mini" ~ worst product misnomer ever!! There's nothing mini about them!

My DD and I were at WoodField Mall, huge mall, one that could fit a City Mini in the walkways (but not the stores) those things won't even go through and individual door at Mall entrances. Wish I would have been quick enough to take a photo but a Dad was pushing a double-economical basic stroller side by side seats. It wasn't even as wide as a single one of those tripod with wheels strollers. Looked like it would fold down and flat to the thickness of 4". You could actually slip in in with you on a Disney bus or tram like my umbrella strollers for my kids of yesteryear did and was a big fan of the blue strollers I could rent at MK & Epcot for $5 if needed. No lugging on bus or tram. Oddly they rolled well without needing 14" wheels.

 

[Tuvalu]

My DD and I were at WoodField Mall, huge mall, one that could fit a City Mini in the walkways (but not the stores) those things won't even go through and individual door at Mall entrances. Wish I would have been quick enough to take a photo but a Dad was pushing a double-economical basic stroller side by side seats. It wasn't even as wide as a single one of those tripod with wheels strollers. Looked like it would fold down and flat to the thickness of 4". You could actually slip in in with you on a Disney bus or tram like my umbrella strollers for my kids of yesteryear did and was a big fan of the blue strollers I could rent at MK & Epcot for $5 if needed. No lugging on bus or tram. Oddly they rolled well without needing 14" wheels.

I remember those strollers well.

 

[Tuvalu]

Curious and curiouser about the breakfast offerings at 1900 Park Fare?

Woody and I started with savory foods ~ crispy bacon, fluffy biscuits and practically perfect eggs.

(The bacon must have been on my plate!)

Round two was sweet.

Every day should start with whipped cream. (Now that's a dollop!)

And let's not forget unlimited POG juice!

(Yes, both those glasses were mine. And I am not ashamed.)

After I finished my Mickey waffles, I debated whether to return to the buffet for a third time.
"What's wrong?" Woody asked.
"I'm afraid if I don't shovel in more food now I won't want any more," I replied woefully. (At $34/person for breakfast, I wanted to get my money's worth!)

In the end, the buffet came out ahead. Neither of us had room for another plate of food. And we left plenty of the signature strawberry soup for other guests....we don't care for it.

40 minutes after being seated we still hadn't been visited by any friends. This is a Character buffet, isn't it?

 

[LadyBelle]

Looks yummy - except for that gravy on the biscuit. Am I the only southerner who doesn't like gravy? Must be that Yankee side....

 

[MinnieM123]

(At $34/person for breakfast, I wanted to get my money's worth!)

$34 for breakfast?! (Those hens must have been laying golden eggs!)

40 minutes after being seated we still hadn't been visited by any friends. This is a Character buffet, isn't it

The characters were there, but probably off in a corner someplace, wolfing down selections from the buffet!

 

[Tuvalu]

Looks yummy - except for that gravy on the biscuit. Am I the only southerner who doesn't like gravy? Must be that Yankee side....

That was definitely Woody's plate. Gravy on a fluffy biscuit?

 

[Tuvalu]

$34 for breakfast?! (Those hens must have been laying golden eggs!)



The characters were there, but probably off in a corner someplace, wolfing down selections from the buffet!

$34 before tax and tip. So even with my TiW discount, it was was $70 for breakfast for 2 (and without any alcohol, @Tony the Tigger! )
The characters will make an appearance...

 

[Tony the Tigger]

$34 before tax and tip. So even with my TiW discount, it was was $70 for breakfast for 2 (and without any alcohol, @Tony the Tigger! )
The characters will make an appearance...

If they threw in a mimosa, they'd have to call it brunch and charge double.

 

[epcotisbest]

Starbucks French Roast -- I'm on a roll !!

Depending on the size of the roll, that is probably more comfortable than on the horse, but seems like a waste of a good roll.

 

[epcotisbest]

$34 before tax and tip. So even with my TiW discount, it was was $70 for breakfast for 2 (and without any alcohol, @Tony the Tigger! )
The characters will make an appearance...

Breakfast in the condo every day for a week...less than $70, no tip, no alcohol, two characters.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Breakfast in the condo every day for a week...less than $70, no tip, no alcohol, two characters.

View attachment 175773

Next time just bring this:

 

[coachwnh]

Im all caught up, finally! Still recovering from our European vacation, but its nice to follow along for one of your many WDW adventures!!!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Breakfast in the condo every day for a week...less than $70, no tip, no alcohol, two characters.

View attachment 175773

Yum. I would take those characters as long as one of them fixed breakfast like this!