The "I'm Stuck on Figuring Out a Title for my Trip Report" Trip Report - UPDATED 7/5 About This Page:

[Wendyismyname]

June 12, 2009 Part Two Arriving at the GF

We arrive in style at the guard shack and I thought to myself, hmmm, I wonder what he is saying? Soon we pulled up and scooted out. Along comes a bellman and says Welcome Home Mr. and Mrs. Braddick. How cool! I asked him if it was Disney magic that he knew our name and he grinned.

Business taken care of, we were off to meet with the concierge who were meeting people curbside that day. Very nice. Very personal service. Up to the 3rd floor and Eddy checked us in. Actually he didn't have to do much since I had already done the online check in and he was shocked when I told him no, we don't want to charge to our room! Seriously Eddy, we're only here for 1 night before moving on, no charges will be needed!

Of course, at 10:30am our room was not ready, nor was I expecting it, so I gave him my cell phone number so I could receive a text when it was ready. I told him I did the same on 4/30, which much have been a testing phase, and I love the feature.

We headed down to the bus stop and wow, I really like how they provide so many seats! I thought we were at a ball game! Fortunately for us, a DTD bus rolled up quickly and we were off! I couldn't wait to eat at T-Rex. I love trying something new and this one was it! While we walked over to see if we could actually be seated before our 12:30pm lunch time, Ben stopped at guest services and upgraded his 6 day park hopper to an Annual Pass with DVC discount. In case anyone needs to know that info, the price difference was $111.11. That'll take care of his ticket in July and for our one day stay in December!

We were able to get in to T-Rex at 11:30am instead of 12:30pm which was fantastic. We were seated in the back, behind the ice cave. Ben eventually found us. When we made the reservation, we specifically asked if the TIW card was accepted. They said yes. However our "servant" said no, but they do take DVC and AP, so that is what we used. I was able to talk Josh out of ordering the Gigantosaurus burger like he kept saying he was going to, instead, he went for the lasagna, I think it took him two bites. Ben had the Pterodactyl Salad, Gabby the kids mini burger with fries, grapes and jello, Michael the dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets with fries, applesauce and jello. I was surprised the kids meals came with fries AND two sides! I ordered the Wild Mushroom Ravioli. OMG if was GOOD!! They gave me 9 and I left 2 behind! I couldn't eat it all! Might have been because we ordered the nachos as starters to share. But, all you non-meat eaters, this is a really good entree, especially if you do eat seafood because it was in a lobster sauce.

Where we were located, we didn't find it to be LOUD when the meteor shower went off, and we didn't have to scream to hear one another. My kids really loved it. The table behind us, with kids older than Michael and Gabrielle, cried when it went off. So I think this reinforces that it's important to know your child!

I was beginning to feel a headache coming on.

After that really delightful meal, we rolled outside and started sweating it off!! Seriously, it was HOT and HUMID. My friend, Sheri(skateycat) and her friend were currently dining at the GF Cafe and had ordered the GF Burger and loved it! Sheri had been dropping off a box of cookies for me (Omega Cookie, Omega 3 Cookies With Fiber and Calcium) and I should have known then that our plans to meet up that day was not going to happen. Thanks Sher for those cookies!

Josh split from us and wanted to go to the Westside, so I told him just to meet us back at the GF. We walked over to the Marketplace bus stop via Arribas Bros. and the air conditioning! I love looking in there and one of these days, I'm gonna buy me something. But that'll have to wait until I have a special place to put it!

I have to say how good Michael and Gabrielle were at listening and accepting. They, well especially Gabby, kept asking if we could shop and when I said no, she didn't press the issue. They knew that they had their own money and would get to spend it on whatever they wanted(with some guidance)when the time was right.

We only wait a little while before the GF bus came along and then I got a text from Josh asking where we were. He was just getting by the Marketplace bus stop and we had just left! I had told him to go to the Pleasure Island stop as that was closest to him! He would have been on the same bus if he had!

I believe our bus was sharing with the WL on this route. It's so long. First you leave the MP, then hit PI, then TL, then the WL then finally GF! But hey, we had time on our hands.


Meanwhile, we did tell Josh just to meet us in the lounge on the 4th floor.

We got back to the GF and headed up to get some refreshments. We didn't take pictures of the offerings, but there really was something out at ALL times.

Finally we took some pictures.

This is the front. looking out.


From the 3rd floor:


Views from the 4th floor where the lounge is





















Wilderness Lodge and Villas

Looking across to the lounge

Hey there's us!! The complimentary drinks were MAG. I loved they had Sprite Zero!





Coming up: The text!

[krisk11]

Love the TR & the pics. Can't wait to see more.

[Colexis Mom]

Great update and pictures Wendy! More please!!

[Disneybine]

Awww, the GF looks just so pretty and perfect!

[PrincessSharon]

Sounds like everyone enjoyed T-Rex. That's good to know. Sorry you missed Sheri. Looks like you enjoyed your time at the GF!

[mstinson14]

Just caught up, and i want more please!!

[4Disney2]

Nice report Wendy, your pictures are Great! More please!

[Luvsun]

Your pics of GF are great!
It sounds like your family really enjoyed T-Rex!
Looking forward to more Wendy!

[chezp]

Lovely photos Wendy! More please...

[vfair]

Glad to hear you enjoyed your lunch. The first TRex was opened in KC and we've been to that one twice but have never tried the one at DTD. Most everything I have heard has been great.

[cindybelle]

Wendy, I'm just getting caught up on your TR. Your family members are all adorable -- of course, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Can't wait to read about the rest of your trip. More, please!

[POOH]

Glad everyone liked T-Trex. Love your GF pictures.

[goofysdtr]

Can't wait to see what your room looks like!

[lauren-roxy]

YOur photos make me very anxious for our trip in JUly!! We are staying at the Grand Floridian and eating at T-rex!! Can't wait for more!!

[KMB733]

Love the pictures of GF! Sounds like everyone had a great time at TRex and everything sounded so More please