The weather continued to take the piss, frankly. Having extended our trip to take advantage of the improved conditions, today, again, we had a forecast of cooler temperatures, not suitable for sitting by a pool.
You can appreciate the very average nature of the weather by looking at the view from our new room.
We had breakfast in the hotel as usual (I wonder how much we “saved” over the trip by not having to buy breakfast?)
Our plan today involved a drive to the Grand Floridian to have a look around now that the gingerbread house was up.
It didn’t take long to get there, but initially, we were politely denied access by the security guard. Only guests and those with ADRs were allowed in. So we turned around, parked just outside the entrance, and booked an ADR for lunch at the Grand Floridian Cafe. We drove back to the same guard, told him we had an ADR and he let us in without even checking. Weird.
The car park was very busy to be fair, so best he keeps the off-site scum out 🙂
It had been a good few years since we were last here, and we had forgotten the majesty and beauty of the place, especially with it all dressed for Christmas.
We took our time strolling around the lobby.
We browsed the shops and from the upstairs balcony, we Facetimed my Mum and gave her a virtual tour.
It was an enjoyable morning and we enjoyed just spending some time in such a lovely spot.
We checked in for our ADR at 12.30 at a very busy podium. As there were crowds of folks waiting to be seated we had a wander around outside for a bit.
It was a bit grey and drizzly but the place looked lovely.
We went back inside and were eventually called and seated around 1pm.
Our server was great, but overall the service was pretty slow. We were in no rush though so it didn’t affect our experience.
I had an iced coffee and Louise had a wine.
No starters, and Lousie ordered the Burger. It was declared the best burger she had ever eaten. I doubt my photo does it justice.
I had the Reuben sandwich.
We were not finished until 2.15 but we enjoyed it and were glad we had eaten somewhere we would never have thought of trying. The bill was $85.
We made our way back to the car and drove over to a very, very busy Disney Springs. So busy in fact that most car parks were full and those that weren’t had huge queues. Thanks, Thanksgiving!
So we went back to the hotel instead. I had a shower and put on some extreme-weather long pants before ordering a Lyft back to Springs. We arrived around 3pm.
We were hoping to get into the next showing of the Napoleon film at the AMC but it was sold out, so we booked in for the 4.30 showing instead and went to have a stroll. We ended up in the House Of Blues.
After a walk around the shop, we sat in the outside seating and had a Margarita. This was not one of my favourite drinks of the trip and I struggled to finish it.
It filled enough time until we headed back to the AMC though. Napoleon was an enjoyable film despite following the current trend of needing to be longer than it should have been at two and a half hours and apparently being historically inaccurate.
Once we were done we walked over the bridge to Wine Bar George for another Espresso Martini. I had two, Louise had one, and then a glass of wine.
Our bill was higher than it was for lunch at the Grand Floz!
We then walked across to The Boathouse for our ADR and our second visit of the trip. We were immediately seated on the outside deck which is lovely and for us preferable to being inside.
We had chips and dips to start along with the sticky bread service.
We both ordered the Sliders.
The food was just good on this visit. Nothing spectacular.
I opted for another….
Which again, was not quite as excellent as on our first meal here. It goes to show how much things can vary at the same restaurant.
Unlike our last visit, the bill was a much more tolerable $90.00 including tip.
It was spitting with rain as we left and we made our way back to the Lyft pick-up through horrendous crowds. We spent a few minutes browsing the Disney art shop before we were dropped off at the hotel and fell into bed by 11. A lovely day despite the weather’s best attempts to upset us.
Till the next time…..