Originally Posted By AutoPost This topic is for Discussion of <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/Latest.asp?I1=ID&I2=3914" target="_blank"><b>Latest: Marshmallows and Movies at the Grand Floridian</b></a> <p>There’s a lot “s'more” new fun in store at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa each evening when guests staying at the resort can roast marshmallows around a Mickey-shaped campfire, sing favorite camp tunes on the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon and see the “stars” – both on the silver screen and in the sky – as they watch a family-friendly Disney film on the moonlit beach. S’mores kits and marshmallows are available for purchase during the campfire and movie.</p>
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 So the GF guests can now do what the Ft. Wilderness guest have already been doing. Ok not a bad idea, I just don't know if it fits for the GF atmosphere.
Originally Posted By brerroadrunner At Fort Wilderness, the Front Porch sing a long is with Chip & Dale. Will there be any characters at GF. Isn't another Resort doing this also? I know they do something at Yacht and Beach Club similar.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> So the GF guests can now do what the Ft. Wilderness guest have already been doing. Ok not a bad idea, I just don't know if it fits for the GF atmosphere. << I agree, it just seems out of place at the GF.
Originally Posted By magnet >>>I agree, it just seems out of place at the GF.<<< I disagree. It's a great family bonding activity, and it won't interfere with guests who prefer the more restrained atmosphere of the lobby and inner courtyard areas. GF shouldn't just be a place for "old farts" and "stick-in-the-muds".
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a Victorian-style Disney Deluxe Resort distinguished as the flagship hotel of Walt Disney World Resort and offering world-class dining, entertainment and luxurious accommodations in its 6 stately red-gabled buildings. This magnificent hotel sits along the white-sand shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, and enjoys proximity to Magic Kingdom theme park. Lounge by the hotel's 2 beautiful pools, relax under shady white picket verandas or treat yourself to invigorating, restorative therapies and massages at the full-service Spa. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa delivers an opulent experience that begins inside the Grand Lobby, which stands over 5 stories high, sparkling with the light from 2 brilliant chandeliers. With its gleaming white exterior, intricate gingerbread trim and gorgeous stained-glass domes, the Resort is an architectural marvel. Retreat to one of 867 Guest rooms that marry Victorian sophistication with modern comforts. Luxuriate in style as you take in superb views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, wedding pavilion, pools, marina, Cinderella Castle or nightly fireworks at Disney's Magic Kingdom theme park, or the Resort grounds dotted with gardens and swaying palm trees. Dining at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa includes 6 restaurants, several bars and lounges where you can enjoy a meal starting at $15 a person, based on average Guest check, not including alcohol, tax and tip, with fare ranging from American to fine Mediterranean. << Now that's how Disney describes their turn of the century deluxe resort. In my opinion it just doesn't match with what Disney intended this resort to represent.
Originally Posted By magnet I don't see any contradiction here. When did having a kid-friendly activity break theme? WDW is a family resort. There should be something for all ages at each hotel. It's inappropriate for one of the hotels to have a "kids aren't welcome here" image.
Originally Posted By MPierce ^^^ Then why not make them all Pop Century like if that's the case. This is the Flagship resort. It cost over $400 a night for the cheapest room during value season. Would you expect the Four Season's to have Horse Shoe pitching Pits?
Originally Posted By magnet That's way off-base, MPierce. S'Mores aren't going to turn GF into Pop Century, and folks need to find a way to accommodate others whose families have a variety of entertainment needs. These activities aren't ruining your $400/night room, and they aren't ruining the theming of the hotel.
Originally Posted By magnet S'mores and movies on the beach are not about dumbing down, cheapening, or otherwise changing the product. They ARE about giving reasons for families to spend time together with each other. These activities are something all ages can enjoy and provide the kind of environment where family members can bond with each other. As always, any activity should be conducted in a way that is respectful of those who do not wish to participate. However, family is the ultimate theme at every Disney resort -- anything else is secondary. Too bad Disney sometimes has trouble realizing this fact.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 I know this isn't going to come out right, but... The GF is a very classy looking place, I think having a family activity is great, butthey should have one that is more up-scale. Picnics on the green or something.
Originally Posted By dshyates Many Ritz Carltons offer S'Mores making around the fire pit as part of their Ritz Kids programs. Like this one: <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HalfMoonBay/Childrens/Default.htm" target="_blank">http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/...ault.htm</a>
Originally Posted By -em I agree with bobbelee (and others) I love the idea but I think of all resorts the Grand isn't the place I'd put it... Its not "them"- They are more the tea party hotel than campfires... -em
Originally Posted By magnet Given the reactions here, I wonder what folks would have said if the report was that Disney was going to build a gigantic gingerbread house in the middle of the lobby of the GF hotel every Christmas. Oh, wait -- they DO build a gigantic gingerbread house in the lobby every Christmas! Talk about an invasive showstopper! That's on the level of replacing the balcony band with a Doo-Wop revue for a couple months every year. However, the gingerbread house is beautiful, artistic, and very well done. So, it fits in very nicely. I don't know why s'mores and beach movies can't be done well, either. I don't understand the opinion that some activities are inherently more upscale than others. I think a lot depends on the execution, as well as the caliber of guest who participates - the latter of which is beyond control. Now, I doubt the GF is going to hand out $9 bars of Bonnat chocolate with those Graham crackers, but we all can also enjoy a Hershey bar every once in a while too. It just requires looking over your nose rather than down it....
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I don't have a strong feeling about this one way or the other ... but than again out of all the WDW resorts (and I have stayed at all the WDW resorts) I've only stayed at GF once because it's theme doesn't do as much for me as other more exotic ones do. I do think this can be done right and 'fit' at GF. But Disney generally does far less right these days in O-Town, so it may be simply FW campfire at GF and that would be out of place. It's also telling how many very small things are being touted by Disney PR these days. I don't think Charlie Ridgway put out releases when FW started the campfire program and things of that ilk. Today, if they redo bathrooms at the TTC (oh, they did ... nice tile!) it seems like they need to announce it. ~What? A New Meet, Greet and Grope? YES!~
Originally Posted By dshyates I do find it odd that they issued a press release concerning this. And from what I understand the "Goodnight Kiss" at DAK has actually been going on at least since December. So they issue a press release now. Hmmm, odd.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I do find it odd that they issued a press release concerning this. And from what I understand the "Goodnight Kiss" at DAK has actually been going on at least since December. So they issue a press release now. Hmmm, odd.>> Yes and no. I think it's more a sign of the times and desperation tinged with Disney's desire to win over the fan community knowing in 2009 stuff like this isn't going to make most mainstream media ... but it will be played up on fansites. That's one of big reasons behind Disney's Social Media department ... and you could even call D23 part of the same thought process. I recall being at large media events at Disney when the fan sites were just becoming big and being told by a Disney bigwig that 'we'll never credential those Internet people to our events, they're simply fans' ... nowadays they'll give a credential to a kid working in mom's rumpus room with a laptop. They want attention. And bigtime/REAL media is downsizing. So you get pretend online 'media' instead. If you ever visit another MAGICal site you'll see how ... as old man Pierce so delicately put it ... when Mickey lets one fly it becomes 'news' ... Of course when REAL media now includes the likes of scary FOX and clueless CNBC, you can understand why Disney thinks it can control the online world. ~Yeah, that was a CoP nod~
Originally Posted By MPierce >> That's way off-base, MPierce. S'Mores aren't going to turn GF into Pop Century, and folks need to find a way to accommodate others whose families have a variety of entertainment needs. These activities aren't ruining your $400/night room, and they aren't ruining the theming of the hotel. << What's way off base, it's just my opinion. I never said the GF would be turned into the PC. I said this. " ^^^ Then why not make them all Pop Century like if that's the case. " Meaning, why even build luxury themed resorts. Why not just build them more to appeal to the kids. >> These activities aren't ruining your $400/night room, << I love this line. It's not my $400 a night room mainly because I don't stay there. Probably never will unless it's free. It's just not my kind of place. The GF is suppose to be a Luxury Resort filled with Romance. That is it's theme. That's why they have a high dollar wedding chappel there. They have a 5 star restaurant that you actually have to semi dress-up to get in. They'll even let kids in if they are 10 or older. You act like the poor little tykes aren't welcome at the GF, and they don't have anything to do at WDW other than sit in their room, and mope. How about Gasparilla's Grill & Games is a 24-hour quick-service restaurant and a rollicking game room. Play classic arcade favorites and the latest in video gaming entertainment, with food to fuel you close at hand. Maybe The Mouseketeer Club is a supervised activity center that keeps children laughing and playing the whole evening through while parents roam out for a carefree night on the town. The Club accommodates kids ages 4 to 12, entertaining them with arts and crafts, computer games, Disney movies, dinner and snacks in a lively environment created just for them. Reservations are required for the Mouseketeer Club, open daily from 4:30 p.m. to midnight. Please call the Front Desk or Concierge Services for reservations and more information. Extra charges apply for this service. (Shame on those adults for wanting some kid free time) Or From 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m every weekday, children ages 4 to 12 can join Alice and her curious friends at 1900 Park Fare for lunch, dessert and, of course, a spot of apple "tea" (apple juice). A "mad" time is had by all as kids decorate their own cupcakes, munch on heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and delight in the silly antics of familiar characters from Wonderland. The cost is $28.17 plus tax per child and space is limited, so make your reservations well in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Even Soak, splash and slide in the crystal-clear Beach Pool, distinguished by its zero-depth entry feature. Cascading waterfalls, a waterslide and a jacuzzi all provide for a day in paradise. A more tranquil swim can be had at the courtyard pool, which also features a kiddie pool for younger Guests. Just how much time do you want devoted to children's play time at a Luxury Resort, and Spa? For Pete's sake, you've got all of WDW around you for quality family time. Heck you can even take them down to your kid friendly nite-clubs at PI. Oh, I forgot they closed that up didn't they. Well the kids are just out of luck on that one. Jump a boat, and go over to FW for an evening with Chip and Dale. You can eat marshmellows, and s'mores to your hearts content. Grab a bus, and take them to DTD for a balloon ride or a movie. Is that accomadating enough for the families? If not I heard you could hire Spirit for a reasonable sum to perform magic tricks in the lobby of the GF for the little kiddies.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Given the reactions here, I wonder what folks would have said if the report was that Disney was going to build a gigantic gingerbread house in the middle of the lobby of the GF hotel every Christmas. Oh, wait -- they DO build a gigantic gingerbread house in the lobby every Christmas! Talk about an invasive showstopper! << And fits in very nicely with the Victorian charm of the GF. >> That's on the level of replacing the balcony band with a Doo-Wop revue for a couple months every year. << The balcony band works nicely with the theme of GF, while the Doo-Wop group would be more at home at PC. >> I don't know why s'mores and beach movies can't be done well, either. I don't understand the opinion that some activities are inherently more upscale than others. I think a lot depends on the execution, as well as the caliber of guest who participates - the latter of which is beyond control. << They don't sell Chopped Barbeque Beef Sandwitches or Chicken Fried Steak at Victoria and Albert's either. >> Now, I doubt the GF is going to hand out $9 bars of Bonnat chocolate with those Graham crackers, but we all can also enjoy a Hershey bar every once in a while too. It just requires looking over your nose rather than down it.... << Looking down your nose has absolutely nothing to do with it. It's all about themeing to me. I certainly wouldn't expect to go on a Hay Ride, and have a Lobster, and Champagne brunch at Trails End.
