Great Northern has changed over the years for the better. The new movie theater is a welcome expansion and gives movie goer's an alternative to the almost always crowded Regal Cinema in Crocker Park. I enjoy the shops here which include a Disney store and burger joint "The Rail". Their is also your "tried and true" restaurants and stores
Traffic is horrible. Say your prays as you try to merge into a lane in heavily congested rush hour traffic or hope that a car stops at a stop sign, or grow a lead foot as your try to beat the car next to you to the I-480 exit. Recent road work seems promising to fix the congestion, but i would wait and see first. Parking is equally as bad especially near the food court which shares a lot with Dick's sporting good and Red Lobster. I would recommend straping on your fitbit, park in the back and walking it out!
The mall is clean and even the bathroom's near the food court manage to be less nauseating than your typical mall bathroom. They also have a family area for your kids. The movie theater is connected to the mall for your shopping convenience.