Trip Number 9 ~ It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year ~ Christmastime at the GF & Poly

[lala3291]

Check in sounds like it was quite the hassle! We had a similar issue when we checked into GF and stayed in SL in November. Our room was not ready yet, and we wanted to change. Luckily, we were able to change in the restrooms by 1900 PF. Unfortunately, breakfast was still going on, so that whole area was crazy and the restroom was full of people (it is small to begin with.) I think that SL definitely needs its own changing/restroom area in its lobby!

I think those screens at the bus stop are great too! Even though the times change often on them, at least you are able to get a pretty good idea of when the bus is going to get there.

Can't wait to read more about you and Jodi meeting up! I'm sure you gals had a blast!

 

[JoBird]

It was confusing to me and I wasn't even trying to be involved. I just wanted to say Hi and let ya'll do your thing.

Everyone was standing around looking at the lady and she was looking at you and us and the sheet and holy cow it was like, um, hello!?! Do your job that I know you can do. She acted as if you had requested a circus to come rolling thru with a band playing to give you a great big welcome or something when all you wanted was a place to change.


That's when I said okay we are outta here. Figured you might get further without the confusion of us yapping.

Whew. I'm so sorry that your arrival wasn't as wonderful as it should have been. It was bad enough that it took forever to get there, with all the stops on the bus. Grumble grumble don't get me started.

Okay, whelp I'm looking forward to hearing about your time in AK.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Yikes! What a hassle checking in was for you. I'm not sure why she didn't understand why you needed to change? Hello?

I love those screens! How convenient when you are waiting for a bus. Very neat!

Great start! I cannot wait to read more. If you are interested, I just started my TR this morning. The link is in my signature.

Yeah, it was weird to say the least. Not sure why it was such a strange request.

Those screens are pretty neat! I bet all the resorts will get them before too long.

Oh yes, I am very interested in your TR!! Be right over!

Check in sounds like it was quite the hassle! We had a similar issue when we checked into GF and stayed in SL in November. Our room was not ready yet, and we wanted to change. Luckily, we were able to change in the restrooms by 1900 PF. Unfortunately, breakfast was still going on, so that whole area was crazy and the restroom was full of people (it is small to begin with.) I think that SL definitely needs its own changing/restroom area in its lobby!

I think those screens at the bus stop are great too! Even though the times change often on them, at least you are able to get a pretty good idea of when the bus is going to get there.

Can't wait to read more about you and Jodi meeting up! I'm sure you gals had a blast!

That is strange that you had a similar issue. You would think that the CM's there would have a plan for this and not act like you are asking something out of the ordinary.

Yeah, even if the times are changing it is nice to have an idea when your bus is coming and not be sitting there without a clue!

Lots more to come!

It was confusing to me and I wasn't even trying to be involved. I just wanted to say Hi and let ya'll do your thing.

Everyone was standing around looking at the lady and she was looking at you and us and the sheet and holy cow it was like, um, hello!?! Do your job that I know you can do. She acted as if you had requested a circus to come rolling thru with a band playing to give you a great big welcome or something when all you wanted was a place to change.


That's when I said okay we are outta here. Figured you might get further without the confusion of us yapping.

Whew. I'm so sorry that your arrival wasn't as wonderful as it should have been. It was bad enough that it took forever to get there, with all the stops on the bus. Grumble grumble don't get me started.

Okay, whelp I'm looking forward to hearing about your time in AK.

I know -- awkward!! All I wanted to do was change into shorts!!

But no, it really didn't get much less confusing once you left.

Yeah, don't even get me started on the buses this trip. I just don't get it. The buses at the moderate are not like that at all. Not even close. So you pay more and get less.... I sure don't get it...

Lots of AK to come!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Well, that was sort of a PITA now, wasn't it?

I hope things improved with the service there!

Okay, I didn't copy the picture - but on the food table there is some tan things in a bowl with sticks? It is by the bowls of chips and pretzels. KWIM? What is that?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Well, that was sort of a PITA now, wasn't it?

I hope things improved with the service there!

Okay, I didn't copy the picture - but on the food table there is some tan things in a bowl with sticks? It is by the bowls of chips and pretzels. KWIM? What is that?

It sure was!

I forget what those things were called (maybe Jodi will know), but they were like a hard bread or cracker type thing. Didn't really have too much taste...

 

[ddluvsdisney]

We ran into the same issues when we stayed at the Poly. There is always a long wait to get into CR. Don't know what was up with that CM??? People change their clothes all the time. It can't be beautiful FL weather everywhere!!! Hello????
Those snacks in the lounge looked pretty good not a bad early lunch for me.

 

[meajuly5]

Reading!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We ran into the same issues when we stayed at the Poly. There is always a long wait to get into CR. Don't know what was up with that CM??? People change their clothes all the time. It can't be beautiful FL weather everywhere!!! Hello????
Those snacks in the lounge looked pretty good not a bad early lunch for me.

IDK what is up at the CR but it is annoying how long it takes to get in & out of there!!

Yeah, not sure what was up with that CM. It was all very strange.

Yep, it was a nice light lunch in the lounge!

Reading!

 

[JoBird]

Good Morning!

The sun is shining here, Migraine is finally gone. Need to move on to planning the September trip, not much time left to do it.





Okay um let's see---
Sheree, those things are called Cracker Stick Thingy-s. Yes that's the real term for them, given to them by me. IDK what they really are called but Mark loves the heck out of them with dip, so I'm always asking him if he wants more Cracker Stick Thingy's.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Good Morning!

The sun is shining here, Migraine is finally gone. Need to move on to planning the September trip, not much time left to do it.





Okay um let's see---
Sheree, those things are called Cracker Stick Thingy-s. Yes that's the real term for them, given to them by me. IDK what they really are called but Mark loves the heck out of them with dip, so I'm always asking him if he wants more Cracker Stick Thingy's.

You are too funny! I'd call them something like that too. I bet they'd be good with hummus.
Glad your migraine is gone! - you get those a lot? My co-worker was getting them (or so she thought) and they determined it was tension and made her do PT and exercises.

September huh? Are you booked at GF again? was there a bounceback? Is that before school starts or do you skip?
Did I ask enough questions?
This year we will start on 9/3. We'll just be back from Alaska on Labor Day weekend, so we'll have to get right down into school.

 

[JoBird]

Yep. Cracker Stick Thingy-s. It works. Not sure about the hummus. Never been able to convince myself to try it. I have a bit of a texture issue and that looks...... chunky or something to me.
But Mark says that it's great with the dips they serve- I think it's a spinach one and a tapenade type one too I think. I can't eat them since going Gluten Free.


Migranes--- ugh. I'm sure mine have something to do with tension but mostly hormones. They are a-changing. Loverly. "Welcome to 40! Obviously, it sucks." Favorite line EVAH. (btw, Mark remembered my 41st bday this year and showered me appropriately with gifts for days both before and after.)

I see you're going to Hilton Head!! Will you take a side trip to Charleston, my home town??
If you decide to and need suggestions, let me know-- I'd be happy to help! Your cruise sounds so wonderful! I have heard that those ones to Alaska are the best.


My kids are not going to be out of school for our trip. In fact one of them is leaving the nest heading to college so she won't be with us. I will take them out of school but they'll miss only 4 days.

I'm a bad parent and yes I got the nasty gram from the school already this year after they missed 5 days in December. But they all made A's this quarter after the trip. Next year Drew will be in HS so it will be a little harder but I'm not worried about it.

 

[JoBird]

Forgot to say that yes, we are staying at the Grand again. Even with all of the commotion we experienced this past trip and it wasn't my favorite one we ever had. But the GF is my "home" resort- I love it so much so I'm going to give it a chance to redeem itself. I figured that it was just bc there were so many dang people around I couldn't enjoy it like before.

While I was there I got a 35% BB email and booked from my balcony overlooking the marina the last day before we checked out. Best call I've ever had with a CM.

However, On Thursday of this week I got 2 Pincodes thru snail mail for 35% off deluxes!!
I thought I was doing good with my BB-- I was terrified there wouldn't be a good pincode or GP discount. sigh. Oh well. We are booked!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Okay - now I'm hungry for cracker thingy-s and dip.

I didn't know you were from Charleston - we'd like to try to get there. But our trip is fairly short. I think we won't get to HH until Monday (dang dance competition that weekend) and then we leave on Friday to Asheville and home. So maybe. We're going to Savannah for sure.

You have one going to college already? WOW! I always have pulled kids out without a second thought. They are good students, get their work done and have met with little resistance from the teachers. Of course I get the "official" feedback about 5 days being the max, but whatever. I know my kids better than the school administration does.

What a great deal for 35% off! I'd like to get that for Poly. Or 40% would be better, but they don't do that one much anymore. I don't get pins anymore, I wonder if it's b/c they know we're DVC members? I'd still like to stay at Poly sometime. I'll wait on GF until the DVC opens up there.

 

[JoBird]

Charleston girl, born and raised and then left when Mark and I got married and haven't lived there since.

If you decide to stop in, just let me know and I'll try to help you out. Will you go to the Biltmore in Asheville?? Haven't been there in ages but it's wonderful.

Oh yes-- my MC is heading to college in the Fall. She is all and I'm all



I come from a long line of parent puller out-ers for the kids school. Growing up my mom sometimes would wake me up and say- instead of going to school let's just go to Myrtle Beach. It happened a lot actually. One year I missed 40-ish days of school.



Still managed to graduate and become a nurse so I suppose it didn't hurt me any.
So yeah--- I pull my kids out for trips often.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Yeah, we're going to see the Biltmore, but also my college roomie lives there so we're going to visit with her a day too.

I will definitely ask about Charleston as we get a little closer. (I don't want to lose the info!) There is another DISer, who goes by CharlestonPrincess on the boards who also grew up there and has lots of info I've seen in other TRs and threads. She lives near Atlanta now.
If it's so great, why'd you all leave? JK! I'd love to see it. Can it be a day trip from HH? We'll have to just hit some highlights.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I come from a long line of parent puller out-ers for the kids school. Growing up my mom sometimes would wake me up and say- instead of going to school let's just go to Myrtle Beach. It happened a lot actually. One year I missed 40-ish days of school.



Still managed to graduate and become a nurse so I suppose it didn't hurt me any.
So yeah--- I pull my kids out for trips often.

Your mom sounds absolutely fabulous!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Charleston girl, born and raised and then left when Mark and I got married and haven't lived there since.

If you decide to stop in, just let me know and I'll try to help you out. Will you go to the Biltmore in Asheville?? Haven't been there in ages but it's wonderful.

Oh yes-- my MC is heading to college in the Fall. She is all and I'm all



I come from a long line of parent puller out-ers for the kids school. Growing up my mom sometimes would wake me up and say- instead of going to school let's just go to Myrtle Beach. It happened a lot actually. One year I missed 40-ish days of school.



Still managed to graduate and become a nurse so I suppose it didn't hurt me any.
So yeah--- I pull my kids out for trips often.

We have good friends that moved to SC a few yrs. ago when we went to visit they took us to Charleston for the day. It is BEAUTIFUL there!!
It almost made me want to move.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Well I see you ladies were busy chatting away while I was at work today!!



Let's see....what did I miss??

Um yes, cracker stick thingys - that's exactly what it said beside them.

What else??

Oh yeah, still can't believe MC is off to college this year. Makes me sad and she's not even mine!!

Still haven't gotten to Charleston....maybe one of these days...

And lastly -- I think I am done with taking my kids out of school for trips. We are allowed up to 10 days and the school is fine with it, but they only missed 5 days and DS13 had a heck of a time getting caught up. Next year he will be starting HS and DS11 will be starting MS. So it may be summer trips to WDW from here on out. Which is fine I guess, we always have that last week in August when almost everyone else is already back to school and we can vacation!! But dang it -- what if I want to go 2X a year???

Good Morning!

The sun is shining here, Migraine is finally gone. Need to move on to planning the September trip, not much time left to do it.





Okay um let's see---
Sheree, those things are called Cracker Stick Thingy-s. Yes that's the real term for them, given to them by me. IDK what they really are called but Mark loves the heck out of them with dip, so I'm always asking him if he wants more Cracker Stick Thingy's.

So glad that nasty migraine is gone!!

How's the Sept planning coming along?

 

[JoBird]

Yeah, we're going to see the Biltmore, but also my college roomie lives there so we're going to visit with her a day too.

I will definitely ask about Charleston as we get a little closer. (I don't want to lose the info!) There is another DISer, who goes by CharlestonPrincess on the boards who also grew up there and has lots of info I've seen in other TRs and threads. She lives near Atlanta now.
If it's so great, why'd you all leave? JK! I'd love to see it. Can it be a day trip from HH? We'll have to just hit some highlights.

Biltmore is beautiful!!! You will love it. Make sure to get some of the wine at the winery.
Had to move from CHS and follow Mark around the country with his job. He's in consumer packaged goods-- and there's nothing in SC for us. Unfortunately.

Your mom sounds absolutely fabulous!

She was fab, before she became a grouchy stick in the mud old lady.

We have good friends that moved to SC a few yrs. ago when we went to visit they took us to Charleston for the day. It is BEAUTIFUL there!!
It almost made me want to move.

So glad you loved it there! It is my favorite place--- Did you know it was voted #1 city in the WORLD by Conde Nast this year? http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-c...on-cape-town-bangkok-vancouver-photos#slide=1

Shocking honestly even though I love my home.

Well I see you ladies were busy chatting away while I was at work today!!



Let's see....what did I miss??

Um yes, cracker stick thingys - that's exactly what it said beside them.

What else??

Oh yeah, still can't believe MC is off to college this year. Makes me sad and she's not even mine!!

Still haven't gotten to Charleston....maybe one of these days...

And lastly -- I think I am done with taking my kids out of school for trips. We are allowed up to 10 days and the school is fine with it, but they only missed 5 days and DS13 had a heck of a time getting caught up. Next year he will be starting HS and DS11 will be starting MS. So it may be summer trips to WDW from here on out. Which is fine I guess, we always have that last week in August when almost everyone else is already back to school and we can vacation!! But dang it -- what if I want to go 2X a year???


So glad that nasty migraine is gone!!

How's the Sept planning coming along?

Um hum.... I was keeping em all entertained.
Sept plans are going okay. Thinking I need to arrive Friday instead of Saturday now.


Remind me again in Sept when the kids are trying to catch up with school work how I said my kids would do okay if I took them out.


I'm wearing my Laila perfume today and Belle gets off the bus and says MOM you smell like Epcot!!!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

So glad you loved it there! It is my favorite place--- Did you know it was voted #1 city in the WORLD by Conde Nast this year? http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/top-cities-in-the-world-charleston-cape-town-bangkok-vancouver-photos#slide=1

Shocking honestly even though I love my home.

cloud9:

Wow #1 in the world- that is pretty impressive!