Going to have to eat a lot of my words...

[DizMe]

Just got back yesterday from trip #4 since October. #1 was with dh and our 3 little ones, #2 was with my sister, #3 was with my oldest dd (26), and this one was with my mom, sister, and my 4 dds (5, 5, 8, and 26).

We had reservations for 2 rooms at DLH. I booked us in concierge rooms so my mom, who is 77 and in a wheelchair, would have a nice spot to hang out with one of us while the rest were in the park. She wanted to see the little ones at DL, something she hadn't done and probably will not be able to do again.

Eating my words #1: DLR called me shortly before our stay to tell me that the concierge lounge would be closed for refurb. They moved us to GCH concierge instead! We had rooms close to the elevators and lounge. WOW! It was awesome!! We stayed at GCH in October and were not very wowed at all. Our room was so far away from everything that it actually took longer to get to it than to the room I had at DLH with my sister. Our room was small and the stay was not very magical for us considering the price. I've repeatedly said that on the board. Ok...THIS time everyone on the staff went out of their way to be helpful and nice!! My mom was totally charmed. Not only that, but the other guests we met in the lounge were so friendly!! Each night when we'd go into our room we'd find the girls' stuffed animals arranged in a whole display on the bed, even waving! The concierge people would do things like run back into the kitchen and fix the girls cocoa with a huge dollop of whipped cream and chocolate syrup swirls! One dd ate so many chocolate strawberries I thought she'd explode. We loved GCH so much we managed to stay another night, and they allowed us to do it at the original rate I'd booked ($279 ap8 rate for DLH concierge). I know you're only supposed to have 5 per room but they knew we were downsizing to 1 room for the extra night's stay and didn't bat an eye. They even arranged for sleeping bags to be delivered to the room.

So...GCH = , but now I will always want to stay concierge!!

Eating my words #2: We arrived at DL after a long drive, and our first night found my 2 youngest (age 5) dropping in their tracks on the way back to the hotel. After oldest dd and I carried them to the hotel from the park exit, I decided strollers weren't such a bad idea after all

So...strollers =

Eating my words #3: We had an absolute blast at CA this time. I don't know why. I've never thought it was more than a nice respite from DL, but we spent a whole day there this trip and had a fantastic time!! I think it's because my mom was with us and can't go on any of the bumpy/fast rides, so we spent a lot of time at shows and attractions rather than rides. She LOVED the muppet 3D and Aladdin show. She enjoyed Turtle Talk and the zoetrope plus many other things in that building (the name escapes me at the moment). She really liked the princess dinner at Ariel's Grotto! We had a good time strolling through CA and her very favorite thing was Soarin'. On an older thread, I had posted that I didn't think CA was that great, but now I'm eating my words.

So...CA =

We had the greatest time, and I'm so glad that my mom got to experience DL with us. She had such a good time and we had an absolutely wonderful trip. Oldest dd saw Diane Keaton in CA. We had a great dinner at RFC and a super good lunch at BB, where we lucked out and got a waterside table for our party of 7

eta: I almost forgot eating my words #4: I was kind of indifferent to churros after trying them for the first time last trip. Somehow, I'm now addicted!!

 

[Stacerita]

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip.

 

[Sherry E]

Wow! This sounds like it was a fantastic trip all the way around, from the hotel to the meals to the parks! That is great about getting the concierge at GCH! I am so glad your mom had a wonderful time. I was not 100% thrilled with DCA the first couple of times I went in there either - it just lacks that certain extra magic that DL has in spades - but we also spent a whole day in DCA this past October and it really grew on me. I still think there are lots of things that could improve or be changed, but it is a nice complement to DL, I think, and it has its own personality. And I like a lot of the things that are in DCA that DL does NOT have, so now it is a don't miss for me!

Anyway, this truly sounds like it was a charmed trip for you and your mom, sister and daughters! (And I am glad for you that you didn't have a long, agonizing walk back to the GCH room because I know what you went through last time you had to do that - while in pain - and I would hate to think of that possibly happening again.)

 

[bonita_babe232]

I'm glad you had such a great trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

Yay, there's nothing like a trip where you realize there's more to enjoy than you thought before!

 

[evandmp]

Thats awesome. Remember when I posted my thread that they switched us to GCH and you said you wished that would happen to you, well there ya go! It is amazing isn't it BTW what nights were you there. I wonder if we crashed into you while there without knowing it.

(I was the preggo with the toddler (dd), long haired 4 year old son, and goofy husband. We were there Monday and checked out Wednesday. I ask because it seemed to be the same people in the lounge most of the time<: )

 

[LavenderPeach]

It sounds like you had a great time. Glad to hear there was a lot of disney magic happening for your family. What a fun trip!

 

[PinkBudgie]

I would seem like "words" never tasted so good! Glad you had a wonderful time.

 

[luvsmickey1968]

Lucky you, being switched to the Grand Californian for the same price!
We really enjoy DCA and it is always nice when other people do too!
I am so happy that you had such a great trip and you are so fortunate that you were able to enjoy it with your mother.

 

[ACDSNY]

Sounds like those were some good words to eat! I'm glad you enjoyed your trip. I love the Grand CA.

 

[Disneyluvr2]

Hi Cheri,
I was just thinking about you wondering if you had made it back yet. I'm so glad to hear you had a good time! Sounds like it's time to meet for hot cocoa and coffee again so I can see your pictures!

 

[mariezp]

What a wonderful recap! I am so glad that your move from the DLH to the GCH worked out well. I can imagine that you were a little nervous before your trip since your last time was not up to par.

This was our first year without our stroller. I was so worried about how our DD would do but she did fantastic. ME, I missed my cup holder! Still, I will always recommend to anyone that if you even THINK you might need it take one. Better to have one in tow than to have the entire family miserable from the kids whining or from the pain of an aching back when you end up having to carry them.

I have to agree with you about CA. I think it does kinda grow on you! It does not totally compare to the feel of DL but there are enough fun things to make it worth the time. I have to say that Soarin is actually probably my favorite ride of both parks so our trip wouldn't be complete with out a trek across the way.

Your report almost made me cry. You are so lucky to be able to make it to the park with your mother. I wish we could have made it to the park with mine.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

Glad you had a great time. I personally love GCH and always try to stay there...concierge there is the way to go! I am happy that you are now a fan of churros And DCA is pretty fun, hopefully you will continue to enjoy it. Again, glad you had a great trip and I am sure it makes you more excited until you go again!

 

[Teki]

congrats on a wonderful trip!

 

[nunzia]

Yea!! Nice report and it's great when impressions can be changed. Sounds like a great trip!