Having a GRAND time - the NEW Official GF Chat Thread PART 3

[vbarry]

Amy- What a terrible day you had. Glad it turned out ok. I am going to try and go out with the girls today since we are stir crazy. Hopefully it will be a little better on a Monday.

Channing- No school due to ice/snow and very cold temps. We are one of five schools out so we probably could have gone. It is nice and sunny right now.

Sugar Loaf was not available when we checked. Now they have a suite and GV. Oh well.

 

[goofygal531]

How did you like Hoop Dee Doo? We want to do that sometime. I know what you mean about wanting a hot breakfast . DH and DSs can't go on donuts or muffins every day......they need something a little heartier . That's the only thing I don't like about the YC/BC.....we love that area and the resorts are beautiful......but the breakfast thing keeps us away . But the deluxe dining plan would cure that.....so I'm thinking we'll do that plan the next time we want to stay at an Epcot resort; although it is ALOT of food .

OMG! Do you have any idea what it's like to explain to a four-year-old why he can't have a Mickey Waffle for breakfast at the BWI? DS4 just didn't understand!! "But Mommy we're in WDW, we had them last time" "Yes, sweetheart, but this resort doesn't have them for breakfast" "Then why are we here and not at our Disney Home (aka GF)?" UGH! Then he sees the GF from the monorail and doesn't understand why we can't go to our room at the GF, that we're staying at the BWI!!!

We love the HDDR! The food is actually really good which surprised me. DS4 loved the show and still talks about it. We sat upstairs and at first were disappointed with our seats, but once the show started they were perfect, we were right over the stage. I don't really think there's a bad seat in the theater. We did the first show at 5pm - there's three shows a night (7pm and 9pm) The only thing that's a pain is getting out of FW after the show. The boat dock is very very crowded.

Oh, the other thing we did on the DxDDP was order room service on our last morning. We had the left over credits for it (2TS credits per person). DS4 got his Mickey Waffle! The CM for PD was an idiot (of course, I'm at the BWI what did I expect!) She kept questioning me that I wanted to use up 6 TS credits on breakfast. YES now take my order! She charged me $5 for toast as it's not included then gave me the wrong bread when it was delivered!

All DH and I kept thinking about if we were at the GF we would have ordered PD from Narcoossee's! We couldn't get an ADR for all week but would have been happy to dine in our room. Oh well....

I also NEVER would have paid $113 OOP for CRT! That is just insane for scrambled eggs for 2 adults and 1 child!

I really should get up, I've been sitting on the sofa all morning while DS1 naps. I have presents to wrap!

Mare

 

[goofygal531]

We've done HDD 3 times over the years. we enjoy it each time though some might find it too cheesey. Each time we went we had different friends or family with us. I enjoy it more with people who havent seen it before. Not sure I'd do again just us...

I agree. This was our second time seeing it. We saw it for the first time 2 years ago. DS4 enjoyed it much more this time around, as he got all the corny jokes. DS1 was just happy to eat the ribs and corn bread! He's the eater in our family!

Oh and I forgot to mention on the DxDDP you get like never ending snack credits! For the life of us, we just couldn't use them all up. We'd order beverages, ice cream, popcorn, pastries, etc... Finally, on our last day, I went into Mousegears in Epcot they have section marked "snack credits" in the candy section and I bought a bunch of candy to take home. DS4 loves the mickey chocolate coins (I surprise him now and then with one in his lunchbox). I think the snack credits would be great for your teenagers.

We did use the snack credit for fried rice in Epcot and AK for lunch for DS1. That was nice. To get a meal out of a snack credit.

You also get refillable mugs, which we never used since we stayed CL and had beverages available.

 

[Lives4Disney]

hey guys...omg..I am stressed out....it's piling on fast. I am feeling bad....I need to stop it. The nice words made me cry.

Anyway....AMy, thanks for that. I haven't had a bad panic attack in a long long time..it came out of nowhere. I just ususally tell myself to KNOCK IT OFF...but it stayed with me. It's ok...I know what it is so it's not as creepy as before I realized it's just panic. That is crazy what a bad day you had!!!!!!! THANK GOD your little wallet was found. I have the same system!!! I don't think it's a good one. I have too much junk!!! That is funny about the keys in the ignition. Christmas stress sucks......makes ya do wacky things!

Vanessa...bummer about the SL. But you never know. If that's what you want maybe you will wind up with it. Wow...yes it is NASTY cold out today.

We go to UIC to monitor Lucy's vision. At least she's had a good year. And...the weirdest thing...(usually I am a hopeful person, but it's just always a PITA and drag to go & brings me down KWIM?) But anyway.... She is really named Lucia (loo chee ah - chia pet lol)....and....I seriously remember the day I started calling her Lucy when she was about 4 months old...sitting in her swing and staring at me with her HUGE round blue eyes....I sat looking at her into her eyes and just thought "You are my LUCY".

....and then...come to find out when she was 6 yrs old she was losing her sight....BUT...then somebody pointed out to me that St. Lucy is the patron saint of SIGHT and gave her a little St. Lucy medallion. AND...even more strange...our first appointment at UIC - that we called to schedule in September and THEY CHOSE FOR US the first they could get us in - was on St. Lucia Day....Dec 13 (but we didn't know that until much later) Those little spooky things make me think there is somebody watching out for her.

OK....I am off! Have to run and get ready to go.

TTYL!! Chat a lot so I have fun reading when I get back.

Chan

 

[vbarry]

Channing, Channing- that is such a sweet story! Brought tears to my eyes. Maybe something different will happen today but if not there is always hope for the future. I know when we haul Lexi three hours to the Iowa clinic that it is the same old thing but we still do it. I just cannot stand the fact of taking her away from the doctor that helped us. Have a great day!!!

DAWN- I forgot to tell you congrats on your graduation!! WAY TO GO!!!! and honors...you should be proud!

 

[irisbud]

Channing, that is a sweet story. It made me tear up as well. I agree with Vanessa, even if today is not the day then maybe sometime in the future. I'm sure that dosen't make it too much better, though. Hoppe your visit goes well!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We're Back!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a GRAND time and are pooped! DS is home with me as he came down with the stomach flu late Saturday night My apologies to anyone who rode the boat back with us on our way back to the GF after MK

We were upgraded to a lodge tower room in Conch Key that was WONDERFUL!!!! Even DH said he wouldn't have given up that room even if they offered us RPC- the extra space was wonderful!! AND, he agreed to stay at the GF again next November/December instead of the CR

I will check in for real tomorrow with more details. I have laundry, grocery shopping, a sick kid and a doggie to pick up.!

TTYL!!!
Kristin

PS: Check out my new ticker- I booked the airfare this AM with my ticketless travel funds and still have $100+ to spare if DH decides to tag along!!

 

[irisbud]

Kristin: sounds like you had a great trip. Sorry about DS getting sick! Hopefully he gets well soon. Congrats on the upgrade; sounds like a great room! And congrats on getting DH to agree to GF again! can't wait to hear about the rest!

 

[mickeynut1]

Kristin....WELCOME BACK!!!!! Sorry DS is sick . I hope he's feeling better soon....he can't be sick for Santa . Glad you had a great time and congrats on the room upgrade . Can't wait to hear all about your trip . YAY for the new ticker/trip .


Amy........OMG that is horrible the day you had yesterday . I'm glad everything worked out ok and that someone honest found your wallet and turned it in .


Chan......What a precious story......it brought tears to my eyes . Anything can change at anytime.....you just never know .


Mare.......Too funny about your DS....but I know just what you mean . When they're little like that they don't quite understand some things even though we explain it . And I agree with you on the snacks with the DlxDDP........all my boys want to do is EAT.......so all those snack credits would come in pretty handy .


Vanessa......Hopefully SL will open up again (or even RPC )......just keep trying and maybe it will happen .


Deb

 

[goofygal531]

Chan: That is so beautiful! I believe in Guarding Angels ! And LUCIA! That's our girl's name (if we had one!) That's DH's favorite girl's name! Hope all goes well today for you and Lucy.

Deb: I think if you dine at 2TS Signature Restaurants than the DxDDP is worth it. My kids just love the character meals, so we did it for them. I know this will pass and in a few years we'll be able to enjoy good food again. Not that they don't behave or sit in restaurants, it's just WDW. I couldn't make them dine at adult restaurants all week when they could be having so much fun with the characters.

Kristen: Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all the details! Congrats on the upgrade! So sorry your little guy is sick! My boys caught the same bug as soon as we returned. DS4 was fine for two days then it hit him at 3am. Way to go on the airfare! When you get settled, we'd love to hear how you enjoyed the DxDDP. Don't you always use it?

Amy: Glad you found your wallet. Sorry you had such a rough day.

Mare

 

[m&pForever]

We're Back!!!!!!!!!!!!


TTYL!!!
Kristin

Welcome back!! hope you son feels better and you get to rest.

AND...even more strange...our first appointment at UIC - that we called to schedule in September and THEY CHOSE FOR US the first they could get us in - was on St. Lucia Day....Dec 13 (but we didn't know that until much later) Those little spooky things make me think there is somebody watching out for her.

Chan

very beautiful story, im glad you shared it.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

hey everyone I am home and we just got the power back.
The house is cold but the heat is on and I just cleaned out the fridge, it was stinky!!

ttyl

 

[irisbud]

Glad you got your power back, Kelly!

 

[mandymommy4]

We are home and tired! We got to settled at our hotel and had enough time to get to Epcot for the fireworks, we had a great day Saturday at teh MK and then had a horrible experience at MGM Sunday that I will tell you guys about later.

I got to meet Siobhan at the MK sat! I was in front of the castle and we were trying to find each other while talking on our phones and she saw me and pushed through the crowd and we got to meet up right in front of the castle!

OK gotta run and take care of getting unpacked and get school clothes ready and wash all the stuff from the suitcase.

ttyl!

 

[irisbud]

Sounds like you had a (mostly) good time, Mandy! Sorry about whatever happened at MGM! Glad you got to meet Sibohan!

 

[BlueSkies]

Good Afternoon GF Gals and Mr M!

I did get alot accomplished today...but...still not done shopping.. almost though

Channing Thank you for sharing your story it touched my heart...hope that today goes well for Lucy

Amy OMG What a day..bless the honest person who found your wallet and turned it in untouched...now a days you never know...glad things went so well with the tool box...I love your gift idea for your family back pack passporter..I know thats a gift I'd like!!

Deb Hope that your DS is feeling better at least its before Christmas...

Kristin WELCOME BACK!! Sorry that your little guy is sick too...hope hes feeing better soon...cant wait to hear about your trip...congrats on the upgrade...that is a great room!!! BTW love your new ticker...

Marvel What a close call...kids!!! thats all I can say...

We are HDD fans too...we like to go see it every few years...and Mare I agree the food is pretty good...DH likes the sangria... I was chosen to be the CAN CAN dancer once!!! Imagine... it was kind of fun...

Mandy How nice that you got to meet up with Siobhan...and right in front of the castle...

Kelly The power is on and youre home!!!

I neeed to go and get some stuff done around here...TTYL

 

[mickeynut1]

Mare.......We've never done any 2TS dinners so when we do the DlxDDP we have a list of signature restaurants to try . I totally understand about not doing the signature restaurants with little ones . My two were always good in restaurants when they were little, but at WDW they wanted all the characters and fun while they ate too.......so we also did our share of those . Although we still do one or two each trip because even as adults me and DH like the fun atmosphere with the characters every now and then....and both DSs even though they're teens get a kick out of the characters still .


Kelly.......YAY you're home . Glad your power is back on . Hopefully your house has warmed up .


Mandy......Glad your trip was nice . I'm sorry about MGM......hopefully it wasn't anything too horrible that happened . I'm glad you got to meet Siobhan .


Chan......How did Lucy's appointment go ?


Deb

 

[BlueSkies]

Deb Posting at the same time again...

We do a character breakfast during each trip also...our teens still get a kick out of it too...its good old Disney fun..

There are alot of nice signature restaurants to choose from...now if we can get those ADRs we'll be in good shape!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I am back!!! We got some good news and some not so good.

Lucy lost more side vision out of her left eye...BUT her central vision has stayed the same and that part of her retina looks pink...healthy. And she had some cysts on her retinas and the left one is the same..and the right eye is the same or better. Weird since she would NOT take the prescription drops.....

Whew..what a long day though. Until next year. (and i forgot to make my appointment..have to call tomorrow)

Kelly...YAY you are home! I bet that feels good.

Mare...I LOVE the name Lucia...When I was pregnant with Zack I wanted a girl desperately and was even planning on a Lucia back then. I always knew I would have a Lucia....but she is not what I ever pictured. I figured for sure she'd be dark like Jojo is....but I have a fair Lucia..more of a Swedish blond blue eyed Lucia than the Italian. But as far as saints go...Lucy/Lucia..they are kind of the same but just in different parts of the world called by a diff name. It gave me goosebumps when I was told who St. Lucy is.

Mandy...wow..what happened?!?!?

Kristin - that is great the DH is in agreement for next winter at GF!!! Must have been a spectacular time. Bummer about DS. I hope he gets better soon and you guys stay healthy.

Hi Deb...Hi Blue Skies....Where is Dawn?!?!?!!? Tomorrow night is CELINE!!! I was just in her neck of the woods!! I saw the exit for United Center.

Did anybody bake any cookies??? OMG...I have to get my act together....I HATE christmas...I used to love it....I am feeling way way way overwhelmed by it every year more and more. I have to get packages mailed out tomorrow..finish shopping, clean up all the crapola my kids left around for their ornaments.....do the regular stuff...laundry, cleaining..running kids to stuff....

February!! Where are you!?!?!?!?

TTYL,
Chan

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

Kel- Glad you're home!

Chan- Sounds like a long day, but not bad news. I have been baking this week, and then tasting the baking. I swear my pants are tight! UGH!

Kristin- Welcome home!

Mandy- glad you got to see Siobhan, Can't wait to hear about the Studios.

Blue- My teen boys love the character meals too...weird but they really do. Chef Mickey and LTT...they are goofs!