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

[m&pForever]

I'll be honest....I used to LOVE it when it would snow . Before DH and I got married we used to head to Michigan all the time to go snowmobiling.....and we'd also go skiing in Wisconsin......we'd always be watching the weather channel to see where the snow was going to be the heaviest and head that way :
I thought you folks in NY got bombarded with snow all the time????
Deb

I like that idea of following the snow..you must have had great times doing that.
Upsate new york gets snow or eastern long island...anytime there is a snowstorm the tv always says north and west of the city or south and east lol

Afternoon!



Gabby is so gorgeous!
One funny thing that happened was we have cats around here that poop in our back yard. Well, Gabby found some and ate it. I called my sister and she said it was normal. I was horrified still and got her doggy tooth brush and toothpaste and dawned some cleaning gloves and brushed her teeth and sprayed out her mouth. She did not like it but I am Alpha dog! LOL!

TTYL

When my dog gets thru the gate into where the cats box is she (my dog) eats the cat's poop! but this is poop covered in litter like breaded cutlets
At least she is not as bad as my old dog who used to poop then turn around and eat it.
It was too gross
TMI, i guess

 

[m&pForever]

Did anyone see the price of the vip guide went up.
it was 125 and 150 at Christmas

Disney's website now says

Cost: $175.00 – $215.00◊ per hour.

 

[thesupersmartguy]

Hi all, here is that TR I promised: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2029616

We were there 8 days and only did 4 rides, so this one is pretty short. Look for a longer one in FEB

 

[irisbud]

Marvel,

that is sick but hilarious especially the "breaded cutlets"

Mandy, glad you're enjoying Gabby!

 

[m&pForever]

Hi all, here is that TR I promised: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2029616

We were there 8 days and only did 4 rides, so this one is pretty short. Look for a longer one in FEB

I see you updated your yacht club stay with more pics....too bad you lost the file with the suite pics...what bad luck to lose everything but the floor and door pictures.
Let us know if you find them.

Did you sneak a picture of kelly ripa?

 

[tinklvr64]

Is BIG BROTHER coming on soon???? I thought I just saw a PREVIEW...

ymmv, bttbc, and atj

 

[Alicnwondrln]

ridiculous

 

[mickeynut1]

Mandy......I bet your DH is so excited for graduation to get here . That stinks that his name won't be in the program and that he had to borrow a cap and gown due to the professor's negligence . But on the bright side he is walking and he has made a GREAT accomplishment by getting that degree . CONGRATS to you both because he couldn't have done it without you . Push some of that warm 80 degree weather up north . We've still got rain here and the temperature is dropping . Glad you all are enjoying Gabby . They are so cute when they're pups.......then some of them grow up to be HORSES . Hunter was a whole 5 lbs when we got him and he finally topped out at 105 . I call him my little pony .


Marvel......OMG.......DH was constantly GLUED to the tv when winter hit........he couldn't stop watching for fear he'd miss something . But we did have alot of fun back then.....of course that was before kids and alot of responsibility . But I guess that's what it's all about now.....the kids....and them having a great childhood . BTW......YIKES on the VIP guide prices . And I agree with Amy.....sick but funny on the "breaded cutlets".......very gross as I have a cat and a dog and have NEVER seen such a thing happen .


Amy ........Your days are winding down here......your wedding and trip will be here very soon . I'm so excited for you .


Dawn.....ONLY 3 MORE DAYS FOR YOU AND GRADUATION . Not sure about BIG BROTHER...sorry .


Deb

 

[traci]

Did anyone see the price of the vip guide went up.
it was 125 and 150 at Christmas

Disney's website now says

Cost: $175.00 – $215.00◊ per hour.

There is a thread about this in the theme parks forum. Someone posted another link and it said due to the economy they were doing it for $100 per hour (unless I misread).

Notice: In early fall 2008 Disney raised the hourly rates for their own VIP Tour Guide service from $125 per hour to $175 to $215 per hour depending on your hotel's location and holiday travel season. Given the nation's economy and stock market issues, we decided to keep our service rates at our current level of $100 per hour (plus 20% standard gratuity for your VIP Private Guide).

 

[vbarry]

Hi guys! Just got back. I know you all think I am a dumb blonde for not knowing how to use UPS but I am so spoiled by our post lady. I just bring a bunch of stuff in there and she boxes it up, seals it and mails it. Now that is service- no extra charge. I have everything in several boxes because I do not have one huge box but it would be nice to mail everything in one VERY large box. Oh well I will get it done at the first of next week!

OK- VIP guide stuff. I am going to email my contact lady and see what she says!

 

[goofygal531]

Upsate new york gets snow or eastern long island...anytime there is a snowstorm the tv always says north and west of the city or south and east l

Marvel, where in NY are you? Here in the city snow doesn't last long. It's grey slush before you know it. In the Poconos, we had 8 inches of snow just days before Halloween!

I hate the snow! I'll be one of those snowbird retirees spending six months in the North, six months in the South. DH and I really like South Carolina. Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head.... golf, shopping and warm weather! I could live there. (We have like 30 years until retirement! )

I just saw a commercial that Disney on Broadway is offering buy one get one free tickets for the next three months. I'm thinking of taking DS4 to see Mary Poppins with a few friends rather than spend the price of a value WDW vacation on party! These birthday party places are just crazy overpriced, but yet everyone pays it. I'm seriously boycotting a party this year. I just can't see paying $1,800 for a 90 min birthday party at Dylan's Candy Bar or Toys R Us Times Square. I've done it for the past four years, but now I'm done. Last year DS had 25 kids at his party. This year, the list is up over 35 kids! NO WAY! I'd rather do a show and lunch somewhere fun in times square with a few of his best buddies. Ugh! this is the ONE thing I hate about city living.

Vanessa: Don't let UPS box your stuff! They charged me $7 for a box one year! I think they even charged a few extra bucks to "box it up". Have it ready to ship.

Gotta get dinner going,
Mare

 

[m&pForever]

There is a thread about this in the theme parks forum. Someone posted another link and it said due to the economy they were doing it for $100 per hour (unless I misread).

Notice: In early fall 2008 Disney raised the hourly rates for their own VIP Tour Guide service from $125 per hour to $175 to $215 per hour depending on your hotel's location and holiday travel season. Given the nation's economy and stock market issues, we decided to keep our service rates at our current level of $100 per hour (plus 20% standard gratuity for your VIP Private Guide).

hmmm interesting....id love that price. Right now i dont see staying in the MK from 7am until Spectro (whih i want to see) but if that is the price hmmmm

Marvel, where in NY are you? Here in the city snow doesn't last long. It's grey slush before you know it. Mare

I'm in the city too , between the Bronx and Whitestone bridges.

 

[vbarry]

Ok- the lady who is my contact at VIP services said my rate is $150 and it has gone up to $175-$215.00 per hour. I guess not everyone is suffering due to the economy! I told her I read it on the Disboards. She got a kick out of that!

Mare- $1800 for a Bday party! I thought my $450 Tea Party was bad! Thanks for the info on UPS. I will have it boxed up and ready. I am not paying someone to put some tape on the box.

 

[mandymommy4]

Mare I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see Mary Poppins! I have heard it is fabu! I actually have a HS friend who is in it, just a dancer. I have a lot of friends that are struggling singers, actors, dancers, ect in NYC!

One of my girlfriends and I have talked about taking our DD's to NYC just for a day to see it! LOL we are both SAHM's, so the likely hood of that happening is..... NONE!

BTW: $1800 for a party! Down here you can have a awesome party that is run by someone else and includes food and crafts for around $175~

 

[m&pForever]

Ok- the lady who is my contact at VIP services said my rate is $150 and it has gone up to $175-$215.00 per hour. I guess not everyone is suffering due to the economy! I told her I read it on the Disboards. She got a kick out of that!

it looks like that quote is from tour guide mike's VIP service
at his site it says

Notice: In early fall 2008 Disney raised the hourly rates for their own VIP Tour Guide service from $125 per hour to $175 to $215 per hour depending on your hotel's location and holiday travel season. Given the nation's economy and stock market issues, we decided to keep our service rates at our current level of $100 per hour (plus 20% standard gratuity for your VIP Private Guide).

Disney's price increase is good for him. with his 20% tip its $120 an hour...Disney's was 125 an hour this summer and you are not allowed to tip. Only a 5 dollar difference...now at least a 50 dollar difference.

 

[vbarry]

it looks like that quote is from tour guide mike's VIP service
at his site it says

Notice: In early fall 2008 Disney raised the hourly rates for their own VIP Tour Guide service from $125 per hour to $175 to $215 per hour depending on your hotel's location and holiday travel season. Given the nation's economy and stock market issues, we decided to keep our service rates at our current level of $100 per hour (plus 20% standard gratuity for your VIP Private Guide).

Disney's price increase is good for him. with his 20% tip its $120 an hour...Disney's was 125 an hour this summer and you are not allowed to tip. Only a 5 dollar difference...now at least a 50 dollar difference.

I just figured it out after reading a little closer!

 

[goofygal531]

hmmm interesting....id love that price. Right now i dont see staying in the MK from 7am until Spectro (whih i want to see) but if that is the price hmmmm
.

You can split it up for two park days: 3 hours at MK and 3 hours at DHS? I thought Praline had said they do not accept ANY tips and that was the reason why she didn't book Tour Guide Mike (he did). We're all posting at the same time. I saw your other post, I think a lot of business is going to go to TGM. When Praline did it, they were the same price. It's really worth it if you have a group and can split the price up a bit. I believe you can have up to 10 people. We saw LOTS of tour guides T-giving week, the most I've ever seen. I think for the VIP parade and show seating, it's really worth it during the holidays.

I'm in the city too , between the Bronx and Whitestone bridges.

Okay, so you know the likelihood of use having a blizzard right? Ain't happening!

Mare- $1800 for a Bday party! I thought my $450 Tea Party was bad! Thanks for the info on UPS. I will have it boxed up and ready. I am not paying someone to put some tape on the box.

There is NOTHING under $1,000 in the city. Last year I paid $900 for 25 kids at a craft place. But I had by the favors separately ($12 each), pizza, cake, etc.... Everything was ala carte. Just the party time was $900! I'd love to have a gym party at Chelsea Piers but for just 10 kids it's $1,400. DS has 30 kids in his class, plus 5 friends from his playgroup that he's known from birth and my niece and our friend's son we're up to 37 kids. It's just not happening. Unless DH hits the lottery then we'll do the sleepover party in FAO Schwartz for $14,000 Yeah right!

For UPS, I actually just re-used a box I had gotten something delivered in. I printed everything out on the computer so it was neat and clear to read. Also make sure to cover the label with tape so it's waterproof, just in case.

Mare I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see Mary Poppins! I have heard it is fabu! I actually have a HS friend who is in it, just a dancer. I have a lot of friends that are struggling singers, actors, dancers, ect in NYC!

One of my girlfriends and I have talked about taking our DD's to NYC just for a day to see it! LOL we are both SAHM's, so the likely hood of that happening is..... NONE!

I've seen the Lion King (didn't get the hype) and Beauty and the Beast twice (loved it!). DS4 LOVES Mary Poppins! We had breakfast at CRT two weeks ago, and he asked Mary Poppins where the children were! I couldn't stop laughing. He was so concerned where the children were! She told him they were flying a kite with their father. Then she told him to stand up straight, don't slouch when taking a picture. He LOVED it!! He sees the commercials all the time for the broadway show and wants to go. I thought this would be a great surprise. Plus you can't beat $60 tickets for Orchestra, center stage!

That's cool your friends are in the show. I've heard it has a really amazing ending. I'm dying to see how they make her fly!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi guys! Just got back. I know you all think I am a dumb blonde for not knowing how to use UPS but I am so spoiled by our post lady. I just bring a bunch of stuff in there and she boxes it up, seals it and mails it. Now that is service- no extra charge. I have everything in several boxes because I do not have one huge box but it would be nice to mail everything in one VERY large box. Oh well I will get it done at the first of next week!

OK- VIP guide stuff. I am going to email my contact lady and see what she says!

Wow, you are spoiled!! Our PO peeps are wicked cranks. I had UPS box and ship a piece of art for me last summer.....$75. RIDICULOUS...and LOL...they forgot the cert. Dumb bunnies. I try and use Fed Ex whenever possible..but in all fairness they said most of that $75 was insurance -but still...that is nasty.

Wow..that VIP Guide stuff is crazy. Marvel..I think you go to MK early, eat lunch at Cinderella's castle and then leave for GF time...or see other resorts. What do the kids want to do? Do they want to be in MK for Christmas and in the castle?!?!?!

Mandy & all you poop eating dog owners..... Get a Newfie. They don't do that. Nope..no way.

Mare those bday party prices are hideous. I had 25 of Jojo's nearest and dearest 7 yr old friends at our house last January. I am NEVER EVER doing that again. It was her first HOME party and we way over did it. I always do Lucy's at home because she is a July girl and the kids swim and are outside...but a January bday is tough with them all being stuck inside and climbing the walls. We have always done Jojo's out but she wanted a home party last year. This year it's a slumber party but the invite list has been reduced to 6 to 8 girls.

It is so pretty and snowy here but the roads are horrible. Even in 4WD ....there is ice under the snow as it was raining earlier and I have not seen any salt/plow trucks go around!!! The driveway needs to be snow blowed...and Zack is not in a hurry to do it. We are gonna get plowed in when they finally come by...I know it......

TTYL....

Chan

 

[m&pForever]

You can split it up for two park days: 3 hours at MK and 3 hours at DHS? I thought Praline had said they do not accept ANY tips and that was the reason why she didn't book Tour Guide Mike (he did). We're all posting at the same time. I saw your other post, I think a lot of business is going to go to TGM. When Praline did it, they were the same price. It's really worth it if you have a group and can split the price up a bit. I believe you can have up to 10 people. We saw LOTS of tour guides T-giving week, the most I've ever seen. I think for the VIP parade and show seating, it's really worth it during the holidays.



Okay, so you know the likelihood of use having a blizzard right? Ain't happening!

Watch what you say...the snow gods are listening!!!!!!!!!!


With the vip tour You could split it up but the guide would still be on the clock.

I had wanted to use the guide for the morning and evening but if you want to take a break and go back to your room the guide stays on the clock because they are available to you during that time. Each day you book has to be a 6 hour minimum.
You could go from park to park if you wanted to on the same day. i considered that for AK since we never spend too much time in that park. I have AK scheduled for a day by itself but i might cancel that.

 

[goofygal531]

Each day you book has to be a 6 hour minimum.

Did this change recently? I remember they said you can do 3 or 4 hours one day at one park, then do another 3 or 4 at another park ON ANOTHER DAY. You have to have a minimum of 6 hours total. I think the only catch was it had to be consecutive days. Today and tomorrow - not today and next week.

I believe Praline did it. I think she split DHS and Epcot (I vaguely remember her TR with the details).

Chan: I would love to have a bday party at home. But we just don't have the room for that many kids. His bday is in February, so nothing outdoors. Honestly, he's too young to even "get it" I still have bday presents in his bedroom closet that he's never opened. He does not need "25 presents" and God forbid I wrote "no presents" on his invite, he'd have a cow! I'm thinking Mary Poppins then ESPN Zone in Times Square. He loves arcades!

I better get dinner going.

Oh Marvel, your snow might be coming after all! Chance of a Nor'Easter Thursday night into Friday! I hope not! Friday is DS's Holiday Concert at school. 9am!