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

[Lives4Disney]

Mandy, that is what I was thinking too...about you being in the right place at the right time. Things happen for a reason. That is amazing you were where you were and it all ended ok. BUT..I am still blown away at the lame butt reactions of the CMs....they were probably afraid to rock the boat and offend the guy or whatever...but somebody should have stepped up and said SOMETHING. And I wonder about cameras. Since you did talk to GS, maybe they can find something on a security camera? Or that other mother can identify the guy?? What happened to you makes me sick. It's so creepy.

Blue Skies...LOL....I haven't seen that thread...I am going ot have to look! The first time we stayed at the Poly we did so because my husband really wanted to. OMG...he said he will be fine if we never go back. He had his fill of apathetic cast members and the small crowded pool, and obnoxious guests.....it IS a pretty resort but there is something about it that makes people let their kids run like wild animals and people do rude piggish things there. Maybe it's the freeing island spirit theme.... And...I saw your question about the suites at the GF...there are suites in every building. Suites do have concierge lounge privileges. I think the suites in Sago, Conch, Boca and Big Pine have access to SL and RPC. Suites in SL only have SL lounge access is what I was told.

Dawn! Have a wonderful time tonight!! What great graduation celebration timing. Except for the weather....crud. Drive safe and have a fun fun time. I really like her new songs.

Hi to everybody. I have set a couple goals for myself today to make myself feel better....and here I sit. I have to get some coffee in me!!! I have a mega low dose caffeine head ache right now .....since I had a panic attack I have laid off the caffeine dosage a bit and it's catching up with me.

TTYL,
Chan

 

[goofygal531]

The first time we stayed at the Poly we did so because my husband really wanted to. OMG...he said he will be fine if we never go back. He had his fill of apathetic cast members and the small crowded pool, and obnoxious guests.....it IS a pretty resort but there is something about it that makes people let their kids run like wild animals and people do rude piggish things there. Maybe it's the freeing island spirit theme....

You're too funny!

I stayed at the Poly once in 2005. It was my mom's first and only trip to WDW with me and DS. We had a wonderful time. It was also the dead of winter, it wasn't crowded at all. She loved the grounds and thought it was paradise! She'd never been anywhere out of our Tri-State area before, so to her it was just amazing. She was blown away. I really liked our room by the Volcano Pool. I thought the room was really large and spacious and was very convenient to the main building. It's just too emotional for me to stay at the Poly again as my mom is no longer with us. But I never had a problem there. Then again, if anything did go wrong I might have overlooked it as my Mom was happy as a clam and I was just so proud and happy to take her to WDW after all the year of ME nagging HER to take me as a child!

This June we'll be going to O'hanas for the first time in years. So if you see an emotional wreak at a table, it's me. Last time I ate there was with my mom.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Im glad you received some good news about Lucy even with losing a bit more side vision.


Thanks, Marvel. We felt good after we left! It wasn't terrible...sometimes it is and we leave feeling very defeated. But it has been a good year and we haven't noticed a lot of loss so it was good to have it confirmed. And the fact that she still has healthy central vision is a good sign the Dr said.


I think it would do you and my wife good to have a drink and toast to crazy parents/inlaws

That is so sad. It's funny....but it's sad. Guilt does nasty things to people....Vanessa, you gave them the invite. They declined. You were set free at that point!!! Go and enjoy and don't lose anymore sleep.


Mandy do not doubt yourself for one second that this was a concerned citizen. He was not! If he was then he was a complete moron.
Someone who was concerned would not leave the playground but would talk to a CM there. And there are plenty there right? We visted that spot last time. I thought a child couldnt enter or leave without an adult
I remember seeing many many CMs.

anyone concerned would see where she was reaching for and stay there...in that area...
anyone with half a brain doesn't bring a lost child around but stays right in the area and seeks help there.
I am disgusted that CM said that to you. What was the guy going to do? run away with her in his arms? fight you? play tug of war? of course he would hand her to you...he doesn't want to get caught or bring attention to himself.

AMEN....that could have been a tragedy. That guy obviously had bad motives.

We have seen children with that 'lost' look on their faces before. I always have my wife watch the child or say hello while i get a CM to help.

I would never ever pick up a child to 'go find some help'

Yes...exactly....we always just stay there and talk to the child...keep an eye out for a CM...maybe hold hands but NEVER pick up and move away from the area.PLUS...it's always ME...never DH...because I always tell me kids if they are lost look for a MOM WITH KIDS...not a man...or a cast member...now I think I will dump the cast member part..

regarding this
I don't understand how a man could walk out with a little girl screaming "mommy, daddy" and reaching out like she was and no CM stopped him.

It remindedme of when my kids were younger and we were leaving Epcot. My dau did not want to leave and was giving us a hard time by the fountains near spaceship earth. I picked her up and she screamed and kicked while we walked out. I said to my wife that people are going to think we were kidnapping her. That is the only thing i can think of why he was able to get past any CMs

TRUE....but creepy. I have seen that a few times...and it always makes me think bad things though. I have even said to my kids when they wre little..STOP SCREAMING or they will think we are kidnapping you. IT WORKS!!!
Thank God you came out when you did. And thank you for spreading this message everywhere you can and by writing to Disney. I'm sure many people will remember this and keep a stronger eye on thier children. Who knows how many people you will have helped by this. I hope knowing that brings you a tiny bit of comfort. I will certainly have this in my mind next week.

It is SO FRICKEN COLD HERE TODAY!!! (had to throw that in)

Chan

 

[m&pForever]

He had his fill of apathetic cast members and the small crowded pool, and obnoxious guests.....it IS a pretty resort but there is something about it that makes people let their kids run like wild animals and people do rude piggish things there. Maybe it's the freeing island spirit theme
Chan

Do you have to bring up bad memories for me

 

[Lives4Disney]

You're too funny!

I stayed at the Poly once in 2005. It was my mom's first and only trip to WDW with me and DS. We had a wonderful time. It was also the dead of winter, it wasn't crowded at all. She loved the grounds and thought it was paradise! She'd never been anywhere out of our Tri-State area before, so to her it was just amazing. She was blown away. I really liked our room by the Volcano Pool. I thought the room was really large and spacious and was very convenient to the main building. It's just too emotional for me to stay at the Poly again as my mom is no longer with us. But I never had a problem there. Then again, if anything did go wrong I might have overlooked it as my Mom was happy as a clam and I was just so proud and happy to take her to WDW after all the year of ME nagging HER to take me as a child!

This June we'll be going to O'hanas for the first time in years. So if you see an emotional wreak at a table, it's me. Last time I ate there was with my mom.

Aw, Mare...that is sweet.....I hope you change your Ohana adr though..last time we ate there is was HORRID!!!!! HORRID!!! *sorry*

I am glad it was a memorable and NICE time for you and your mom. Those memories are precious I am sure. But at the Poly?!?!?! Just kidding....kind of.

It IS a pretty resort....I like the lush tropical paradise look. Fiji or Tahiti is going to be my dream place home.....when I want to run away from here that is where I think I would go....LOL...But the Poly doesn't live up to my South Pacific dreams.....

Do you have to bring up bad memories for me

Well....I am traumatized by my Poly memories...I have to share the trauma. It makes me feel better.

Chan

 

[irisbud]

Good morning everyone!

Mandy: I can't even imagine how terrified you must have been. Thank God you were where you were! Things happen for a reason . The reaction of the CMs was inexcusable! I can see where they would let you walk past with a screaming kid throwing a fit (a la Marvel) but it is scary that they wuld let a man carrying a girl screaming for her parents just walk past. I'm so glad everything turned out all right.

Channing: I'm glad there was some good news at least! I'm sure it gives you more hope for next time

Vanessa: Don't let MIL ruin things for you (I know, easier said than done!) She had her chance to come, now she just wants to rain on your parade because she won't be in it

Dawn: Have fun at the concert!

Mare: I think doing things to excess is a man thing (sorry Marvel!) DF is like a bull in a china store when he does a lot of things!

Deb: My parents still tell me they love me when I talk to them on the phone or see them, and my grandma always did as well. I think it is nice you still do that with your boys. It's reassuring

BS: Are you going to do a suite on your next vacation?

Maxie: Have a safe trip home!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[goofygal531]

I hope you change your Ohana adr though..last time we ate there is was HORRID!!!!! HORRID!!! *sorry*

Really! I haven't been there but a good friend of mine just went in August and RAVED about it. Then, again it was her first time there. She said the food was amazing. This was during free dining (last week of Aug).
So Kona Cafe is better?

I can't make any ADRs yet!! Their system is down until mid-January!!

Well....I am traumatized by my Poly memories...I have to share the trauma. It makes me feel better.

I hear ya! I'm traumatized by the BWI!

Hey did you see my cookie questions??

I really need to go and start my !!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, Amy!!

Mare....LOL...we always loved Ohana...It was a must do every trip. We even had Lucy's bday there one year....but last time...I think it was March actually...it was nasty bad. BAD BAD BAD....we skipped it in July. That was our first icky Ohana experience and even the kids don't want to try it again. Usually they are more amenable to a redo than I am....but they were yucked out. They had changed the menu a bit...the noodles...ew...pineapple and peanuts...and then the meat was nasty......Kona in July was our best meal!!! And oddly enough we happened to get a waitress from our own little home town!!! She was GREAT and we would definitely go back to Kona.

OK..the cookie question. If you just do a basic house there is enough dough. The sides can be about 8 inches long and 4 to 5 inches tall. The sides and roof are about the same size...then you make the two ends that have the roof line points...kwim?


Make sure you use the glue frosting to hold the house sides down to your base. We don't do it directly on a platter anymore because there is no getting it off!! And that frosting is wicked hard to remove. So we cover a thick piece of cardboard with foil and do the house on that...and decorate that as a yard. NOTE! Make sure you put the ends of the house inside the side walls so the roof fits perfectly on top. Yes..definitely for the house make the pieces several days ahead of time, let them sit out for days to harden. You have to bake them until they are HARD..not soft. Bake those house pieces 15 to 20 minutes. Once you get your house set up let it dry and harden for another day or so and then you can decorate it. My first house I made I used a HOUSE shaped cookie jar as a pattern....if you have anything house shaped...use that as a pattern for your gingerbread house. I am not making one this year....I am so over the baking thing at this point.

I would make a separate batch of dough for cut out cookies. It will make a ton but they freeze nicely too. Or hang them on a tree.

Did I answer it all? Just ask away...and maybe somethign isn't clear....

Maxie, thanks for the review on the Gaylord Palms!! Wow!!! It's hard to believe it's that nice for the fabu prices they offer. Ice looks beautiful but I am that cold here so I can't imagine paying to be. Even to look at pretty colored ice. And peeps in shorts!!!!! CRAZY! Have a fun last day and a safe flight home.

TTYL,
Chan

 

[mickeynut1]

Mare........Narcoossee's is one I'm really anxious to try.....along with Cali Grill and Yachtsman Steakhouse . Although my two are teens, I still have one concern about the signature restaurants.......my 15 year old is SO PICKY (while my 13 year old can't get enough filet mignon and prime rib ). I'm worried my 15 year old won't find something he likes to eat . But I guess I really won't know until we try......I may be surprised at what he might order and like it . I agree with you.....me and DH will probably never get to WDW without the kids until ours are in college either .......and even then they probably won't let us go without them . But it's nearing that time for me as my oldest is already a freshman in high school this year and my other will be a freshman next year .

On Ohana........we ate there last year and we loved it . But it was also our first time eating there so we had nothing to compare it to . DH said he wants to go there again in June . We also had our first stay at the Poly last year and we absolutely LOVED our stay there (sorry Chan ). We thought the overall ambiance of the resort was great and we loved the tropical settings . Of course after we stay at the GF in June I may look at the Poly differently ......but I think we'll still like the Poly .

Wanted to add.....we LOVE Kona!!!!! We make sure we go there every trip.



Amy.......My boys actually expect me to kiss them each night before they go to bed.....I guess since I've been doing that since they were babies it's just part of the end of their day . DH keeps telling me "They're 13 & 15....aren't they kind of old for that?" And my response is "NO......you're not a mother so you don't understand!!"


Deb

 

[vbarry]

OMG....it is snowing again. I have thrown everything in several boxes and I am headed to the UPS store. 1/2 not wrapped yet but I am too worried about the weather. We are to get 4 plus inches today and blowing and more on Thursday. Wish me luck! I have a 45 minute drive to the store and I need to stop at Walmart first

Why oh Why am I not more like Martha Stewart (Kristin) ...ORGANIZED!!

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

Chan- I love your gingerbread house plans, I usually make my own too...but it is a 2 day process and I am feeling the time crunch this year...so I took the lazy way out. Box kit from Wal-Mart. All the candy and frosting and cookies already made. It took an hour, the kids had just as much fun as my normal noe, and best of all NO BAKING. Mess was cleaned up in 5 mins. I am so doing the lazy one from now on. We don't eat it anyway.

Deb- Your 2 boys are about the same age as my older 2.. I have a sophmore and an 8th grader. (Of course, I also have 2 more WHO THOUGHT THAT WAS A GOOD IDEA?!?!?!)

 

[goofygal531]

Okay got my laundry finally in the machines! I was so happy to find the two super dooper triple loads free! They're never free mid-day. All the housekeepers hog the machines, sit in the laundry room and chat. So annoying for us common housewives who don't have housekeepers!! I have 35 mins to chat! Set my microwave timer

Deb: The Signature restaurants are really accommodating. The service is just outstanding! It's not a common dinner type meal. They really make it a dining experience, another reason why I don't take my kids. The meal can last HOURS! They would absolutely make your picky eater (I have one!) anything he'd like. I think the Yachtsman might have a steak burger, I could be wrong. Oh, just so you know at the HDDR, they always bring my picky eater a hotdog and fries

I missed the post about kissing the boys and telling them I love you. I have two very affectionate little boys. Every day at drop off, my DS4 hugs and kisses me goodbye. At pick up, he gives me the biggest hug Lately, he's been telling me "mommy, are we friends?" "You're my best friend" He's so cute. That better never change!!! Although my husband was a HUGE Mama's boy, I can see my DS4 being the same! DS1 is a touch cookie.

 

[mickeynut1]

Shel......I always said I wanted four kids . I tell DH I don't know WHAT I was thinking back then cuz I think I'd be locked in a rubber room by now if I had that many . I'm sure you do just fine though with 4 ......I just know I'd go crazy . Me and my sister were pregnant at the same time.....I got prego with my first and 2 months later she was with my niece......then just over a year later I was prego with my second and 4 months after that she followed suit with her 2nd.....then when she came up with a third everyone looked at me like "well.....and you?" And I said "NO WAY!!!!!!!!! SHE'S ON HER OWN FOR THIS ONE" .....and there it ended . I think it's neat there are a few of us on here that have kids around the same age.....we can vent about certain things and know that a few of us gals know exactly what they're going through .....especially during these teen years .


Mare.......That's good to know about the signature restaurants and how accommodating they are . I kind of thought as much as it's Disney but you never know . We always laugh because me, DH, and DS13 will be sitting there with our steaks and DS15 will have his cheeseburger . But I say as long as he'll eat something they have.......I'm satisfied . DSs don't do the hug and kiss thing when they get dropped off .....but anytime at home they are loving and affectionate.....especially DS13 . He is may baby and I think he'll always be that way . DS15 is sometimes.....when he wants to be......but I'll take that because I know how it is as they get older.......as long as it's not around his buddies he's fine with it .


Deb

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

Shel......I always said I wanted four kids . I tell DH I don't know WHAT I was thinking back then cuz I think I'd be locked in a rubber room by now if I had that many . I'm sure you do just fine though with 4 ......I just know I'd go crazy . Me and my sister were pregnant at the same time.....I got prego with my first and 2 months later she was with my niece......then just over a year later I was prego with my second and 4 months after that she followed suit with her 2nd.....then when she came up with a third everyone looked at me like "well.....and you?" And I said "NO WAY!!!!!!!!! SHE'S ON HER OWN FOR THIS ONE" .....and there it ended . I think it's neat there are a few of us on here that have kids around the same age.....we can vent about certain things and know that a few of us gals know exactly what they're going through .....especially during these teen years .



Deb

I'm sorry, I just impersonate a sane person. In reality I spend most of my time running in circles wondering where I am really supposed to be. The kids, thankfully, know that I am a disorganized disaster and they remind me frequently about where they need to be and when they need picked up.

I have, with 4 children, only forgotten to pick someone up once...well twice, but the guilt is still crushing.

 

[irisbud]

I'm sorry, I just impersonate a sane person.

 

[goofygal531]

Chan: Thanks for the "instructions". I'm going to try it out.

Shel: I've only done the gingerbread kits. DS4 was only interested in decorating, we never eat the house afterwards. But now that he takes an after-school cooking class, he's all into baking. He's so cute. He gets the recipe and says "what's next". Okay, this step, "check". He's really into it. So I thought building the house from the ground up would be a huge treat for him.

At times I want more kids, and some days I think what am I thinking!! It really comes down to being selfish. I don't want my quality of life to change with more kids. I like my lifestyle just the way it is and with more kids we'd have to cut things out. We could possibly squeeze one more in, but once my little munchkin is in school that school tuition bill is going to be HUGE. I might be going to WDW once every two years, if I'm lucky. I just can't do Disney on a Dime

Vanessa: Good luck at UPS. I heard on the Today Show that there's a huge decline in shipping packages this year. Due to many websites offering free shipping, people are just not shipping the packages themselves. So hopefully you won't have a line at the UPS store and your packages will get there on time!

We saw our first snowflakes this morning. It was rain mixed with snow. It's all over and done with now. Just dark and dreary.

Hey anyone do "mypoints.com"? I just discovered this and I'm a little hooked You can rack up points just by using their search tool or going to a store site thru them (Disney Store, Overstock, etc...) I just joined the other day and I already have 260 points. I'd like to get 3,500 point by June to get the $25 Rainforest Cafe (Landy) Gift Card. You can use it at T-Rex, Rainforest Cafe or Yak & Yeti. The funny thing is, I haven't purchased anything or done any survey off of their site. They send you an email and it says "just open our mail and we'll give you 5pts!" I did print a bunch of food coupons and got points for them. They say once you redeem the coupons you get more points.

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

Hey anyone do "mypoints.com"?

I do MyPoints too. I have redeemed over $500 in gift cards from them in 3 years. If I shop opnline I check to see if they link to the retailer to earn points. And I click through the e-mail every day. Easy points, and not as confusing as some of the earning web-sites. I wonder if Yack and Yeti counter service also takes the Landry's gift card...hummm.....

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm sorry, I just impersonate a sane person. In reality I spend most of my time running in circles wondering where I am really supposed to be. The kids, thankfully, know that I am a disorganized disaster and they remind me frequently about where they need to be and when they need picked up.

I have, with 4 children, only forgotten to pick someone up once...well twice, but the guilt is still crushing.

That is too funny

 

[Lives4Disney]

YOu guys are funny.

I just got back from the post office...NIGHTMARE.....

And then ran to the bookstore for some stuff and I brought my dog and it's like 8 degrees out....so I made it quick. She loves to come and sit and people watch from the car but all I need to add to my headache is some animal freak to make a fuss & a scene that my dog is in a cold car. She loves it though...what evah. She would swim in the pool TODAY if I'd let her.

Anywhooo.....no word from Kristin? I want details!

My house is TRASHED...I mean totally toast. There is wrapping paper, boxes, cookies, ornaments....all over!! Not a clean surface to be found!!!!! I have to run...it's really starting to bug me...and it makes my kids feel like it's a free for all for THEM to trash, too....but wanted to stop in...and dilly dally.

TTYL!!!

Chan

 

[mickeynut1]

Chan......You sound like I was last year......CONSTANTLY on the run about this time . The last week of school before Christmas break I was gone EVERY DAY........from the time I got the kids out the door for school until they came home I was out shopping . That was one crazy week . Hope you get to relax soon .


Kristin.....Hope DS is feeling better . Can't wait to hear about your trip .


Deb