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

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, Dawn!!! YAY on the shopping!!!! I am still waiting for more Amazon stuff....getting a little concerned about that....but what eVEah...I am feeling the who cares at this point. IT IS WICKED COLD OUT!!!! I just picked up Lucy from her friend's house and my car temp went from 27 (from being in the garage) to -4 in like 5 min drive!!!! SUCK...I don't even want to leave the house.

Hey, Kel..hope your team won!

Mare...Ya...I am lucky I know great CMs ... but I make all my own ADRs. I guess IMO there are just so many options that if I don't get one I just book another or swap days/times etc so I just don't fret about the ADR thing.(that's about the only thing I am not neurotic about though...so I don't mean to come across like I am slamming anybody for worrying! That is the last thing this girl should be doing. ) I just have NO CLUE what is going on with this Jan date stuff I don't..I can't keep up & follow it. So...for my June trip I will probably make ADRs in late March or so.

Sounds like you made some yummy good stuff, gals! Mare, those lemon cookies sound scrumptious!!! And the others too!! Except the banana bread..ew...I hate banana baked goods.. My kids are deprived...Jojo loves banana bread. Dawn, those rolo pretzels...YUMMO!!! Never made them, but they sound scrump dilly ishious. Lisa, you did a lot of baking too!!!! Have a fun party tomorrow. Pizza and cake sounds awesome by me!

TTYL!
Channing

 

[goofygal531]

Chan: The lemon cookies aren't just right yet....I found another recipe online and I'm going to combine the two recipes to come up with my own. We prefer them a little more lemony.

Oh, I hear ya on the ADR stuff, I only have specific restaurants because of the boys. If they were older, we could wing it more. Plus I just like having everything "set".

The deal with the ADRs is this: you can only book to March 22nd. You can book CRT, CM or V&A to June 19th. So people are freakin out. Honestly, I feel for those Spring brides planning their honeymoons.

I'm more concerned with EMH than ADRs. I like those EMH!

Night everyone!
Mare

 

[magical4us4]

Mickeynut, I can't believe you have Greek in you! That is awesome! I'm impressed that you bake the desserts, like I said I only make the fanikia, they are super easy for me. I love baklava, my children's Godmother's mother makes the best I've ever tasted...I'm sure your mom's is awesome. Kudos to her!


Lives, that is so cool about your husband's parents and their backround. My mom is the same way as your MIL, a pinch of this and a tea cup of that!! I can't bake like that, too confusing. Everyone has a different size tea cup...you know.

Magical

 

[marcij]

Anyone hear from Marci????

Marci if you are out there I hope to run into you this week!!

I forgot to tell you guys I also tried to upgrade to RPC but they did not having anything with the Visa discount but they did have a room. I am going to ask at check-in and see what it would cost. Maybe I could get a deal...haha deal at WDW . Send me some pixie dust that it works!!!

I am just crazy excited this morning!!

Hi V! I'm sorry I have only been around sporadically. This is the busiest time of the year for me at work. Friday was my last official day at work until Jan. 5th, though I will be working off and on throughout the break.

I really hope to meet you, too. We arrive on Saturday, probably around 1 at the Grand. I hope you have a truly MAGICAL trip!

 

[m&pForever]

Marvel and Vanessa: They're an awful thread about this WDW bug going around the resorts.
TTYL,
Mare

Thanks, Mare

I already wiped every door handle, light switch, remote, phone, sink handle, and more that i could find.

OH..that is the BEST feeling to leave the sub zero temps behind and suddenly get out of the car and it's 70 degrees!!!


OH...I hear you guys...my kids have sucked the fun out of my last several trips. For various reasons....
Shel...OK...we have Mandy on our side. We're good as gold now.

Chan

For all my talk about how much I love snow....i have to admit that yesterday morning when we were leaving GA i said to Mrs.M 'we have to get out of NY"

ANd add me to the list of kids driving us crazy... im hoping it was the long drive but both of us lost it yesterday...each one from oldest to youngest complained whined and didn't listen.

It was so bad that before we went out last night we went to the lounge to have some wine while we made the kids just sit there and listen to the music.
"can we have a cookie?' NO, just sit there and be quiet!

The band sounded great and it was nice to hear the music float down the hallway behind us.

I'm in a room that we have all had before im pretty sure...afraid to give out room numbers with those crazy dis stalkers around.

But i will say as i type i can see the castle and i guess it must be part of astro orbiter.

We had dinner reservations at the California Grill. We left the room around 5 and went to the MK to look around.
The castle really does look so much better in person!
We rode HM which said a 20 min wait but you could tell it wasnt and we were on within 5 minutes.
While waiting for our CG reservation, the kids drove us crazy again and Baby M wasnt feeling well, although you couldn't tell from his running around, and did his impression of the exorcist....with some projectile...umm..lets just say not from his mouth but the other end.
We decided to go back to the room instead just as the beeper went off.

Had room service which was Great! and we were all asleep by 10pm.

Saw wishes from our balcony...(thats right, Poly, i said balcony!) and it must have been holiday wishes. There was also a party in front of the marina and they musthave piped the music in for them because although i've heard the music from this spot before it was very very loud.

Marvel - Glad you made it safely to Savannah! We are just up the road in South Carolina! It has been in the 70's and almost 80 's here for the past 2 weeks! TTFN!

Look for a on our way back in January
While today the high is 64 and tomorrow 76 the rest of the week will all be in ths 80s. i didnt expect it to be this warm.


We didnt find the MK to be that crowded last night. I know it will get worse but i was surprised. The decorations looked great and we took photopass pictures with every photographer on main street.

Today we meet our guide for Epcot and i would really like to stay for Illuminations...we'll see if we make it.

have a great day everyone...
See you soon, V and Marci!!


I had to come back to add...

As i sit here and the sky is just starting to get a bit lighter i heard music...i wasnt sure at first but yes i hear music..and its coming from the marina..and hey..they are playing Silent Night...i opened the balcony door a bit and the music filled the room...and now they are playing O Come Let Us Adore Him.
Must be a sign that we are going to have a great day!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Good Morning cheeseballs
Its freezing here today!!!!!!!

 

[hobbester]

Marvel, I'm so glad that you made it okay. I was thinking about you yesterday as my DH was playing music from Illuminations on his computer. Have a great week and enjoy the VIP tour!

Vanessa - it is almost time!

I finally have the cold weather - 24 right now, high today of 38, but no snow. If it is going to be this cold, I want some snow! NC does not usually get snow very often, but it would be a neat sight to see.

Have a good day everyone - I'm at work now, so I guess I should start acting like I'm working (ha,ha) - Lisa.

 

[mickeynut1]

Morning Gals and Marvel


Kelly.....It's freezing cold here too .....supposed to be a high of 8 degrees with a windchill to make it feel like -20 . Starting tomorrow into Wednesday we are expecting 6-12" of snow .


Marvel......Sounds like you're having a great time already....glad the weather is warm . Sorry the kids are driving you and Mrs. M crazy......but it will get better I'm sure . Just keep telling yourself you're at the GF at Christmas and nobody is going to ruin it . I hope baby M is feeling better with that ear infection. Have a fab time at Epcot today and thanks for checking in .


Magical......Those cookies are about the extent of my Greek baking as they're pretty easy to make, just a little time consuming ....just don't give me the difficult recipes .


Mare.......I totally forgot about Lamb......DH and DS13 LOVE lamb . It's ok for me......it's good but I just don't go crazy over it like they do . My mom usually makes it at Thanksgiving and Easter . I can't believe DS4 has school today and half day tomorrow . Nothing like going right up until the last minute . I always like the extra time at the end rather than at the beginning, but this year I am SO GLAD Thursday was their last day (well....should have been Friday but school was called due to weather/power outages )......I couldn't wait to be done with school/homework for 2 weeks . When we're all getting back into the groove of school again the Monday after New Years, you'll be the one sleeping in .


Lisa.......I see you were busy baking as well. The clean up is what I hate.......I try to do it along the way but that's even a chore . Sounds like you made some yummy things . Have fun at your work party today.......pizza and pasta is a good combination.....enjoy .


Chan......I go nuts with these ADRs I guess because of my planning obsession........I have to have everything in place before I go . It would be MUCH LESS stressful to do it your way.......but then I would have one less thing to stress over .


Enjoy your Monday everyone . Hi to everyone else.


Deb

 

[WishesQueen]

Hey Marvel - Glad you made it safely!!! It really sounds beautiful there. I am hoping next year during the holidays are uneventful and we can go down a check it out. I was thinking inbetween the holidays.

Regarding my ADRs....I don't stress over them, I just love planning my vacation while its still far away. It makes it feel REAL!!!

It is sooooo cold here and I have to run out for artichokes. Thats my job this Christmas for my mom. I usually bake, but never got around to it this year.

Mare, I have a great family recipe for Italian Lemon Drop cookies. The problem about giving you the recipe is that it would brake my heart if you didn't LOVE them and honestly your DH is a tough critic. Everyone I ever gave the recipe to LOVED them too. I make awesome Anise cookies too. My DHs grandmothers recipe.

Stay warm everyone!!!

 

[tete01830]

Good Morning! It is cold and I dread going out but I have to! All this talk about baking has got me in the mood! Maybe I will give it a try? I normally make a date nut bread for Christmas morning but they were out of dates at my grocery store so I will have to go to another!

I have to go pick up the mail and mail a few things at the post office... I am sure it is going to take me a while to open! I haven't done my Christmas cards yet! Maybe I will get the kiddos dressed today and do it...It is just that I have to do DD hair and that is work!

Hope everyone is getting excited for Christmas!

 

[marcij]

Thanks, Mare

I already wiped every door handle, light switch, remote, phone, sink handle, and more that i could find.



For all my talk about how much I love snow....i have to admit that yesterday morning when we were leaving GA i said to Mrs.M 'we have to get out of NY"

ANd add me to the list of kids driving us crazy... im hoping it was the long drive but both of us lost it yesterday...each one from oldest to youngest complained whined and didn't listen.

It was so bad that before we went out last night we went to the lounge to have some wine while we made the kids just sit there and listen to the music.
"can we have a cookie?' NO, just sit there and be quiet!

The band sounded great and it was nice to hear the music float down the hallway behind us.

I'm in a room that we have all had before im pretty sure...afraid to give out room numbers with those crazy dis stalkers around.

But i will say as i type i can see the castle and i guess it must be part of astro orbiter.

We had dinner reservations at the California Grill. We left the room around 5 and went to the MK to look around.
The castle really does look so much better in person!
We rode HM which said a 20 min wait but you could tell it wasnt and we were on within 5 minutes.
While waiting for our CG reservation, the kids drove us crazy again and Baby M wasnt feeling well, although you couldn't tell from his running around, and did his impression of the exorcist....with some projectile...umm..lets just say not from his mouth but the other end.
We decided to go back to the room instead just as the beeper went off.

Had room service which was Great! and we were all asleep by 10pm.

Saw wishes from our balcony...(thats right, Poly, i said balcony!) and it must have been holiday wishes. There was also a party in front of the marina and they musthave piped the music in for them because although i've heard the music from this spot before it was very very loud.



Look for a on our way back in January
While today the high is 64 and tomorrow 76 the rest of the week will all be in ths 80s. i didnt expect it to be this warm.


We didnt find the MK to be that crowded last night. I know it will get worse but i was surprised. The decorations looked great and we took photopass pictures with every photographer on main street.

Today we meet our guide for Epcot and i would really like to stay for Illuminations...we'll see if we make it.

have a great day everyone...
See you soon, V and Marci!!


I had to come back to add...

As i sit here and the sky is just starting to get a bit lighter i heard music...i wasnt sure at first but yes i hear music..and its coming from the marina..and hey..they are playing Silent Night...i opened the balcony door a bit and the music filled the room...and now they are playing O Come Let Us Adore Him.
Must be a sign that we are going to have a great day!

Sounds like you are having a fabulous time. I hope Baby M is better today and that the day is as MAGICAL as it is starting out.

 

[goofygal531]

Morning everyone!

Marvel: Glad to hear you're enjoying yourself. The kids will get better in time. Usually travel days are the worst for them, they need a day to unwind. That's really magical to hear christmas music from your balcony

Deb: All schools in our area go right up to the holidays, in a way I don't mind it gives me a chance to do all those last minute things without him here!

Chan: I thought of you this morning as I drove DS4 to school. The temp in my car read 67 degrees (parked in the underground garage) by the time I reached school, it read 18 degrees!! It's freezing out! I have to take DS1 to the doctors for his well visit, I usually take the bus and go shopping along Columbus Ave. The DRs office is right near where Regis & Kelly film, I'm always on the look out for them! But it's too cold to wander around the West Side today. I'll have to cab it over there.

Annette: I would LOVE your Lemon Drop Recipe!!! We love the way DH's aunt makes them, I just didn't want to call and ask her for the recipe. She'll say something like come over and get some rather than give me the recipe. Post it here, we've been having a little recipe swap going on Oh, and DH is learning to accept things that are not so good. Especially after all the bletch food we had on our last trip! I'm going to get ADRs this trip for Mama Melrose and Tutto Italia since you recommended them! I'd love to try the Sangria at Mama Melrose.

Mandy: I heard you last night on the Podcast! You did fantastic! And your kids were really well behaved, you were on for a while and they didn't bother you except for the juice

Lisa: 24 degrees in NC, I had no idea it got that cold!

Okay, I don't normally "stress" over my ADRs, I just like them planned out. I did stress over the Nov ADRs, being T-giving and the DxDDP - that really was a headache . We all might be making our ADRs in March for our June trip!

I also heard on the Podcast that the $75 Birthday Fun Card might not be a gift card to use anywhere. It might have a lot of strings attached. That kinda stinks. If that's the case, I might just take the birthday fass passes. Even though we arrive on my birthday and the boys like to relax by the pool that first day. I'd hate to have to run to MK to claim my fastpasses, but the fine print on the website says that fast passes may run out by 11am. Seriously, that many people have my same birthday!

We're off to the doctors. Little one is getting his shots.

Talk to you all later, stay warm!
Mare

 

[mandymommy4]

Morning......

MY FEET AR SO SORE! I wore cute strappy heels for church and of course we stood for almost an hour for the Christmas music program. I had to limp to the car and DH was preaching how i need to take care of my feet and heel are bad for your feet...... it sounded just like the peanuts teacher to me I told him i don't care about comfort, looking cute is my priority! My motto is fat girls gotta accessorize and have cute shoes and fab makeup! Gotta take attention away from the ba-donk-a-donk back side and muffin top tummy!

We did Christmas with my DH's fam. It was nice, MY FIL fried the most most amazing turkey Oh my! IT WAS SO GOOD! My MIL forgot to tell me that she had gotten DD3 a baby doll that cries. I got her one too so now i have to unwrap it, return it, and get her something else. The whole point of me waiting to shop so late is to wait for the grandparents and my sis to shop so i know what they buy them!

Anyways, then i zoomed over to the little shopping village and sang for a few hours and ran into some old friends. It was fun and no stinky costumes

My kids are being turkeys today! UGHHH! Jan 6th can not come soon enough! Em just got a Candy cane stuck in her hair, she wrapped it around and around and it was knotted around a sticky candy cane?!?!?! WHY? These kids do the dumbest things. Oh, and instead of telling me they want a snack so i can put Gabby in her cage THEY got in the cage instead so she would not try and take their snack That was funny! I took a picture of all my kids in a cage eating pudding! DS6 got a realistic light saber and i am already annoyed by the sounds........

We are taking our kids caroling to family and friends Tuesday and i am trying to teach them the right words to a few songs. DS sings "joy to the lord the world has come, let her receive the keys"

Siobhan~ We have done Christmas cards either! Funny since i am the one who organized the list We are gonna send them out as new years greetings!

Mandy!! I was listening to the podcast call in show and heard you!!! You are AWESOME!!! GREAT CALL!!! You sound so comfortable and composed! I could never do that!!!!! You were AMAZING!

OMG! That was so crazy I was calling in and redialing and finally got on! I LOVE the podcast and have meet John, Kevin, Corey, Julie, Kathy (before she was on the podcast) but never PETE! They are all so nice! I want to meet him so bad! I was so nervous and totally caught off guard about what to talk about, I sounded like a pathetic depressed housewife! OH, I was on my bad phone so you could not hardly hear me, LOL!

Oh, my kids were in the service yesterday and they are now singing HAH NA NOON NAH, LOL!

Mare: At the end they were melting down saying they were hungry so i was like gotta go...... LOL! After I hung up I thought of the perfect thing to say to John..... I gotta go let me kids outa the lockers!

 

[mandymommy4]

Morning everyone!



I also heard on the Podcast that the $75 Birthday Fun Card might not be a gift card to use anywhere. It might have a lot of strings attached. That kinda stinks. If that's the case, I might just take the birthday fass passes. Even though we arrive on my birthday and the boys like to relax by the pool that first day. I'd hate to have to run to MK to claim my fastpasses, but the fine print on the website says that fast passes may run out by 11am. Seriously, that many people have my same birthday!

We're off to the doctors. Little one is getting his shots.

Talk to you all later, stay warm!
Mare

I read somewhere that the fun card and it is only for gift shops type things..... no dining. And it expires that day! Let me find that link!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hey all!

Mandy, well...I thought you did AWESOME & I KNEW it was YOU right away before you said your name. You sounded perfectly just like you. LOL...that would have been funny about the kids and the lockers. But you were great! I was totally impressed. (Oh..and I am so not just saying that so you pray for us for Feb )

Marvel!! Oh...your post about the "Silent Night" playing gave me goosebumps....how beautiful. Glad you made it there safely, have a great room WITH A BALCONY and a view, and are having some fun....even if Baby M isn't feeling so great. Hope he gets better today. Enjoy your VIP guide and EPCOT!

Marci!! You leave SOON!!!! (although I;m sure I don't have to tell yOU that! )Have a FANTASTIC TIME!

It is -4 here with a -30 degree windchill. I have to go to the grocery store later because we are under a winter storm warning tomorrow into Wednesday!!!! UN FLIPPIN REAL! It is WICKED NASTY...and even the weather peeps are saying WICKED WEATHER.

I am getting my crazy Christmas Day food list together.

Annette...I would love that lemon and the anise cookie recipes!!! I need fresh cookie recipes.

TTYL...I am juicing up on warm coffee.

Chan

 

[WishesQueen]

First of all someone direct me to Mandy's podcast. I never listened to one, but I have to listen to her!!!! I wish I could hear you sing!!!

Channing - I running the supermarket to find Artichokes as soon as I get back I'll give you both!!! They are Awesome, I usually make those for Easter, I guess because they have a nice light frosting. Easterish, but they are great anytime.

Mare - I did recommend Mama Melrose and Tutta Italia, but at Mama Melrose I recommended Pizza (Flatbreads) and Sangria. The Artisian Bread Appie was good too!! I don't want to miss direct you!!

I'll be back soon, and I'll have the recipes!!!

 

[princessesrule4]

Marvel - Have a great time!! So glad you all get to see that beautiful castle view everyday!!

Marci and Vanessa - Hope you have fabulous trips ,too!

Siobhan and Mandy - I just finally took my Christmas card pic last night and was just writing my cards out! I have a long way to go..... I needed a little break to DIS!

I'm going to have to listen to the podcast, Mandy!

All you bakers - your cookies sound delicious! We are finally going to start baking today. DD is done with all her performances, no basketball til next week, so I finally feel like I can concentrate on the holidays. Better late than never....

Chan, Kelly and everyone else up north - sounds freezing cold up there- it is in the 30's here in S.C. even!! Christmas is the only time I can handle cold weather. Come January 1st, I am ready for SPRING BREAK!

Okay, back to the Christmas card writing - have a great day everyone!

 

[goofygal531]

I gotta go let me kids outa the lockers!

Well, now you can say I gotta let my kids out of their cage! That is priceless!!

I read somewhere that the fun card and it is only for gift shops type things..... no dining. And it expires that day! Let me find that link!

I heard John mention it on your Podcast episode. He said there's going to be some strings attached. I really wanted to buy something "special" in the glass store on Main St or blow it all in Basin But if it's just going to be valid on Mickey T-shirts and Mickey Ears, I'd rather have the fastpasses.

I'm running out to find Artichokes

Shoprite has them 3 for $1.99. I make them Christmas too

Mare - I did recommend Mama Melrose and Tutta Italia, but at Mama Melrose I recommended Pizza (Flatbreads) and Sangria. The Artisian Bread Appie was good too!! I don't want to miss direct you!!

No, no, I remember you saying not to order the typical Italian fare and we've learned that in WDW or anywhere out of NY for that matter... I'm actually trying to get Mama Melrose with the Fantasmic Dinner Pkg. Not only do you get the Fantasmic Ticket, but the meal includes an appetizer on the basic dining plan (I know, now I'm being really nit picky, but the apps look good!)

DH's Aunt makes the Lemon Cookies for Easter too, she tints the glaze pastel Easter colors

it is in the 30's here in S.C. even!!

Wow! I had no idea it got that cold in SC! We've only gone to Hilton Head in Sept and the weather was just perfect!

Well, I'm back from the Drs. He's fine, and no shots this time. It's really really cold out and very windy. I would have loved to hit the Crocs store on Columbus for DS4. The Disney Crocs are on sale for $14.99 (also on the crocs website in the Outlet section). It was just too cold to be outside. I hate to waste $25 on taxis to the Dr, but it was just too cold to wait for the bus.

I'm doing my Christmas Holiday food shopping tomorrow. DS4 gets out of school at 11:15, we'll go straight from there. I have to pick up all the seafood and he loves to see the lobsters in the tank

Dawn: I have a question for you about Basin (not Basin White). Is there any difference? The bath bombs are cheaper at Basin and they seem to have more products. Have you ever used the bath foam? It says it can be used as a shower gel.

Mare

 

[mandymommy4]

Well, now you can say I gotta let my kids out of their cage! That is priceless!!



I heard John mention it on your Podcast episode. He said there's going to be some strings attached. I really wanted to buy something "special" in the glass store on Main St or blow it all in Basin But if it's just going to be valid on Mickey T-shirts and Mickey Ears, I'd rather have the fastpasses.


Mare

Here's the link to Disney terms: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/birthdayFunCard/index

NO Basin OR Basin White or anything neat from the country's at Epcot

My kids will like it b/c they can buy the plush items or crap they sell at the exit if the rides but i was hoping for a little Basin shopping spree too!

 

[mickeynut1]

Chan.......I HATE this weather....it is truly TOO WICKEDLY COLD . I'm staying home today as I have to bake some goodies for DH to take to work tomorrow . But even if I didn't have that to do I'd stay in just to stay warm . They built a new Cabela's recently in this area and we popped in there for the first time yesterday on our way to the inlaws but didn't really have time to look around so I wanted to go back today or tomorrow......looks like it will be tomorrow . I know I shouldn't go as I'm done shopping but a few neat things caught my eye for DH so I want to go back (just what I need to do......spend MORE MONEY ). See.....I finish early but yet I still want to shop right up until the end with the crazy last minute Nellies .


Mandy.....Too funny about the kids in the cage .


Mare.......Glad DS's DR appt went well .


Wendy......I'll take 30 degree weather right now........it's so bitterly cold here it's ridiculous . Your 30 degrees would be a heat wave for us Chicagoland gals .



Deb