Having a GRAND time - The Official GF Chat Thread PART 2

[johnsonet]

Good morning!
When you say "chat" you mean it! I was following this thread for awhile and then life got crazy so I've been out of the loop. You certainly all have a lot of fun.

For those who don't know/remember me, I'm a huge GF fan and have stayed in all room levels/views/one suite over the years. I love RPC and will stay there every time I can. I've also stayed in all of the other deluxes/villas with the exception of AKL.

With that being said, I need your help! I'm helping my "little" brother (Ok, he's 39) plan a trip to WDW with his DW and two boys, 9 and 7. It is their first trip anywhere. They are both teachers and budget is always an issue. Anyway, I want to make this a special trip and help them all that I can. They are going in October during the time that room only codes have not been released the past 2 years (Oct. 15 -21).

Where should they stay???

I'm a deluxe girl all the way and would like them to experience the best since I know they will spend a fair amount of time at their resort. (Of course I'd love to see them stay at the GF but I don't know if that's realistic.) I plan to give them about 4 or 5 options (in all price ranges) and give them the pros and cons of each.

Here are my thoughts:

Pop, Swan, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian

Any opinions/thoughts?

I got them airfare last night ($299 each! actually pretty good from MSP). So that's' $1200 right there but he said they were expecting to spend a total of around $4,000 or so. He said they want to do it right but of course to me that means RPC.

Also, any experience out there with AAA? Where can you check for discounts? I have a membership so I can check - if there's something out there and it was worthwhile, he could get a membership as well.

I'd appreciate your input.

Hi minniesota Long time, no see

I think you got only one response to your post. It's nice of you to help your brother plan his trip. I know from experience it is no easy task.
I think WL would be AWESOME for first-timers Personally, I would add AKL to the list but I gather you aren't a fan. The price is right though and it is so unique and special but WL would be great!
I don't have any experience with AAA so I can't help there...
Swan I have no experience with, Poly is SUCH a great place to stay but definitely $$$.
With all your WDW experience, they are going to have a great trip no matter WHERE they stay!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just read on the restaurant board that Ghiradelli's is closed for a rehab!!!!! We missed this last year because of Beaches N Cream and was REALLY looking forward to having "lunch" there next Friday before the PPP!!!

 

[minniesota]

Kelly- Thanks for the input. I have never used DME - would you recommend it? I'm planning to arrange some "special" treats for them - maybe a car service, maybe a fireworks cruise, probably something fun in the room.

I called and did find some AAA rooms at WL and the Poly. I didn't ask about the GF but the discount looks to be only 10% across the board.

Channing - Thanks for the info on S/D. They are both teachers so the discount might be a plus for them. I would just love to see them get the real Disney feel though. KWIM? By the way, I can look for a horse photo if you need one!

johnsonet - Hi - yes long time. We are heading on the Eastern cruise in October so my focus has shifted. It's our third cruise - my kids just love it! We were at the GF last October and I'd love to be going back with my brother. We'll be on the cruise though. I love planning for them. I just wish I could be a fly on the wall to see those little faces when they see WDW for the first time!

If anyone has any other input, let me know.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I use DME all the time and really like it. We use a limo here in Chicago to get to and from the airport so we don't feel we need one down there too.

The best part of DME is the fact that the luggage goes from the airport to your room without you having to touch it (Not sure if Swan and Dolphin is on this, though... can someone help me out with this??). We have never waited at the airport for a bus, there is ALWAYS one waiting (but we also always land no later than 11am) so we are at our resort within 1 hour of the wheels touching down in FL!!

I, for one, think the bus service STINKS over on the Epcot side. If it is a once in a lifetime trip, put them on the monorail. I am not partial to the Poly (screams Brady Bunch in Hawaii to me ) so I would vote GF if they will pay for it, or the CR wing if they want to be a little more budget friendly. If that is still too expensive, and again, since I have MAJOR transporation issues, I would vote for AKL over WL since they have their own bus. I know others have had issues with it over there, but that resort, IMHO, is out of this world FANTASTIC for what you pay for it...

 

[Fishy&2guppies]

jeez, I miss a few days and new threads are starting. I am so wanting to go to Disney right now. After 3 softball games this week, a music program, a mother's day tea, a husband in bed recovering from surgery, a 3 year old with a temp. of 102 for the third day in a row, another kid with ear infection, and 5 trips to the doctor this past week, I need a vacation. I better get an awesome mothers day present this year.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

jeez, I miss a few days and new threads are starting. I am so wanting to go to Disney right now. After 3 softball games this week, a music program, a mother's day tea, a husband in bed recovering from surgery, a 3 year old with a temp. of 102 for the third day in a row, another kid with ear infection, and 5 trips to the doctor this past week, I need a vacation. I better get an awesome mothers day present this year.

All that and it is only Tuesday.... it can only get better, right?

Kristin

PS: I am off!! My little guy wants to go to Gymbo so who am I to say no??!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Kelly- Thanks for the input. I have never used DME - would you recommend it? I'm planning to arrange some "special" treats for them - maybe a car service, maybe a fireworks cruise, probably something fun in the room.

I called and did find some AAA rooms at WL and the Poly. I didn't ask about the GF but the discount looks to be only 10% across the board.

Channing - Thanks for the info on S/D. They are both teachers so the discount might be a plus for them. I would just love to see them get the real Disney feel though. KWIM? By the way, I can look for a horse photo if you need one!

johnsonet - Hi - yes long time. We are heading on the Eastern cruise in October so my focus has shifted. It's our third cruise - my kids just love it! We were at the GF last October and I'd love to be going back with my brother. We'll be on the cruise though. I love planning for them. I just wish I could be a fly on the wall to see those little faces when they see WDW for the first time!

If anyone has any other input, let me know.

I sent you a PM. I like DME alot and have used it several times and never had an issue.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

jeez, I miss a few days and new threads are starting. I am so wanting to go to Disney right now. After 3 softball games this week, a music program, a mother's day tea, a husband in bed recovering from surgery, a 3 year old with a temp. of 102 for the third day in a row, another kid with ear infection, and 5 trips to the doctor this past week, I need a vacation. I better get an awesome mothers day present this year.

I hear that! I am trying to plan something for July to meet up with Chan.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Kelly- Thanks for the input. I have never used DME - would you recommend it? I'm planning to arrange some "special" treats for them - maybe a car service, maybe a fireworks cruise, probably something fun in the room.

I called and did find some AAA rooms at WL and the Poly. I didn't ask about the GF but the discount looks to be only 10% across the board.

Channing - Thanks for the info on S/D. They are both teachers so the discount might be a plus for them. I would just love to see them get the real Disney feel though. KWIM? By the way, I can look for a horse photo if you need one!

johnsonet - Hi - yes long time. We are heading on the Eastern cruise in October so my focus has shifted. It's our third cruise - my kids just love it! We were at the GF last October and I'd love to be going back with my brother. We'll be on the cruise though. I love planning for them. I just wish I could be a fly on the wall to see those little faces when they see WDW for the first time!

If anyone has any other input, let me know.

I do know what you mean...I just thought for the price, the location and it's deluxe. But if it's their FIRST WDW trip...ya...probably aim or a disney resort. I just have heard nasty stories about the WDW mods. I wouldn't stick somebody in one of those HUGE resorts for a first time, either and I really don't know with their budget if a WDW deluxe is in the cards??? That's a toughie. The CR is VERY Disney...if they could swing a wing room that might be great. WL....was never a favorite of mine...You're from MN, so maybe you understand...It just doesn't feel Florida ish to me from northern IL I like palm trees and bright light colors. How old are their kids?? Are they girls or boys?? My son (17 now) has always LOVED the CR. My daughters, too, but boys seem to really have a thing for the CR.

jeez, I miss a few days and new threads are starting. I am so wanting to go to Disney right now. After 3 softball games this week, a music program, a mother's day tea, a husband in bed recovering from surgery, a 3 year old with a temp. of 102 for the third day in a row, another kid with ear infection, and 5 trips to the doctor this past week, I need a vacation. I better get an awesome mothers day present this year.

Uhg....I am home for the second day with a sick jojo....she has a 101 fever and aches and pains and a goopy cough. Just miserable and I need to go rub her legs. Sorry you're dealing with sickness too.....it's a bummer. Yes!! look forward to Mother's Day!!!! You'll get thru the week....my family are my servants all MD weekend....I LOVE Mother's Day!

I hear that! I am trying to plan something for July to meet up with Chan.

Yay!!

Marci - I guess I feel like I live in the sticks, too!! When I go to WDW I want to feel part of it, KWIM? Not out in the boonies with a bunch of animals. Almost like camping.

See ya all....I'm off to pet Jojo.

 

[marcij]

I
Marci - I guess I feel like I live in the sticks, too!! When I go to WDW I want to feel part of it, KWIM? Not out in the boonies with a bunch of animals. Almost like camping.

See ya all....I'm off to pet Jojo.

I don't camp... at all... though, if we had the use of a million dollar motor home, I'd be hardpressed to decline.

I hope Jojo feels better.

 

[vbarry]

You ladies would love camping!! Let's plan to meet at the Ft. Wilderness campground. We can rent a cabin, bring ALOT of wine, I could tell lots of dirty jokes and we would have a blast!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

thats sounds like fun
we could chip in and get a suite at the GF
I bet I could get us a discount

You ladies would love camping!! Let's plan to meet at the Ft. Wilderness campground. We can rent a cabin, bring ALOT of wine, I could tell lots of dirty jokes and we would have a blast!!

 

[minniesota]

I do know what you mean...I just thought for the price, the location and it's deluxe. But if it's their FIRST WDW trip...ya...probably aim or a disney resort. I just have heard nasty stories about the WDW mods. I wouldn't stick somebody in one of those HUGE resorts for a first time, either and I really don't know with their budget if a WDW deluxe is in the cards??? That's a toughie. The CR is VERY Disney...if they could swing a wing room that might be great. WL....was never a favorite of mine...You're from MN, so maybe you understand...It just doesn't feel Florida ish to me from northern IL I like palm trees and bright light colors. How old are their kids?? Are they girls or boys?? My son (17 now) has always LOVED the CR. My daughters, too, but boys seem to really have a thing for the CR.

Gosh, I hadn't considered CR - it always seems so ummm "contemporary!"

Yeah, the mods do not appeal to me either. I'm hoping to present some ideas to them tonight and maybe they'll inch their budget up somewhat once they see what's out there.

They have 2 boys, 9 and 7. They're from a small community and have never been on an airplane or on a family trip (except to the family cabin!) Man, I wish I could travel with them and show them around.

Right now, I'm thinking maybe they could do a split stay between WL and the Poly or maybe the Swan and the GF. Does Disney transfer the luggage if you're staying at the Swan?

If they could swing a split stay or even 6 nights at a deluxe, would you guys go with WL, the Poly($400 more) or GF ($600 more)? I know what my answer would be.

 

[mandymommy4]

You ladies would love camping!! Let's plan to meet at the Ft. Wilderness campground. We can rent a cabin, bring ALOT of wine, I could tell lots of dirty jokes and we would have a blast!!

That is hilarious......

My very very first stay on Disney property was in a tent at Ft. Wilderness in May. It was a college and career trip with a church group. I can not tell you how grossed out I was by the comfort stations. My idea of a vacation does not include showering in a public shower.....

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I would pick up the GF but the Poly and WL are great to.

 

[vbarry]

thats sounds like fun
we could chip in and get a suite at the GF
I bet I could get us a discount

You got the discount....I got the cash!! I would say a suite would be much more fun! Love to see Channing in the Ft. Wilderness though. (Just kidding dear) She would have a nice woodsy cake delivered, the RPC staff would probably come over and take care of us, private dining would have our food delivered and the Grand 1 Yacht would take us back and forth to MK.

That makes the Ft. Wilderness not seem so bad after all.

 

[vbarry]

And Kelly-please do not forget the duck!

 

[triplefigs]

Guess what????!!!! We just booked Dec 10-14 in RPC!!!!! FINALLY!!! DH said since it was a 4 night trip and Christmas, we should go for it. So, now if Channing or Kelly have any pull to get us a MK view room for Rees, I would be eternally grateful! We are just doing room only (rack rate, but I don't care!). I have an AP, a 3 day hopper for John, so I'll just need a 3 day ticket for the kids. We will pay OOP for the meals (may buy the DDE) and do 4 character meals/CS and eat the goodies from the lounge. Did I mention I was excited???

Oh, and we loved 1900 PF dinner. The step-mother paraded the kids all over the lobby and the characters were wonderful, and they gav us 3 "Special Day" placemats for the kids. Narcoossee's was absolutely delicious. We had a window table, and the view was so lovely. I had the Surf and Turf, Sangria, Strawberry Shortcake, and a Firecracker (coffee with lots of liquor). Yummy!

 

[mandymommy4]

And Kelly-please do not forget the duck!

I just went to my SIL house this weekend and her kids bathroom is done in rubber duckies, they are everywhere. I thought of those poor innocent little ducks and the horrible things people like Vanessa turn them into to

 

[irisbud]

I just went to my SIL house this weekend and her kids bathroom is done in rubber duckies, they are everywhere. I thought of those poor innocent little ducks and the horrible things people like Vanessa turn them into to

Hmmm, just remembered my sis has a rubberduck theme for her bathroom too