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

[nevercook]

Oh..I hope you can get a ressie ....It's a cute breakfast. The only thing I don't like about any of teh 1900 PF meals is it's soooo loud in there...so warning about the noise level!

Happy packing & have a fun time!!!

SWA rocks...I just fly them to FL almost exclusively now.

Channing

Thanks.

I actually have a reservation for 4 for breakfast at CP. Now that DS20 has decided to join us (I still can't believe it - he's been over Disney for a few years now - don't know who he takes after) we have 5. They can't add to our table. So, I thought I would try Park Fare. I like to do a "kick off" kind of thing before I start sliding into that "we only have X days left" funk. For years, we did the HDD on our first night. We've done it so many times as much as we like it it's getting old.

We just couldn't decide on ADRs this trip so we only made a couple. I still can't decide. Last year we did the dining plan. Our ADRs determined where we went. Making all those decisions, keeping park strategy in mind, just about pushed me over the edge as we usually visit one park in the a.m. and a different one in the p.m.

Our other ADR is at The Wave. I would love to hear about it if anyone tries before we leave on 6/17.

 

[tinklvr64]

Afternoon Gals...WooHoo school is out for the summer! Even though i still have to work up until my student teaching starts in the fall, it will be heaven no teachers or students or parents!

 

[mr.mike]

BTW we have had our AC on for a few months now! Ha Ha It is HOT HOT HOT here

Good afternoon, ladies!

We still don't have any AC and althought it is only 70 outside we stay about 10-15 degrees hotter in here because we have no ventilation!!!

Customers are complaining and I don't balme them. Saturday is supposed to 90 and I don't want to think what that will translate to in here.


I can't remember what i've mentioned and what I haven't but no luck so far extending my Christmas trip. RPC and all suites are booked from the 28th on..

 

[vbarry]

Here's some pixie dust Mike! I think Marci was having the same problem.

Dawn~ I bet you are soo excited!!! Enjoy!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks.

I actually have a reservation for 4 for breakfast at CP. Now that DS20 has decided to join us (I still can't believe it - he's been over Disney for a few years now - don't know who he takes after) we have 5. They can't add to our table. So, I thought I would try Park Fare. I like to do a "kick off" kind of thing before I start sliding into that "we only have X days left" funk. For years, we did the HDD on our first night. We've done it so many times as much as we like it it's getting old.

We just couldn't decide on ADRs this trip so we only made a couple. I still can't decide. Last year we did the dining plan. Our ADRs determined where we went. Making all those decisions, keeping park strategy in mind, just about pushed me over the edge as we usually visit one park in the a.m. and a different one in the p.m.

Our other ADR is at The Wave. I would love to hear about it if anyone tries before we leave on 6/17.

Well as a last resort, you could show up to your CP bfast and jsut tell them when you sign in that you have an additional member of your party....we've done that & they've been VERY fine with it. I wouldn't count on it as you never know, but it's a possibility. We've actually done it several times at various WDW restaurants....I have a DS 17.5...never know about him, either....and then sometimes we meet up with friends at WDW and have to add them. Maybe we;ve been lucky but it's not ever been a problem.

Afternoon Gals...WooHoo school is out for the summer! Even though i still have to work up until my student teaching starts in the fall, it will be heaven no teachers or students or parents!

YAY!! Dawn!!!!

Well....Lucy has 1.5 days left and I picked her up today....she has a 99.5 fever and feels dizzy, and just all around icky. Great. Tomorrow is her last day with her wonderful vision itinerant and we need her to be at school to give her the gifts we bought her. We LOVE that lady and we wound up doing some BBW yummy stuff for a gift basket, a JoAnne fabrics gift card - because she loves crafting...and then Lucy and I made her a really pretty bracelet. It is at least something more special and from the heart.

Good afternoon, ladies!

We still don't have any AC and althought it is only 70 outside we stay about 10-15 degrees hotter in here because we have no ventilation!!!

Customers are complaining and I don't balme them. Saturday is supposed to 90 and I don't want to think what that will translate to in here.


I can't remember what i've mentioned and what I haven't but no luck so far extending my Christmas trip. RPC and all suites are booked from the 28th on..

Mike...eh....sounds like you could use some magic right about now. We are in that muggy heat wave now. Hopefully you'll get some AC soon. good luck on the RPC thing....people book/hold rooms and let them go all the time. I hope it works out for you.


Lesley...sorry your guys have been sick!! I hope they get better quick and soon!!

Mare.....omg...you packed a lot of stuff!! What shipping service did you use?? Or did I miss that....I think for me FED EX is more reasonable than UPS...but not sure...
Talk to ya all later -
Channing

 

[lovemy2boys]

Afternoon Ladies and Mike,

So I shipped my three HUGE boxes off to the Grand this morning. Each box weighted 24, 32 and 36 pounds! 5 day ground came to $66. I don't think it's that bad a price considering just how much stuff I managed to shove into those boxes!!

holy holy shamoly!!!! I am with Channing, WTH did you send to the GF?!?! unless you shipped a case of wine or something! LOL!!!!

I was going to ship our stuff but I decided to bring it in an extra duffel and use that empty duffel for souvenirs and other things we accumulate while we are away! I really just had diapers, swim diapers, life vests for the pool, and stuff like that.

 

[mr.mike]

Mike...eh....sounds like you could use some magic right about now. We are in that muggy heat wave now. Hopefully you'll get some AC soon. good luck on the RPC thing....people book/hold rooms and let them go all the time. I hope it works out for you.

-
Channing

My boss isn't in any hurry to fix because people keep stealing the copper pipe on the outside of the building and to fix it so they can't steal the pipe is much more expensive...so we are in muggy limbo

As for RPC, how dumb am I? If im going to be there until the 28th why didnt i just book new years too? I don't know what i was thinking

 

[mr.mike]

I'm also dragging my butt on planning ADR's for Christmas. I have about 2 weeks before my window opens but i'm so lost for some reason...I don't know where to eat and when and I really want to have places planned each day so we don't get stuck when we are there.

I was thinking the Candelight processional package in Italy for dinner on Christmas Eve but not sure about Christmas dinner.

 

[mandymommy4]

I'm also dragging my butt on planning ADR's for Christmas. I have about 2 weeks before my window opens but i'm so lost for some reason...I don't know where to eat and when and I really want to have places planned each day so we don't get stuck when we are there.

I was thinking the Candelight processional package in Italy for dinner on Christmas Eve but not sure about Christmas dinner.

I like the Candle light package for Xmas eve.

If I where planning on being at WDW for Christmas I would do Narcoossee's, Cali Grill and try do dinner during wishes or do Yactsman, or even Jiko for a Christmas day dinner!

I would do Breakfast at Either CRT or CP! I think Christmas morning in the MK would be magical and then leave after breakfast due to the crowds!

But's thats just my Christmas Dream! Back to real life!

 

[WishesQueen]

Channing - I hope Lucy feels better!!!

Yup!!! I booked the Cabana everyday except that first day!!!

Mare - Now you and I have the same shoes (Savvy - Aerosoles, never owned a pair and they are really comfy and cute) and that Fergie bag!! I just want something for across my shoulders, I don't have a carriage so that big would get too uncomfortable!! Otherwise I love it for on the plane and weekend trips!!!

Mike - Good Luck with ADRs and AC!!!!! This weekend is going to be hot around here I heard and the guys aren't opening my pool until Saturday!!!

 

[goofygal531]

Lesley: You don't need lifevest, the pool has them.

I shipped down a TON of stuff:

Box #1: basic supplies - cereals, laundry detergent, trash bags, ZIPLOCKS , fishie crackers, club crackers, chips ahoy cookies, diapers, wipes, swim diapers, flushable wipes, trash bags, room air freshener, lysol, Germ X hand sanitizer, etc.... I can't recall everything. I kept the box in the corner of my dining room and just kept throwing stuff in i

Box #2: Case of water, juice boxes, vitamin water, organic milk

Box #3: Boy's gift bags from Mickey, nightly lootbags from Mickey, beach toys, father's day decorations and balloons (GF will inflate)

Chan: I used UPS

Annette: Aren't those shoes comfy! I walked 3 miles the day I bought them with no problem. I'm not bringing the Fergie bag to WDW. There's no inside pockets or top closure to the bag. I'm using it now, I really do like it for everyday, it's so light. And it's not uncomfortable due to the size at all. The way it's structured it's really balanced and not cumbersome.

I bought this LeSportSac for WDW:

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7836_4809.html

I have it in an ugly brown and teal geometric print, it's all they had at the store on Madison Avenue. I bought it a few months ago and they already changed all the patterns for summer. I should have waited, I like the heart pattern, it's cute. Better than my geo prints. I like that it has tons of pockets and that it's long and narrow. I should have just gone to the outlet in Woodbury Commons, they sell it for a fraction of the price I paid but I didn't feel like driving there.

If you have a Daffy's near you in Staten Island, they have tons of Kipling bags. I just started shopping at Daffy's. I never realized how much stuff the have. I bought a ton of Melissa & Doug puzzles for gifts - DS4 has birthday parties to go to.

Mare

 

[mr.mike]

I like the Candle light package for Xmas eve.

If I where planning on being at WDW for Christmas I would do Narcoossee's, Cali Grill and try do dinner during wishes or do Yactsman, or even Jiko for a Christmas day dinner!

I would do Breakfast at Either CRT or CP! I think Christmas morning in the MK would be magical and then leave after breakfast due to the crowds!

But's thats just my Christmas Dream! Back to real life!

Mandy, I've never been to Jiko but I have in my head that I will be avoiding certain places and parks just because I figure I don't want to navigate the crowds.

In my head that leaves the 3 monorail resorts, MK & EPCOT (maybe MGM)

Californial Grill is one we haven't tried yet. I wonder if its a good place for the kids.

I do like narcoossees..i have to keep that in mind.
I do want to be in the MK for Christmas morning (it opens at 7am) but I thought it would be fun to ride some rides before running out of there.

I think it was Chan who gave me the idea to then open presents at the resort in the afternoon.
Does it start off wall to wall at 7am or do you have a few hours before its that crazy?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

we ate at Cali grille in april with the boys mike and it was great. The kids were good and we had no issues. Just keep checking for your dates both Vaness and 3 figs were looking for things and they have opened up.

 

[goofygal531]

I would think the views at the Cali Grill would entertain the kids. Considering it's Christmas week, I wouldn't be too concerned with children "behaving" in the "nice" restaurants. There are brats everywhere during the holidays. It seems manners just go out the window when the crowds rush in and I'm not just talking about the children

Channing will agree with me. We were both there Thanksgiving week and people are just RUDE RUDE RUDE during holidays!

Be prepared for larger than normal crowds for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Processional, I heard on one of the DisPodcasts that it's a Christmas tradition for many of the locals.

I think you have the right idea to stick with the monorail restaurants, MK and Epcot - that's exactly what we're doing this trip.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Mare...I totally agree. The holiday crowds are the worst as far as RUDE goes. I don't know why. You'd think they'd have holiday cheer and a festive spirit, but they are mean. Maybe it's the higher costs of everything.

Mike, the one year we did christmas at WDW they had tornados on Christmas morning . My CM friends heard the sirens at their homes in Clermont!! We went to AK and it was raining and that was the best day we had the whole trip, lol, because the crowds stayed away. We just put on our ponchos and had fun....got soaked but we had fun with nobody else in the parks but us crazies.

We did not try ever to get anywhere early that trip. That is so not us lol. Our technique was to stay late and close the place down. That worked great for us usually. On MK EMH nights, no...because our max is about 2 am and other people are crazier.

We ate at Citricos on Xmas Eve. I would do a resort restaurant again...and we ate at Ohana on Christmas for dinner. We always do a dressier Xmas Eve and a casual Xmas Day...so that was good for us.

If you want Candlelight Proc. on Xmas eve or Day you should have IPO book it...let them know as soon as you can so you will have it guaranteed. Those dates sell out SO FAST.

I would stay near the GF on Christmas Eve. That is when they have Santa in the lobby and Mickey and Minnie and special music etc. Beautiful. WE enjoyed the GF so it worked out having Citricos for dinner...not far to travel.

I know you're probably thinking about your upcoming trip...I always have a hard time planning another when I am still thinking about the sooner trip. It gets overwhelming. Just make sure you have the couple priorities ready to book when that window opens....CP and your Xmas Eve and Xmas ADRs & any other specialty things...the rest can fall into place.

Channing

 

[tinklvr64]

YAY!! Dawn!!!!

Well....Lucy has 1.5 days left and I picked her up today....she has a 99.5 fever and feels dizzy, and just all around icky. Great. Tomorrow is her last day with her wonderful vision itinerant and we need her to be at school to give her the gifts we bought her. We LOVE that lady and we wound up doing some BBW yummy stuff for a gift basket, a JoAnne fabrics gift card - because she loves crafting...and then Lucy and I made her a really pretty bracelet. It is at least something more special and from the heart.


Channing

Chan, sorry Lucy is sick too bad on her last day with her wonderful teacher...that collection of items sounds great for her to give, she will love it

 

[mandymommy4]

Lesley: You don't need lifevest, the pool has them.

I shipped down a TON of stuff:

Box #1: basic supplies - cereals, laundry detergent, trash bags, ZIPLOCKS , fishie crackers, club crackers, chips ahoy cookies, diapers, wipes, swim diapers, flushable wipes, trash bags, room air freshener, lysol, Germ X hand sanitizer, etc.... I can't recall everything. I kept the box in the corner of my dining room and just kept throwing stuff in i

Box #2: Case of water, juice boxes, vitamin water, organic milk

Box #3: Boy's gift bags from Mickey, nightly lootbags from Mickey, beach toys, father's day decorations and balloons (GF will inflate)

Chan: I used UPS

Annette: Aren't those shoes comfy! I walked 3 miles the day I bought them with no problem. I'm not bringing the Fergie bag to WDW. There's no inside pockets or top closure to the bag. I'm using it now, I really do like it for everyday, it's so light. And it's not uncomfortable due to the size at all. The way it's structured it's really balanced and not cumbersome.

I bought this LeSportSac for WDW:

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7836_4809.html

I have it in an ugly brown and teal geometric print, it's all they had at the store on Madison Avenue. I bought it a few months ago and they already changed all the patterns for summer. I should have waited, I like the heart pattern, it's cute. Better than my geo prints. I like that it has tons of pockets and that it's long and narrow. I should have just gone to the outlet in Woodbury Commons, they sell it for a fraction of the price I paid but I didn't feel like driving there.

If you have a Daffy's near you in Staten Island, they have tons of Kipling bags. I just started shopping at Daffy's. I never realized how much stuff the have. I bought a ton of Melissa & Doug puzzles for gifts - DS4 has birthday parties to go to.

Mare

Good Lord woman you are gonna have a ton of food with all those snacks AND baggies from the buffet!

How are you shipping milk? I am thinking powdered or canned? Really, I want to know!

 

[mandymommy4]

Mandy, I've never been to Jiko but I have in my head that I will be avoiding certain places and parks just because I figure I don't want to navigate the crowds.

In my head that leaves the 3 monorail resorts, MK & EPCOT (maybe MGM)

Californial Grill is one we haven't tried yet. I wonder if its a good place for the kids.

I do like narcoossees..i have to keep that in mind.
I do want to be in the MK for Christmas morning (it opens at 7am) but I thought it would be fun to ride some rides before running out of there.

I think it was Chan who gave me the idea to then open presents at the resort in the afternoon.
Does it start off wall to wall at 7am or do you have a few hours before its that crazy?

We ate at CG in March with all 4 of mine (5,4,3,2 yo) and it was great! They were entranced by the view and the server brought them gold fish so all was well! I also took crayons and coloring pages for them to stay occupied! I think they have some there too!

Yay, so glad you are gonna do Mk on Christmas day! I have never done it but I think it would be magical to ride a few rides and just be there , that is until the crowds become horrible then RUN back to the safety of the GF!

 

[praline3001]

Shoot if I forget to pack something I am going to Mare's room

 

[vbarry]

Hey Mike- I am right there with ya. I had an idea of what I wanted but that has all changed. I was thinking Cindy's Castle for breakfast and then I decided maybe we would want to sleep in and do a late breakfast at Chef Mickey's or 1900 and just relax the rest of the day. Who knows. I have no idea what to expect on the crowds or weather!

Channing~ Do you know when they did the Christmas Eve stuff at the GF that evening? Was it earlier or later? I really wanted to go to CP that evening. We always go to candlelight service at home and I was afraid I would feel like I missed something if I did not attend some sort of religious service that evening. Something about Christmas Eve...(dh proposed that night right before church so I guess that is why!)

I know the girls would love the stuff at the GF. Just don't know if we would make it back on time. Maybe we can attend CP on Christmas day.

Mandy~You would be so proud of me. I lead the choir section during Bible School all week. Our program is tonight. I hope they know all the songs. I know my voice has takin a beatin. It has been several years since I have sang that much.

Hope everyone has a good day! V