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

[minniesota]

Kelly-
I'm happy for you and the Celtics! Especially KG - after 13 years in the bigs with our lowly T-Wolves, he deserved to shed a tear or two! Enjoy the celebration!

 

[tete01830]

Hey Girls! Man is it good to not have to get up and take DD to school!

Fishy- I have a few suggestions for you....First I would set a schedule. Everyday at the same times is breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whatever meal it is, stick to the time and nothing else can be done until she has finished what you think is an adequate portion. There will be no coloring or whatever else that she wants to do unless she gets that meal in. If she only drinks water then add protein to the water...They sell those little protein packets in the market now (special K brand). That is just my 2 cents....Good luck with that!

S

 

[arbonnette]

Thanks to everyone for their tips on my picky eater. Tonight for dinner she had a piece of garlic bread and a bowl of ice cream. That is what she wanted tonight so that is what she got, at least she ate something today. I have tried the pedi-sure and she refuses to drink it, she likes just water. I gave her some orange juice the other day that had quite a bit of pulp in it, and she did not like that so now she refuses to even drink juice of any kind. She likes her fruit plain, doesn't like any sugar on it, or peanut butter. She won't eat ketchup or ranch or dip anything. She is just super picky and knows she is driving me crazy.

Seems like this may be your biggest problem! I agree with Siobhan about setting meal times. I personally would serve her whatever you think she should eat, spaghetti, mac and cheese, whatever in addition to the garlic bread. If you put it there enough times, she may decide to try it. And if she starts to have a fit, meal time is immediately over. You can't reason with a 3.5 yo.

 

[tinklvr64]

Natalie was always a picky eater too!! The doctors told me that her tastebuds were super sensitive like her hearing, due to the lack of her vision.

They say when one sense is low or missing the others get stronger, so it made sense. Anyway, she has gotten soooooo much better and is not so thin anymore. Now, I actually have to watch her intake so she doesn't become overweight. But she is sooooooooooo tall for her age, she'll probably be fine.

My DH just came home from Chicago, I don't know how close you girls are to the city. He goes pretty often to work with the CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange). Maybe one day I'll go with him!!

OOOH Come with him....we will meet you downtown!
Love downtown Chicago

 

[mr.mike]

Good Morning, ladies!

I'd like to hear your thoughts about new years.

I've been able to add another day at RPC so now our dates dec 21-30. I can't leave on the 30th now that we are so close to New Years. And if i stay for new years I don't want to leave until the 2nd.

Problem is where to stay if no other RPC opens up. Our younger ones won't make it until midnight so we want a view of the fireworks from our room.

GF has theme park view for 30th and 31st but only GV for the 1st.

Poly has LV cluv level for all 3 days.

CR has theme park view (or the Atrium Club which doesn't guarantee MK view)for the first 2 nights and then garden for Jan 1st.

BWI has a deluxe club level room for all 3 days. Anyone know if Epcot has fireworks for New years?

I hate to leave RPC but if I do I also don't think I want to switch rooms another two times even though I'd love to see the fireworks from the higher view at the CR.

Any thoughts? thanks

 

[Lives4Disney]

Vanessa and Kristin I have been looking everyday for SW fares to be released and they still say June 26....right now though through end of Oct it says $69.00 fares to Orlando to visit WDW...Chan did you know this???? I know ours is going to be alot since it is over a holiday period..but better than United or AA

We get our tix from a friend at school who has season tix...3rd row from the field down the 1st base line....we always get autographs and foul balls! July 5th is also fireworks night which is the best

DAWN!?!?!?! Say what??? I can't get below $149 one way! Where are those good fares????

Thanks to everyone for their tips on my picky eater. Tonight for dinner she had a piece of garlic bread and a bowl of ice cream. That is what she wanted tonight so that is what she got, at least she ate something today. I have tried the pedi-sure and she refuses to drink it, she likes just water. I gave her some orange juice the other day that had quite a bit of pulp in it, and she did not like that so now she refuses to even drink juice of any kind. She likes her fruit plain, doesn't like any sugar on it, or peanut butter. She won't eat ketchup or ranch or dip anything. She is just super picky and knows she is driving me crazy.

Maybe Andrea is on to something....don't let DD see it's effecting you at all...be cool as a cucumber when you hand her her icecream and garlic bread...like whatever you want, dear. I did think of something else...sometimes we use those fancy umbrella toothpics or the ones with the froufrou at the ends...cut up chunks of fruit or any food and let Jojo eat it with the cute umbrellas....she enjoys that. We did that more when she was littler. Also, DH makes the food "fancy" for her. He makes apple flowers, and carrot sunshines, and puts dips and sauces in them for her. She enjoys that too. It's weird how the little things make the difference. I know Jojo wasn't doing it out of stubbornness though....she is just a PICKY eater.

Natalie was always a picky eater too!! The doctors told me that her tastebuds were super sensitive like her hearing, due to the lack of her vision.

They say when one sense is low or missing the others get stronger, so it made sense. Anyway, she has gotten soooooo much better and is not so thin anymore. Now, I actually have to watch her intake so she doesn't become overweight. But she is sooooooooooo tall for her age, she'll probably be fine.

My DH just came home from Chicago, I don't know how close you girls are to the city. He goes pretty often to work with the CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange). Maybe one day I'll go with him!!

Annette, that would be fun!

good morning everyone

celtics parade at 11am

YaY....Go Kelly....Go Celtics!

OOOH Come with him....we will meet you downtown!
Love downtown Chicago

Good Morning, ladies!

I'd like to hear your thoughts about new years.

I've been able to add another day at RPC so now our dates dec 21-30. I can't leave on the 30th now that we are so close to New Years. And if i stay for new years I don't want to leave until the 2nd.

Problem is where to stay if no other RPC opens up. Our younger ones won't make it until midnight so we want a view of the fireworks from our room.

GF has theme park view for 30th and 31st but only GV for the 1st.

Poly has LV cluv level for all 3 days.

CR has theme park view (or the Atrium Club which doesn't guarantee MK view)for the first 2 nights and then garden for Jan 1st.

BWI has a deluxe club level room for all 3 days. Anyone know if Epcot has fireworks for New years?

I hate to leave RPC but if I do I also don't think I want to switch rooms another two times even though I'd love to see the fireworks from the higher view at the CR.

Any thoughts? thanks

Mike with all your little kids...I would say suck it up and stay Poly....(OMG I can't believe i am saying that) OR BWI...(another OMG I cannot BELIEVE I am saying THAT).....the BWI deluxe rooms have BW views and are nice and roomy....although pray that you don't have the sofa bed issues we did....that and their lack of service ruined our stay...they were lame ohs but that was probably 3 yrs ago.

I just wouldn't want to move more than once after RPC.

First choice IMO would be CR because you'd get a terrific view...and it is so perfect being able to walk b/f to the MK. The CR is exciting...and you probably won't care about the pool during that time of year...but if it's not available for all your dates forget it.

Good luck!!
Channing

 

[arbonnette]

I just downloaded the Nemo musical soundtrack from Itunes and I am crying listening to it. Now I the doof! I used to do theater in HS and college, and I always dreamed of working at Disney. My mom mentioned last time we went and saw the Beauty and the Beauty show that I should have probably done the Disney thing in college and tried to work there.
I am thinking, yeah, but she never encouraged me to do that back then ... Oh well. I will just have to live vicariously through Hannah!!! Haha.

Have a great day, everybody! I am being lazy and enjoying the AC. It is so HOT outside.

- Andrea

 

[mr.mike]

Mike with all your little kids...I would say suck it up and stay Poly....(OMG I can't believe i am saying that)

The Poly is the easy choice but since we will be there next month........
(I was afraid to tell you that before )

OR BWI...(another OMG I cannot BELIEVE I am saying THAT).....the BWI deluxe rooms have BW views and are nice and roomy....although pray that you don't have the sofa bed issues we did....that and their lack of service ruined our stay...they were lame ohs but that was probably 3 yrs ago.

I haven't stayed at a Boardwalk resort in 3 years so this is appealing BUT with crowds that means our mornings would be at Epcot & DS which is fine but an early MK visit for the first would be harder to get to. BUT it gives me extra choices for dinners for all these extra days.

I just wouldn't want to move more than once after RPC.

I agree but like you say...

First choice IMO would be CR because you'd get a terrific view...and it is so perfect being able to walk b/f to the MK.

Thanks Chan!

 

[vbarry]

Mike- I know that Epcot does show they are having fireworks on New Years Eve.

I would probably try BW or Yacht Club. It would be nice so you can split your time a little between MK and Epcot resorts. I am a big fan of this.

I know all DVC resorts are booked Dec 30 and 31 because I am having to pay cash for those nights and I assume other resorts will also start getting full.

I would get a back up plan and keep checking RPC.

 

[vbarry]

Well I got some good and bad news today.

They inlaws are going to join us at WDW for Christmas. They are not coming down until Dec 27th and are driving with my SIL and staying offsite in their timeshare.

I am happy for two reasons.

1. I do not feel guilty because we are leaving them at Christmas.

2. This is their first ever trip to WDW and I want them to be able to share it with the girls.

So now I am trying to plan ADR's for 12 people for the 27th- Jan 2.

I am also thinking about trying to start our trip on Dec 22 so we have some family time together. I am going to have to check to see if there is a deluxe room on the 22nd and try to extend. I know...I doubt it!

I also need to look into ECV rentals for the parks only. They are much older and it will be a lot of walking.

I am definately going to get the tour guide. WAY too many people to plan around for me.

Hope all have a good day!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

OK... girls...don't laugh at me, BUT I am scared to death of downtown Chicago. I always have been. We go to the White Sox games almost every weekend (at least when they are in town that is) and I FINALLY don't have issues with that, but count me out for a city trip

Fishy, HOORAY! She ate something. I agree with everyone else and keep it cool. Don't make too big of a fuss when she eats and don't make too big of a fuss when she doesn't. I realize it is a battle of wills issue, but is it due to stubborness or independence?? Once you figure it out, you can probably tweak her life in other areas to help with the eating. For example, if she hates not having any choice in her life, let her pick out her own clothes to wear etc. If she hates having too much choice, choose more things for her (or maybe limit it down to 2 and let her pick between them). Using my undergrad psych degreerotfl: ) it sounds like there is an issue somewhere else with her that is manifesting itself with the food issue...

Dawn, I saw the $69 featured thing for WDW on SW's site too, but couldn't find a fare even remotely close to it with some trial dates in Sept/Oct Must not be for our airport. I hope with all my might that when they release December it will be around $250 pp.

Good score on your tickets! We got Jim Thome to sign DS's jersey on Kids day two weekends ago, and Paul Konerko's signed a ball last year. I thought DS was going to faint with excitement!!!! I am hoping they get the sweep over the Pirates today! The Cubs have already lost 2 to Tampa and for whatever reason play a night game there tonight I am hoping it goes to 16 innings so they are exhausted tomorrow!!

Mike- WOW! What a choice??? My first instinct was to stay at the GF to make the moving factor easier BUT how do you leave RPC for GV?? I vote for BWI just for a change of scenery (and since yo can keep club level). I always say we are going to stay back over there again one of these trips, but I can't tear myself away from the monorail We are seriously considering the CR next year for Jersey Week (but DH said that may be the last WDW trip for a couple of years, so I am not sure if I can bear the thought of NOT staying at the GF!!)

 

[mr.mike]

Well I got some good and bad news today.

They inlaws are going to join us at WDW for Christmas. They are not coming down until Dec 27th and are driving with my SIL and staying offsite in their timeshare.

I hope you can add the room; I'm actually surprised that I've been able to add 1 room at the front of the trip and 2 at the back.

We still haven't even thought about telling our families. Let us save that drama for much later in the year

ADRs for 12? Wow!
I hope everyone appreciates all the planning you do!

You mentioned the yacht club; Can you see any of Illuminations from there? Or maybe from there we could see the new years eve firworks at Disney Studios. I haven't stayed there before but I like that it SEEMS to be a slower pace than the BC.

 

[mr.mike]

Mike- WOW! What a choice??? My first instinct was to stay at the GF to make the moving factor easier BUT how do you leave RPC for GV?? I vote for BWI just for a change of scenery (and since yo can keep club level). I always say we are going to stay back over there again one of these trips, but I can't tear myself away from the monorail We are seriously considering the CR next year for Jersey Week (but DH said that may be the last WDW trip for a couple of years, so I am not sure if I can bear the thought of NOT staying at the GF!!)

I agree about the GF...I dont think I'd enjoy being there knowing we were just in the main building the day before.

And I am sort of leaning towards the BWI just for the reason you say but aren't those MK new years fireworks really special? I've never seen them but thought it was a longer and bigger show. Could that compare to Epcots fireworks?

And i hope after some time has passed you could convince him to go back. I keep thinking we stay away for some time and then after a few months I get the 'itch'.

 

[vbarry]

Mike~ I am not sure if you could see the fireworks from the waterview rooms or not.

Channing may know. I know she has stayed there.

Let us know what you decide.

Yeah...the whole family thing has me a little down but I am going to try and make the best of it. ADR's for 12 is going to be a little crazy. I wish IPO would make them for my entire trip but I already tried that and they said NO!

Ron's dad turns 81 this week and has really slowed down this last year. I know these are memories that will last a lifetime and I am going to just try and put his mother's voice in the back of my head the entire time and just IGNORE her.

I doubt they will be with us much other than the tour guide days. They just move at a much slower pace and my kids are HIGH speed ahead. They will be sick of us after abot 48 hours. SIL's children are all grown so she will be fine dealing with them while I am trying to deal with my girls. Let me tell ya...I would take my girls anyday!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I just downloaded the Nemo musical soundtrack from Itunes and I am crying listening to it. Now I the doof! I used to do theater in HS and college, and I always dreamed of working at Disney. My mom mentioned last time we went and saw the Beauty and the Beauty show that I should have probably done the Disney thing in college and tried to work there.
I am thinking, yeah, but she never encouraged me to do that back then ... Oh well. I will just have to live vicariously through Hannah!!! Haha.

Have a great day, everybody! I am being lazy and enjoying the AC. It is so HOT outside.

- Andrea

Andrea, that is so sweet. I love those songs, too! Well...is it too late? YOu can still work for Disney!!

Mike...I agree with Vanessa...DECIDE QUICK on a back up plan for those three nights you need and then just keep checking for RPC if that's what you want. But grab something for the three nights quick.

We do like the MK/Epcot splits. YOu can maybe do most MK while you're at the GF and do MGM and Epcot during your BWI stay - if that's how it ends up w/resorts. Especially during those crowds...it's nice to have the option of walking vs. waiting in a big Disney transpo line. You could stay for Illuminiatinos and not worry about getting up to the monorail and back to teh GF. Plus as you said the restaurant options expand and there is fun at the BW in the eves, and movies on the beach at Y/BC. It's a fun area that has it's own advantages.

Kristin!! I am with you. I am REALLY not a fan of downtown CHicago. It was my secret. If we all went I'd suck it up and go, haha...but it's not my favorite by any means. SIL's wife's parents were killed by a piece of a skyscraper that fell on them as they walked in downtonw NY....I think about that when I am down there, haha....crazy I know - what are the chances? But knowing it DOES happen freaks me out.

Vanessa, I am glad you are OK with the new plans. I hope it works out...good thing you have IPO to hellp with the large ADR ressies.

I got news today too ....OK, haven't talked to my mom since Mother's Day..well before it actually. SHe emailed me that she booked my and my daughters a flight to Tucson over Columbus Day weekend. NO notice...no discussison....SHE JUST BOOKED IT. She is a MEGA manipulator. She obviously checked the kids' school calender, too...because they won't miss a day of school. She's so thoughtful.

Have a great day....we are off to run around and eat lunch at Mimis Cafe!!

Chan

 

[mmmears]

Fishy:

When my DD was a toddler, someone recommended this book about food issues with kids. It is really fantastic -- I would recommend you check it out. It's called How to Get Your Kid to Eat: But Not Too Much. It's at Amazon, but I checked it out of our local library. I thought it was really helpful. Good luck!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Chan!! OMG- look for us at Mimi's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[vbarry]

Channing~ So sorry to hear about your mother's plans. I had manipulative relative and I HAVE them! I am going to suck it up and deal and may add on another night. 5 nights alone and then the FUN begins. I am glad since I am not going to feel guilty.


I am not a downtown fan at all. I am a country gal so the downtown scares the death out of me. I do take the girls up to American Girl but we are usually with a group. I would never go alone!

 

[tinklvr64]

DAWN!?!?!?! Say what??? I can't get below $149 one way! Where are those good fares????

Good luck!!
Channing

Look on the website....maybe like K just said not for Midway!

I just downloaded the Nemo musical soundtrack from Itunes and I am crying listening to it. Now I the doof! I used to do theater in HS and college, and I always dreamed of working at Disney. My mom mentioned last time we went and saw the Beauty and the Beauty show that I should have probably done the Disney thing in college and tried to work there.
I am thinking, yeah, but she never encouraged me to do that back then ... Oh well. I will just have to live vicariously through Hannah!!! Haha.

Have a great day, everybody! I am being lazy and enjoying the AC. It is so HOT outside.

- Andrea

Ya...i know what you mean...crying last night at Celine Dion!

Well I got some good and bad news today.

They inlaws are going to join us at WDW for Christmas. They are not coming down until Dec 27th and are driving with my SIL and staying offsite in their timeshare.

I am happy for two reasons.

1. I do not feel guilty because we are leaving them at Christmas.

2. This is their first ever trip to WDW and I want them to be able to share it with the girls.

So now I am trying to plan ADR's for 12 people for the 27th- Jan 2.

I am also thinking about trying to start our trip on Dec 22 so we have some family time together. I am going to have to check to see if there is a deluxe room on the 22nd and try to extend. I know...I doubt it!

I also need to look into ECV rentals for the parks only. They are much older and it will be a lot of walking.

I am definately going to get the tour guide. WAY too many people to plan around for me.

Hope all have a good day!

OK... girls...don't laugh at me, BUT I am scared to death of downtown Chicago. I always have been. We go to the White Sox games almost every weekend (at least when they are in town that is) and I FINALLY don't have issues with that, but count me out for a city trip

Fishy, HOORAY! She ate something. I agree with everyone else and keep it cool. Don't make too big of a fuss when she eats and don't make too big of a fuss when she doesn't. I realize it is a battle of wills issue, but is it due to stubborness or independence?? Once you figure it out, you can probably tweak her life in other areas to help with the eating. For example, if she hates not having any choice in her life, let her pick out her own clothes to wear etc. If she hates having too much choice, choose more things for her (or maybe limit it down to 2 and let her pick between them). Using my undergrad psych degreerotfl: ) it sounds like there is an issue somewhere else with her that is manifesting itself with the food issue...

Dawn, I saw the $69 featured thing for WDW on SW's site too, but couldn't find a fare even remotely close to it with some trial dates in Sept/Oct Must not be for our airport. I hope with all my might that when they release December it will be around $250 pp.

Good score on your tickets! We got Jim Thome to sign DS's jersey on Kids day two weekends ago, and Paul Konerko's signed a ball last year. I thought DS was going to faint with excitement!!!! I am hoping they get the sweep over the Pirates today! The Cubs have already lost 2 to Tampa and for whatever reason play a night game there tonight I am hoping it goes to 16 innings so they are exhausted tomorrow!!
Mike- WOW! What a choice??? My first instinct was to stay at the GF to make the moving factor easier BUT how do you leave RPC for GV?? I vote for BWI just for a change of scenery (and since yo can keep club level). I always say we are going to stay back over there again one of these trips, but I can't tear myself away from the monorail We are seriously considering the CR next year for Jersey Week (but DH said that may be the last WDW trip for a couple of years, so I am not sure if I can bear the thought of NOT staying at the GF!!)

Kristin...come on its great! Its really not that bad....my mom and I go on the train downtown all the time and take cabs and walk down Michigan Ave and State St.....its soo fun!

Andrea, that is so sweet. I love those songs, too! Well...is it too late? YOu can still work for Disney!!

Mike...I agree with Vanessa...DECIDE QUICK on a back up plan for those three nights you need and then just keep checking for RPC if that's what you want. But grab something for the three nights quick.

We do like the MK/Epcot splits. YOu can maybe do most MK while you're at the GF and do MGM and Epcot during your BWI stay - if that's how it ends up w/resorts. Especially during those crowds...it's nice to have the option of walking vs. waiting in a big Disney transpo line. You could stay for Illuminiatinos and not worry about getting up to the monorail and back to teh GF. Plus as you said the restaurant options expand and there is fun at the BW in the eves, and movies on the beach at Y/BC. It's a fun area that has it's own advantages.

Kristin!! I am with you. I am REALLY not a fan of downtown CHicago. It was my secret. If we all went I'd suck it up and go, haha...but it's not my favorite by any means. SIL's wife's parents were killed by a piece of a skyscraper that fell on them as they walked in downtonw NY....I think about that when I am down there, haha....crazy I know - what are the chances? But knowing it DOES happen freaks me out.

Vanessa, I am glad you are OK with the new plans. I hope it works out...good thing you have IPO to hellp with the large ADR ressies.

I got news today too ....OK, haven't talked to my mom since Mother's Day..well before it actually. SHe emailed me that she booked my and my daughters a flight to Tucson over Columbus Day weekend. NO notice...no discussison....SHE JUST BOOKED IT. She is a MEGA manipulator. She obviously checked the kids' school calender, too...because they won't miss a day of school. She's so thoughtful.
Have a great day....we are off to run around and eat lunch at Mimis Cafe!!
Chan

Chan I will help you and Kristin and Vanessa....trust me its fun!

UHOH about mom!
Love Mimis Cafe!!!!! Yummy!

 

[mr.mike]

Mike~ I am not sure if you could see the fireworks from the waterview rooms or not.

Channing may know. I know she has stayed there.

Let us know what you decide.

Yeah...the whole family thing has me a little down but I am going to try and make the best of it. ADR's for 12 is going to be a little crazy. I wish IPO would make them for my entire trip but I already tried that and they said NO!

Ron's dad turns 81 this week and has really slowed down this last year. I know these are memories that will last a lifetime and I am going to just try and put his mother's voice in the back of my head the entire time and just IGNORE her.

I doubt they will be with us much other than the tour guide days. They just move at a much slower pace and my kids are HIGH speed ahead. They will be sick of us after abot 48 hours. SIL's children are all grown so she will be fine dealing with them while I am trying to deal with my girls. Let me tell ya...I would take my girls anyday!!

God Bless you, Vanessa! Seriously, with his dad at that age you will be giving Ron and your kids great memories; As crazy as my relatives can get my wife always thinks of me and my kids when dealing with them and you have no idea how much that means to me so I know Ron will feel that way too.

Well someone on the BWI thread just told me that you CANNOT see Illuminations from the water/boardwalk view rooms. They said its actually behind you because (i assume) how the boardwalk curves.
I guess that takes cares of that.
i'm down to Poly Lagoon club or Contemp with the twice switching rooms.
And i'm sort of leaning towards the Contemporary and asking for a high floor.

Just thought of something; Even if days open at RPC there is no guarentee I'll have the castle view. hmmm