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

[Lives4Disney]

Lives4Disney - I am so glad you said you like the Brown Derby, as it is one of a few new restaurants we are trying this time. The other new "tries" for us are Afternoon Tea at the GF - just the girls - and possibly Le Cellier. Standard faves which we will be dining at once again are the Plaza Restaurant (we all love their ice cream sundaes), Narcoossee's, Cinderella's Royal Table, GF Cafe, etc. We tend to eat at the resort quite a bit, as it is just easier with the kids, especially my little man. He still a really good napper, so I am hoping we can all sit down for a nice meal after his nap!

I heard that the bridge to Frontierland is being repaired in late August while we are there and there will be no Spectromagic - is that true??

Hi, first off..yes I believe that's true about no Spectro. We were told something about that by CMs when we were there....I think it's the bridge that goes toward "Sleepy Hollow"...It looked like it was being prepped for work. That's a bummer....I LOVE Spectro. Every trip we make a point to see it...I like to see it more than once but my kids prefer to take advantage of that time to ride rides. We like those restaurants, too! Narcoosees...though...I am staying away. Twice I have eaten there and it was good, but both times I ordered the same things and both times I got really sick after. Our favorites are Plaza (sometimes good basic food is needed!), Brown Derby, CHef de France, Kona for dinner (IT was our best meal last time!), we all like Crystal Palace and LTT...but LTT for it's slower calmer character experience which is going AWAY! CP has fun characters but it's LOUD. My kids also like the character meals at 1900 PF. OMG...I was going to list more but I don't want to take over the page and go on and on and on and on with my stuff. Your trip will be here before you kmow it!! I hope you have a great time.

Good Morning all!!!

We are getting hammered by rain today, but as DS says, "The grass looks thirsty..." so I guess "its a good thing!" (can't be a Martha wanna be and not use her phrases, right?! I am pulling out that cake pan tomorrow!!)

Kel, I am glad you are feeling better. Thanks for taking the time with me yesterday to go over my 2009 options. DH is actually pleased with the week after Tgiving instead of the beginning of the month. It stinks that DS will have to miss 5 days instead of 2, but early November is one of the worst times of the year for a road constuction boss to be out of town!

AND- by leaving on Sat after Tgiving (11/28) we will be there for my birthday!!!!!!!! So ladies, recommendations for my b day dinner are welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (DS will be coming so V&A is out, but he is quite the "foodie" at WDW so everything else is fair game!!!)

Also, I think we are upgrading to AP's this year as well. Has anyone done this with a package?? I know I have to get the tickets off my room key as not to interupt with the DxDDP etc. but I am not sure if the lobby concierge can upgrade us or if I have to do this at the parks- anyone know for sure?? Also, what it the expiration of the AP. We would be activating ours on 12/7 so is it good till 12/7/09 or 12/6/09?? (Our trip dates in 2009 are 11/28 to 12/6)

Lastly, I am not commenting on the baseball stuff since I agree with everyone else about keeping the thread friendly... I didn't realize that an innocent comment weeks ago (geared towards Kelly and "her" sox BTW) would stir up so much controversy!

Kristin, did you get the cupcake pan? You have to post a pic when you make that cake. It sounds adorable. I can't even picture it - other than a jumbo cupcake?? No Martha living over here. LOL on the thirsty grass.


Good morning, all!! Talk to ya later!! Busy day ahead.

Chan

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Chan, yes it is a giant cupcake! It is a two sided pan where you bake the bottom and the "muffin top" separate. I just loved it when I saw it and couldn't resist with that 40% coupon!! Wilton also makes giant sprinkles to decorate it with. I promise to post a picture tomorrow when it is done!

 

[m&pForever]

Hi, first off..yes I believe that's true about no Spectro. We were told something about that by CMs when we were there....I think it's the bridge that goes toward "Sleepy Hollow"...It looked like it was being prepped for work. That's a bummer....I LOVE Spectro. Every trip we make a point to see it...

Chan

Yes it is true about Spectro. I tried so hard to see it last time but we didn't.

And now we won't be seeing it.

Actually I don't think i mentioned that i made a contact too my last trip who told me ( and i don't know if its been reported already) that 'sleepy hollow' bridge has to be reinforced for a new parade which will be too heavy for the existing one. Not sure if its a new nighttime or daytime parade.

 

[SleepingUgly]

I am just able to get back online after a busy weekend! Thank you, Linda for your warm welcome! I totally understand about feeling exasperated at times! My 2-year-old "little man" keeps me on my toes at times! In fact, at this very moment! DD is a gem - thank goodness!

We have 19 days until our trip and we can't wait!

Question about food offerings in Sugar Loaf - what items are available for little picky eaters (especially breakfast)?

Looks like you guys may get there the same time as us. We will arrive on the 23rd.

Aren't 2-year-olds so much fun though? I really miss that age with my kids. They are so alive at that age, and yet still little babies.

I am sure others have already helped re: food offerings, but I am sure they will have many kid-friendly offerings for the little ones. After all, if kids aren't welcome at WDW, then who is?

Linda

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Yes it is true about Spectro. I tried so hard to see it last time but we didn't.

And now we won't be seeing it.

Actually I don't think i mentioned that i made a contact too my last trip who told me ( and i don't know if its been reported already) that 'sleepy hollow' bridge has to be reinforced for a new parade which will be too heavy for the existing one. Not sure if its a new nighttime or daytime parade.

OOHH!!! Good tip!! I thought I heard rumors about a new nighttime parade.... wonder if this is it?!

 

[SleepingUgly]

i have a few pairs of crocs and hate them because they're so ugly...

Chan -- I am so with you. I really, really tried to like those things, but could not bring myself to at all. I had the kids try them on -- . And I even tried them on myself-- .

Dh has always liked Tevas, so I bought a pair for myself for a recent canoeing trip (yes, I actually took off my 4-inch heels long enough to put on Tevas and go -- GASP! -- canoeing) and I really, really liked those. So I bought them for my older daughter, and tried to get a pair for my little one, but they didn't have her size, so we got her The North Face sandals instead. Good traction, water resistant, and comfy shoes for all. I am so not an outdoors person, so I went to REI to buy these shoes and had no idea what I was doing. But hopefully, these will get us through a week at WDW. Last time, we all wore sneakers the entire time, and while those are nice and we'll wear them again this trip, it's nice to have a change.

Linda

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I hate the YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

CROCS are ugly but I love them.
ds4 just got wall-e ones and they are so cute.

 

[minniesota]

I hate the YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel your pain, Kelly! They come to Minnesota next week - they always seem to rough us up. Hope you have a better week!

 

[SleepingUgly]

Kelly -- I hope you are feeling better!!!

As for baseball -- We went to a Nationals game yesterday afternoon. Has anyone else been to one? We go every few weeks, thanks to tickets through my work. They have this feature called the Presidents Race, and four of the presidents race around the field and the first one to cross the finish line wins. Four people are inside these costumes of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt -- with GIANT HEADS -- and they race down the base lines like maniacs, with this giant heads bobbing up and down. Teddy never wins -- he always finds a distraction to keep him from winning. Yesterday, he stopped to dance with a guy in a Panda costume (the promotion was free panda webkinz for the kids; thus, the guy in the panda costume). Another time, he was almost winning when some WWE wrestler who was a special guest that day came out of nowhere and tackled him. The race is my favorite part of the game; they are so hilarious and fun. I think out-of-towners don't get them at all, but we regulars love it. I can so go home after the Presidents Race -- who cares about the game?

Dh and I had date night on Saturday. The girls were with their godparents, who took them to see the Lion King at the Kennedy Center, and then they spent the night with them and we all met up at the ballpark on Sunday. So what did dh and I do on our exciting Saturday night? We went to the mall and then got Mickey's D's and went home to eat. We are pathetic, but we figured we can go out to eat by ourselves anytime (just get a babysitter), but we can never stay home by ourselves -- the kids are always around! So we enjoyed a relaxing night at home, and with no kids to wake us up on Sunday!

Linda

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Kelly -- I hope you are feeling better!!!

As for baseball -- We went to a Nationals game yesterday afternoon. Has anyone else been to one? We go every few weeks, thanks to tickets through my work. They have this feature called the Presidents Race, and four of the presidents race around the field and the first one to cross the finish line wins. Four people are inside these costumes of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt -- with GIANT HEADS -- and they race down the base lines like maniacs, with this giant heads bobbing up and down. Teddy never wins -- he always finds a distraction to keep him from winning. Yesterday, he stopped to dance with a guy in a Panda costume (the promotion was free panda webkinz for the kids; thus, the guy in the panda costume). Another time, he was almost winning when some WWE wrestler who was a special guest that day came out of nowhere and tackled him. The race is my favorite part of the game; they are so hilarious and fun. I think out-of-towners don't get them at all, but we regulars love it. I can so go home after the Presidents Race -- who cares about the game?

Dh and I had date night on Saturday. The girls were with their godparents, who took them to see the Lion King at the Kennedy Center, and then they spent the night with them and we all met up at the ballpark on Sunday. So what did dh and I do on our exciting Saturday night? We went to the mall and then got Mickey's D's and went home to eat. We are pathetic, but we figured we can go out to eat by ourselves anytime (just get a babysitter), but we can never stay home by ourselves -- the kids are always around! So we enjoyed a relaxing night at home, and with no kids to wake us up on Sunday!
Linda

Now that sounds awesome!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I am feeling much better today, thanks everyone.

 

[minniesota]

Kelly -- I hope you are feeling better!!!

As for baseball -- We went to a Nationals game yesterday afternoon. Has anyone else been to one? We go every few weeks, thanks to tickets through my work. They have this feature called the Presidents Race, and four of the presidents race around the field and the first one to cross the finish line wins. Four people are inside these costumes of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt -- with GIANT HEADS -- and they race down the base lines like maniacs, with this giant heads bobbing up and down. Teddy never wins -- he always finds a distraction to keep him from winning. Yesterday, he stopped to dance with a guy in a Panda costume (the promotion was free panda webkinz for the kids; thus, the guy in the panda costume). Another time, he was almost winning when some WWE wrestler who was a special guest that day came out of nowhere and tackled him. The race is my favorite part of the game; they are so hilarious and fun. I think out-of-towners don't get them at all, but we regulars love it. I can so go home after the Presidents Race -- who cares about the game?

Dh and I had date night on Saturday. The girls were with their godparents, who took them to see the Lion King at the Kennedy Center, and then they spent the night with them and we all met up at the ballpark on Sunday. So what did dh and I do on our exciting Saturday night? We went to the mall and then got Mickey's D's and went home to eat. We are pathetic, but we figured we can go out to eat by ourselves anytime (just get a babysitter), but we can never stay home by ourselves -- the kids are always around! So we enjoyed a relaxing night at home, and with no kids to wake us up on Sunday!

Linda

My cousin is the director of operations for the Nationals and he loves it there! Those races sound like a blast.

 

[SleepingUgly]

Here is the Wiki link, with PICTURES!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidents_Race

I am such a dork.

Linda

 

[Lives4Disney]

Yes it is true about Spectro. I tried so hard to see it last time but we didn't.

And now we won't be seeing it.



Actually I don't think i mentioned that i made a contact too my last trip who told me ( and i don't know if its been reported already) that 'sleepy hollow' bridge has to be reinforced for a new parade which will be too heavy for the existing one. Not sure if its a new nighttime or daytime parade.

Bummer.......BUT

COol! you have a contact, too!!!! We are both connected..... DH learned from HIS contact that Spectro will be going bye bye soon....

Looks like you guys may get there the same time as us. We will arrive on the 23rd.

Aren't 2-year-olds so much fun though? I really miss that age with my kids. They are so alive at that age, and yet still little babies.

I am sure others have already helped re: food offerings, but I am sure they will have many kid-friendly offerings for the little ones. After all, if kids aren't welcome at WDW, then who is?

Linda

Linda, you leave soon, too!!!!

OOHH!!! Good tip!! I thought I heard rumors about a new nighttime parade.... wonder if this is it?!

I am feeling much better today, thanks everyone.

 

[herecomesthesun]

Good morning ladies!



Ya, we go to WDW for field trips, LOL! Great incentive for DS and me!
Today we are doing three days worth of work in like and hour and a half, but broken up into two 45 min sessions, DS is eager and very smart and would be board in public school! That explains why some HS kids begin college several years early!



We love the Brown Derby! I have eaten there many times and I like the food! Esp the Banana White Chocolate Toffee Tower, YUM-O!

We spent a week at the GF in March and had nice dinners most nights at signature restaurants and my kids were great! The kids did nap religiously! My DS5 (at the time) did not nap, but my DD 4, 3, and 2 did! I would go to the pool, get ice cream and play video games at the arcade, or to the MK with DS and do a ride while they (DH too ) napped! Such magical mother/son time!

I will definitely try the Banana White Chocolate Toffee Tower - we are doing the dining plan this time, and I believe dessert is included, but no longer appetizers or gratuities - bummer. It still was a good deal for us, especially since DS is only 2. He will be enjoying our desserts as he has a massive sweet tooth!

I am hoping for some magical mother/daughter time with DD6. I figure we can either hang at the pool - especially the days we have the cabana - or hop back to the MK and do some girly stuff. Something tells me DD will want to have her hair done at the new boutique in the castle, but being a germaphobe, I am not sure how I feel about it. One of the days, I will be introducing her to afternoon tea! They have a nice option for children on the menu! DH will definitely appreciate naptime with DS.

DD loves the Disney Channel shows and movies. Hoping that one of the tween stars will magically be there while we are. Longshot, I know! I heard that they play various movies on the beach at the CR? Is that true?? I hope so, she would love that!

Channing - what did you eat at Narcoossee's that made you sick? DH is really looking forward to having surf and turf or the whole lobster. Should we stay away?? I just love the ambiance there more than anything else. How is Citrico's?

As a newbie, I have a lot of questions! Thanks for all of the info.!

 

[tinklvr64]

I hate the YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am feeling much better today, thanks everyone.

Kel...but admit it..they are HOT LOOKING!!! Derek Jeter ymmmm! ya the yanks are also a thorn in the side of the Sox!!!

Glad you are feeling better Kel!

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi GF Gals! This is my first time posting but I have been enjoying this thread as well as the GF FAQ thread for quite some time. GF FAQ thread is terrific (great job Kelly and Channing) it is always so up to date....Have an upcoming trip end of August with DH, twin DS (19) and DD(16)...Traveling with teens is always interesting!!! Also traveling with DNiece (on DIS as herecomesthe sun)her husband and DGreat Niece(6) and Dgreat nephew(2),not sure who is more fun DGnephew or the teens!!! Have been to the GF many times but have not been there during the summer in many years.We always like Oct or Nov/Dec trips (nothing like starting off the holiday season there).Now with 2 sons in college it seems that summer trips are in store for us...Have a summer time treking thru the parks shoe question, usually wear mesh Lands End sneakers in the parks but not sure if that is too hot in the summer, also have (not crocs) but Trellos(big LE fan here) but Channings posts about slippery crocs have made me reconsider the trellos too -just want to be cool and comfy. Has any one ever heard of Clark flip flops got a catalogue recently and they look like they might be a good choice.Looking foward to chatting with you all...

 

[minniesota]

Hi GF Gals! This is my first time posting but I have been enjoying this thread as well as the GF FAQ thread for quite some time. GF FAQ thread is terrific (great job Kelly and Channing) it is always so up to date....Have an upcoming trip end of August with DH, twin DS (19) and DD(16)...Traveling with teens is always interesting!!! Also traveling with DNiece (on DIS as herecomesthe sun)her husband and DGreat Niece(6) and Dgreat nephew(2),not sure who is more fun DGnephew or the teens!!! Have been to the GF many times but have not been there during the summer in many years.We always like Oct or Nov/Dec trips (nothing like starting off the holiday season there).Now with 2 sons in college it seems that summer trips are in store for us...Have a summer time treking thru the parks shoe question, usually wear mesh Lands End sneakers in the parks but not sure if that is too hot in the summer, also have (not crocs) but Trellos(big LE fan here) but Channings posts about slippery crocs have made me reconsider the trellos too -just want to be cool and comfy. Has any one ever heard of Clark flip flops got a catalogue recently and they look like they might be a good choice.Looking foward to chatting with you all...

Welcome!

Sounds like a fun family trip! I often travel with extended family and it's the best. We usually visit the GF in fall and winter as well and have never done the summer touring. I have a couple of paris of Clark's flip-flops and I do like them but not sure I could do hours in the parks in them. I would think your mesh sneaks from LE would work great. Maybe alternate with a supportive FF! Have a great time and again - welcome!!!

 

[minniesota]

Here is the Wiki link, with PICTURES!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidents_Race

I am such a dork.

Linda

Linda-

That's a hoot! And you're not a dork!