"Having a GRAND time - The Official GF Chat Thread"

[Golfing Goofy]

We stayed at the DLR because honestly the GCH just doen'st do it for me stylewise and otherwise.....we had a GCH concierge room booked and it was about $800/nt and they couldn't guarantee a bed for my son!!!! Totally wrong IMO....they tried to make it seem like it would be "fun" for him to sleep in a sleeping bag on the floor, haha....you know - in tune with the wilderness theme... SORRY, but for that much money, everybody in the party should have a BED. Give me a break....so after much thought we switched to the DLH and were very happy there - except the bathroom was kind of OLD and rundown, the room was nice & def larger than the GC would have been.

I think that is totally nuts! Yeah, the GCH has become crazy expensive in just the last year and a half. It is wild. The rooms are much bigger at the DLH.

We always do Minnie's Breakfast at the Plaza Inn in DL, too. Do you not see as many characters at the Crystal Palace? By the way the pictures look, the Crystal Palace seems so much bigger and nicer looking than the Plaza Inn.

I can't wait to go to WDW and see everything there.

 

[princessesrule4]

You know what sucks about losing weight as you get older? The weight falls off from the wrong places. My collar bone sticks out so much I look like Celine Dion up there, but then my gut still resembles Pooh. A very flabby Pooh. Oh, to have even distribution of body fat once again!

Linda

That is so funny - I'm the same - I used to swim so I have pointy,yet ,semi-fullback shoulders! The first place I lose weight is in my arms and chest! Of course - The 2 places I actually can afford to have a little extra! Until I get within about 5 lbs. of my goal weight, NOTHING comes off in my hips,thighs,stomach,butt area! So depressing!

 

[mandymommy4]

Have a good evening ladies! I am off for the rest of the day. DH rode 17 miles to work today and I am going to pick him up, he's a crazy hippee

Anyways, I am writing about my trip to the Grand Floridian on my blog instead of the DIS because all my friends and family have asked me to blog about our first vacation with our kids. None of them DIS, plus I don't really feel like putting one on the boards. So if your interested here's the link to my blog. We were GF newbies so a lot of it might bore you all!
http://mandymommy4.blogspot.com/

Mandy

 

[Lives4Disney]

I think that is totally nuts! Yeah, the GCH has become crazy expensive in just the last year and a half. It is wild. The rooms are much bigger at the DLH.

We always do Minnie's Breakfast at the Plaza Inn in DL, too. Do you not see as many characters at the Crystal Palace? By the way the pictures look, the Crystal Palace seems so much bigger and nicer looking than the Plaza Inn.

I can't wait to go to WDW and see everything there.

Marci, the GCH does have nice restaurants....A very nice expensive one and another moderate one...we were going to do the Chip and Dale bfast there, but didn't make it, and then supposedly a very nice grab and go, too. The GCH is RIGHT at their DTD so you walk out and have a lot of choices...You won't believe how near everything is. ESPECIALLY compared to WDW, but DL is so convenient and manageable. Too bad your boys aren't coming, but I bet you'll want to take them back for vacation. The rides at DL are so much more detailed and longer than WDW's...and the lines seem to move faster, haah...they realy do! You HAVE to ride Pirates, Peter Pan, Small World (yes, you do...just for comparison) and Indiana Jones, the Tiki Room - it's the original and SO CUTE and retro, Pinochio (because it's something different) and even Snow White....when you're in line for SW, look up toward the castle window....you might see the Wicked Queen. There is so many special and charming things about DL that WDW doesn't have.....it's Vonnie's FAVORITE BTW.

Golfing Goofy, usually at CP you see Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger....sometimes only three - many time Pooh stays near the entryway...this past time the character interaction was kind of lame....we only saw two & FAST. At the Minnie bfast, there were probably 6 characters. The funny thing was Jojo lost a front tooth THAT morning and she didn't have the other either so she looked just like Dale and Dale had a ball with it once Jo pointed it out to him. The character interaction was topnotch there. I thought it was a cute place. CP is kind of the same but I was surprised at the Minnie one that you are sort of served at the buffet...that was different but kind of nice - you don't have all the grubby hands touching the serving spoons.

We did the Goofy's Kitchen bfast and had a ball - WOW what a spread of food....and we did the Lilo and Stitch one and had a nice time too. We just really loved DL. It was so nostalgic and magical.

Mandy, thanks for the link - I am sure we'd all enjoy reading it!! Not boring!!!! Have a great night!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

the GCH is awesome!!

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi GF Gals....just back from Las Vegas and let me tell you it aint no Disney!!!! Had to visit husbands fam there and played a little roulette (broke even) I still cant get the smoke smell out of my nose though!!! Yuck...In the past I always liked going for a couple of days, see shows, play roulette, hang at pool, BUT this time all I saw were drunk kids walking around yelling acting like a-holes. I will not be going back for a LONG time. I told Dh if he wants to go thats fine but not me. I'd rather spend my money at Dis and have a relaxing time, and my boys totally agreed. Vegas is NOT for families anymore like they used to claim...if it wasn't for visiting fam there is no way I would bring my kids. Sorry for the rant!!! (and I didn't even include my inlaws thats a whole other story!)

Anywho glad to be back chatting with all of you, still catching up on all the chatting!! Hi to all of the newones!! The more the merrier!

check with ya later, Dawn

Yikes where is my ticker??????

There's a game of ticker roulette going on here...you're the unlucky one!!! hahahaha
Seriously, we've all had the disappearing ticker from Mickeypath..who knows why!

 

[Fishy&2guppies]

This is for all of you in Chicago, I may have some bad news for you. I'm in Iowa and our weather happens about a half day before you get it. We were supposed to have heavy rain today, but it is all SNOW . I have gotten about an inch in the past 45 min. and it is still just snowing as heavy. It is the big wet snowflakes. Now tomorrow it is supposed to be sunny and sixty. I don't think spring is ever going to get here.

 

[Lives4Disney]

This is for all of you in Chicago, I may have some bad news for you. I'm in Iowa and our weather happens about a half day before you get it. We were supposed to have heavy rain today, but it is all SNOW . I have gotten about an inch in the past 45 min. and it is still just snowing as heavy. It is the big wet snowflakes. Now tomorrow it is supposed to be sunny and sixty. I don't think spring is ever going to get here.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[SleepingUgly]

Where in Iowa? My parents live there, as do my brother and his family.

I went to school in Chicago and lived downtown for a couple of years after school. I really, really miss it. I love that city!

Linda

 

[Lives4Disney]

the GCH is awesome!!

I suppose...if you get a bed. Sleeping on the floor for those rates is stupid. THAT really turned me off and it was almost amusing the way they tried to pawn it off as part of their THEME. I think not.

I live very NW of Chicago...it has been beautiful yesterday and today. I am so bumming about possible snow. NASTY. I still haven't had my car repaired from when the drunk hit it last December because I don't want to lose my 4WD with all this snow we've had this winter & have to drive some crummy rental car in a foot of snow.....I was waiting until some time soon in April, thinking snow will be gone.....I really want my car repaired.

Jojo actually has soccer practice tonight and then again Saturday and games start next weekend. I was hoping for spring....she's not going to want to play soccer in the snow or 30 degree weather.

 

[Fishy&2guppies]

I live in Des Moines, but we are thinking about moving to Chicago late summer, early fall. The good news is it is done snowing, and it looks like it is starting to melt already. I think it was just snowing so hard and so fast that it was sticking to the ground. Hopefully you will just get the rain.

 

[twinmum]

OK ladies, now you know that I've also found your fun chat thread! I just found you the other day and to be honest, I wanted to stay around to hear how Channing's trip was!

Our family (DH and twin boys age 9) went to DL in December. We had a good time, but I think the boys still prefer WDW. My DH and I have things we love about each. One of our sons is physically disabled and so getting around can be a challenge. We stayed at the Grand Californian (spoiled ourselves with concierge 'cuz we can't do otherwise since our only WDW stay was at the GF RPC!) and it was terrific to jump between parks, dash back to the hotel etc. Our son's w/c had a flat and he was even able to do the parks in his walker one day! NOT possible at WDW.

I agree with everything that has been said so far. Let me add a little about the food. We found greater variety of good restaurants at WDW (we had loved CG, Citrico's, Narcoossee's, Artist's Point) and found less variety at DL. That being said, my husband and I had a spectacular meal at the Napa Rose. We sat at the Chef's Table, shared our courses and ended up with a bezillion different tastes. The Chef's Table (actually at the counter beside the open kitchen was busy, loud (but not overwhelming) and a really fun and unique experience. We were able to give some direction on our tastes/needs (I am lactose intolerant) and it was great! We enjoyed it so much that we went back with the boys a few nights later. We sat in the lounge, where they will serve the full menu (I think). Our little guy with a disability is a very adventurous eater, so he enjoyed sharing our scallops, duck, foie gras and so on.

We also had a good meal at Storytellers, but it's so totally different than Napa Rose. Lots of families, lots of groups, and most people select the buffet. My husband is a big eater, but generally doesn't enjoy buffet - but he enjoyed this one. I had some lovely soup and a quesedilla (fell off the lactose wagon for a night!) - yummy, but not Napa Rose.

I don't know what kind of rides you like, buy my DH and I benefitted from the single rider lines at DCA, especially California Screamin'. What a ride! We loved it! As many say, we agree that Space Mtn, Haunted Mansion (holiday version), Pirates are better at DL, but Test TRack and Mission:Space were solely missed by my guys.

And, speaking of travelling with 3 boys (!), I was voted down and we never saw Alladin. I gather from others that this was a serious obmission and shouldn't be missed - be sure to check it out when you're travelling solo and can do exactly what you want!

Let me know if you have other questions - I hope I can answer!

 

[tinklvr64]

This is for all of you in Chicago, I may have some bad news for you. I'm in Iowa and our weather happens about a half day before you get it. We were supposed to have heavy rain today, but it is all SNOW . I have gotten about an inch in the past 45 min. and it is still just snowing as heavy. It is the big wet snowflakes. Now tomorrow it is supposed to be sunny and sixty. I don't think spring is ever going to get here.

Oh say it isnt so!!!!!

 

[tinklvr64]

Hi all~just catching up!! Iknow these are old school by now

Getting older does stink. It is very hard to lose weight and I am SICK of it!

I agree! To lose a couple of pounds takes alot of time and energy. Isn't there a magic pill to make me skinny while I eat anything I want?? That would be great!

Morning all...good to know I can come to a place and express my excitement (without rolling eyes) that two weeks from today, I leave for the happiest place on earth!!!
My non-DH just doesn't get it..

Ooooh the best 2 weeks are the ones right before a Disney trip!

I am right there with ya.
I just saw my reflection in my front glass door. Lumpy and scary. And the kicker is I just left the kitchen where I ate a bowl of bubble gum icecream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Waaaaaahhhhh!!!!!! Why do I even buy that stuff - it's crack to me. I could eat the whole carton!!!!!! I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!!!!!!!! AND SNACKS!!!!!!
The pathetic thing is when I was seriously so good on the WW points and dropping the weight constantly I would love to look at myself in the glass door ......now - quick CLOSE THAT DOOR!! (this guy is NOT laughing...but having a tantrum)

Dont ya just hate when your going by and all of sudden get a glimpse of what you really look like and not what you think in your head...cause I'm thinking in my head I look pretty good today then yikes! Reality Check

Amy-hang in there...after 18 years of marriage I dont remember the things that stressed me out before that big day Just remember its YOUR day!

Linda-Hi fam is beautiful!

Kristin and Channing~how about ATA going out of business??? Remember those 49 o/w fares?? Oh those were the days! I used to work for them back in the mid '90s when they were at the top of their game. The tide has sure changed just a few airlines left.....that hurts our competitive rates. I havent found one good one for Nov yet. I guess I will wait to see what SW has.

Yeah my ticker is back!
Dawn

 

[grannyminnie]

All this talk of DLR makes me wonder if I've mentioned that I am going to be doing a daytrip there this summer??
I'm very excited about it, even tho I won't be able to stay in one of the hotels (I'd choose DLH) or have a longer visit.
I went once a long time ago, but to walk in Walt's footsteps again will be so awesome! I have been researching and studying the map (even tho I have a WDW trip in two weeks!!) so that I can make the most of a one day trip. I'll make a huge effort to ride those things that have been suggested both here and in the DL tips in another forum. Can't wait!!

 

[Golfing Goofy]

Amy-hang in there...after 18 years of marriage I dont remember the things that stressed me out before that big day Just remember its YOUR day!

That is so true!! Its been 16 years for us and I really only remember the good stuff from that day.

 

[smcinerney]

Hello All!

I've shrunk back into lurking, but had to jump back in to send words of encouragement to all you WW - because that's what you all have done for me!!

Reading the GF boards have helped me in so many ways:
GF info of course,
BM - i am a newbie, but getting the hang of it.
Joining online WW
and most of all a daily dose of laughs.

I was off to a slow start on WW - really hadn't prepared and shopped like I needed to. This week has been much better - I stocked up and have healthy options - not the quick fix like I usually do!!!
Quick easy WW dinner idea:
chicken cutlets - sprinkle with taco seasoning mix, cover with salsa and bake till chicken done. Last 5 minutes add low fat cheese on top to melt. I had over brown rice (and I HATE brown rice) but it was really good together. I also added scallions. (I am too lazy to go inside to get actual count and amounts so if need more specific info - let me know!!!)

There are also lots of other sites that offer good recipes - so do a search for ones other than the official WW site too!

Back to a GF question. I have read people mentioning a favorite "building" and also people referring to specific room numbers they like in the main bldg or SL but I dont recall anyone saying a specific room number in one of the other outer bldgs like Sago, Conch etc - any reason - or did I just miss this info? I am soooo obsessive about what room I hope to get when I go in Dec - and I know anywhere will be great - but still cant help thinking....

Thanks again - I feel like I know all of you so well and a bit guilty that you know so little about me -
quick version:
single mom with three teenage boys and two crazy dogs, a lab and a golden. Just like most of you, my boys are my life and they take up most of my time - which leaves very little "me" time and even less of a social life!! So reading about and "knowing" all of you has been very interesting.

My last trip to Disney with boys was terrible!! Never thought I would use the word terrible and Disney in the same sentence - but three annoying boys can do that!! We went last year - Me, my sister (no kids for her - she borrows mine, then gives back ) my mom and the boys who were 14, 16 and 18 at the time - oh AND I let my DS18 bring his girlfriend - she is a doll, love her and thought he would behave better!! - I was wrong! Nothing was good enough for DS18 - we stayed at WL - 2br villa - but he found fault with everything. Unfortunately his brothers look up to him so they just followed his lead!! I felt so much better Channing when I read about your DS staying home. I thought we were this horrible family - then i realized - they are just teenagers. For those who have some of "these creatures" I am sure you will understand. I did not BEFORE this trip. Anyway - dont worry - all is ok in the world - we have all agreed we will one day return together but probably with MY GRANDCHILDREN!! Till then I will just have to "suffer" without them and go just sis and me for our Dec trip!!

Ok - this was meant to be a quick "support" to those on WW and its turned into.... oh I dont know what!! but thanks for listening AND sharing!
Suzy

 

[mandymommy4]

Well for the second night in a row I am battling insomnia ..... I going to jump over to my blog and write for a couple hours although I should be folding . Any one from Ohio ? I was wondering what the weather was like in Ohio this time of year? DH has a business trip and we were trying to figure out how warm we need to pack for him, our weather report was pretty vague.

Sweet dream to those of you lucjy to get some shut eye!

 

[mandymommy4]

Suzy

3 boys, you poor woman! I only have one and he has soooo much energy, I couldn't imagine 2 more! I know how my 5 yo eats I couldn't imagine feeding 3 growing men!

I wanted to throw in my opinion about the buildings..... We just got back from our first stay at the GF and we stayed in Big Pine Key. We had a standard room overlooking the pool on the 2nd floor. It was a dream to stay in a standard room, I know some ladies on here prefer club level, but if it's the Grand I'd sleep in a broom closet and be on I have no other experience to compare to but it was nice because it seemed like the closest building to the main building, I could be wrong but we all felt like it took no time to get to the monorail or buses. Also, the pool bar is write out side the building and you can get your resort mug refilled with out having to walk over to Gasparillas. That was big for my family b/c DH, DSis, my mom and dad all guzzle soda. My dad said it was closer than walking from his bedroom (at home) to the kitchen to get a fresh drink. (He likes to exaggerate) Just my 2cents...... not worth as much in our economy these day, but there you go!

 

[tinklvr64]

Well for the second night in a row I am battling insomnia ..... I going to jump over to my blog and write for a couple hours although I should be folding . Any one from Ohio ? I was wondering what the weather was like in Ohio this time of year? DH has a business trip and we were trying to figure out how warm we need to pack for him, our weather report was pretty vague.

Sweet dream to those of you lucjy to get some shut eye!

It is 12:30 am and I too am having some restlessness....I should have taken my melatonin when I went to bed the first time.

Welcome to Suzy!! I too have boys 14 & 16 and they love Disney!!! I would rather deal with my sons than my 25 yr daughter anytime!