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

[marcij]

:
DH had barely been anywhere before we were married. Now, traveling is one of his favorite things, and we're fortunate to be able to do it. We both agree that's something that's going to remain important to us, and hope we'll be able to extend that to our family when we have one. I got to travel a lot growing up (my dad traveled extensively for work, so we got to go on a lot of "free" trips), and I think it was a really important part of gaining a broad world view.

Randy and I grew up similarily. He never traveled (in fact, his parents never flew on an airplane and one of his sister's won't fly), and I got to go fun places, though not with Dad's work -- mostly though his leadership in the Lion's club. Randy is determined that our kids will get to see a lot more than he did growing up.

Hi Ladies,

I actually have some GF questions

I convinced DH to get a babysitter and take me out for my birthday dinner to Narcoossees. How dressy do people dress up to dine here? I don't mind dressing up, I just don't want to be over dressed.

We're going to use Kid's Nite Out for the first time. I think I'm going to get the sitter for 7pm to 10pm and do dinner around 7:30. Is there any place for us to go after dinner at the GF? (I also posted this question on the GF thread). Like a bar or lounge? Someplace to get a glass of wine? I don't want to leave the property.

Any comments on your sitter experiences are also greatly appreciated! I'm a little nervous about this, we never left our boys with anyone that we don't know before. Our sitters are family members or friends. But I feel safe with all the safety measures Kid's Nite Out has (insured, bonded, background checked, etc....) As long as they show up with a bag of toys and games my kids will love her!

Damn! Been on hold this whole time and now they tell me WDW DINE's computers are down right now!!! My luck!!

I agree with Lindsay. We always wear nicer clothes, but you'll also see people straight from the theme parks... Have fun!

Channing -- I'm so glad that you had a great trip. Sorry about the crowds, though. Please give us another update when you have time. I also hope that cold is getting better. A good friend of mine who also lives in the Chi-town area said they've gotten more snow -- I'm so sorry!

Well, I only had a couple of pieces of Vera Bradley, but all the talk on here must have given me the idea I need more. They had a lot of it at Great Wolf Lodge, and a Raspberry Fizz backpack, wallet and checkbook were calling my name... I've had no time to go by the Bare M place, but it is still on my list. If the boys' baseball and soccer games are rained out tomorrow, I might make a trip to the mall...

 

[HMeyers]

Hi everyone. I enjoy reading everyones conversations so much. Anyway, I have a question. Well first let me explain. We were to go to WDW for our annual trip in Aug but just found out that DS6 cancer has returned so we are going down from the 7-14 instead. Didn't want to wait until Aug. We were finally after 2 days on the phone able to get a room at our beloved GF!!! And some ok ADR'S. My question is- how is the P&PP? Our DS are 6 & 11. Sorry to ramble on. I'm one of the ones that on our 180 day mark I'm on the phone at 7am getting everything scheduled. To have to do it in 10 days has me frazzled (but a nice distraction). TIA!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, guys! I slept til 10 today. Feeling really icky. I just laid in bed and watched the View. Having my coffee now & catching up.

Kristen - GOOD LUCK!! Keep pleading and moaning. It works for me. I booked the bounceback for RPC in October while DH was in the shower. We'll talk about it "later". I am laughing that you're willing to settle for Pop. Don't do it. Don't settle and sell youself short. Maybe look at the more inexpensive standard deluxe rooms?? I hope you get a little trippie in.....just a nice long weekend or something.

Andrea - sounds like a great time in San Antonio. I LOVE Mexican food!!!! I am going to be right there with ya on Monday doing the WW again. I feel too sicky to grocery shop now and cook. Last night we ordered pizza. I am going to try and go do it today - just to get some fruits and maybe something easier to throw together for dinner so I don't have to order out.

Mare, I have done TGM a lot. Really just because I am a WDW junkie. I don't think he helps at all IMO. His basic strategy is to get up EARLY like be at the parks 1/2 hr before rope drop. Sorry, but that's not me and that is soooo basic there's not much meat to it. He does have best days listed for parks, but I have done him so many times and found it's a crap shoot. He just follows the EMH schedule and plans around that & I can do that on my own. His other info never changes. Some is old and not even updated. For the best info, I get it on the DIS. He doesn't have a whole lot of detailed info on specialty things. It's all pretty basic and repetitive. I am not much of a fan anymore because it never changes and it's boring. About Narcoosees, I just wore capris and a nice embroidered denim jean jacket....dh wore jeans and a polo. Lots of people were very casual. It is a casual atmosphere. I think Citricos has a more upscale feel & I dress up more for that.

Tinklvr - that is terrific about your weight loss. We all fall off sometimes. Don't beat yourself up. Tomorrow is another day.

I am trying to look at my pics.....need to ask DH how to get them posted. I saw Kelly started a GF pic thread. Cool! I will post some both here and there when I can.


Talk to ya later,

Channing

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi everyone. I enjoy reading everyones conversations so much. Anyway, I have a question. Well first let me explain. We were to go to WDW for our annual trip in Aug but just found out that DS6 cancer has returned so we are going down from the 7-14 instead. Didn't want to wait until Aug. We were finally after 2 days on the phone able to get a room at our beloved GF!!! And some ok ADR'S. My question is- how is the P&PP? Our DS are 6 & 11. Sorry to ramble on. I'm one of the ones that on our 180 day mark I'm on the phone at 7am getting everything scheduled. To have to do it in 10 days has me frazzled (but a nice distraction). TIA!

I am so sorry. I will say a prayer for your DS.

I don't know about the P Party. Never been during that period. I have heard the parade and fireworks are fabulous, but then also heard recently that a lot of the extra "fun" stuff is geared toward little kids. Just hearsay though. Sorry I cna't be of more help. I just hope everything goes well for your DS and he recovers. Hang in there. Glad you have this trip to look forward to and distract you a bit.

Channing

 

[Tinkaroo]

ps - we booked a fireworks cruise and I wanted to get more feedback on if it's worth it. It would be on our first night after traveling all day. A very busy Saturday for the parks. I'm sortof thinking we go shopping with the $300 instead and get back in time to see the show from the GF beach.

Give me your wisdom.

Tracy

What's worth it to one family is not worth it to another, so it's hard to say.

I've done the IllumiNations cruise in the past (back in the good ol' days of 2005 when it was only $125!). It was a special surprise I booked for DH's 30th b-day - his favorite thing in all of WDW is that show.

It was a lovely time, and it was worth what I paid for it then. Now that they've increased the price so much, I don't think I'd do it. You can get some fabulous views of the fireworks from the resorts around the SSL, and I like your idea of doing something else "fun" with that $$, and enjoying the fireworks for free.

Just my 2 cents - but I'm one of those people that feels there is no better place to be for Wishes than Main Street. I've seen it from several different locations around the GF, the Poly beach, O'Hana's, the Cali Grill (both inside and out on their observation deck), and nothing beats being in the park for those.

Well, I only had a couple of pieces of Vera Bradley, but all the talk on here must have given me the idea I need more. They had a lot of it at Great Wolf Lodge, and a Raspberry Fizz backpack, wallet and checkbook were calling my name... I've had no time to go by the Bare M place, but it is still on my list. If the boys' baseball and soccer games are rained out tomorrow, I might make a trip to the mall...

This thead is bad for your checkbook.

If your games get cancelled, let me know! I need some eye shadow, and was thinking of going to the boutique this weekend. (I also want to see if they can help me get my application down - I'm still too powder-y today. ) I have a baby shower in the a.m., but otherwise my schedule is pretty flexible. PM or call me if you get free!

Hi, guys! I slept til 10 today. Feeling really icky. I just laid in bed and watched the View. Having my coffee now & catching up.

Kristen - GOOD LUCK!! Keep pleading and moaning. It works for me. I booked the bounceback for RPC in October while DH was in the shower. We'll talk about it "later". I am laughing that you're willing to settle for Pop. Don't do it. Don't settle and sell youself short. Maybe look at the more inexpensive standard deluxe rooms?? I hope you get a little trippie in.....just a nice long weekend or something.

Sorry you're still feeling yucky, Channing. Had to laugh at this; I would so do this!

 

[PrincessPaczki]

HMeyers, My thoughts and prayers are with you!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Hi everyone. I enjoy reading everyones conversations so much. Anyway, I have a question. Well first let me explain. We were to go to WDW for our annual trip in Aug but just found out that DS6 cancer has returned so we are going down from the 7-14 instead. Didn't want to wait until Aug. We were finally after 2 days on the phone able to get a room at our beloved GF!!! And some ok ADR'S. My question is- how is the P&PP? Our DS are 6 & 11. Sorry to ramble on. I'm one of the ones that on our 180 day mark I'm on the phone at 7am getting everything scheduled. To have to do it in 10 days has me frazzled (but a nice distraction). TIA!

I'm so sorry to hear the news on your DS. Lots of being sent your family's way.

DH and I did the P&PP last year (we are 2 adults in our early 30's, no kids yet). We enjoyed it - the parade was okay, the fireworks were fantastic, and the best thing to us was all the "special" characters that were out for meet & greets, as well as the light crowds for getting on rides. There is not quite as much "special" entertainment as there are for the Halloween and Christmas parties - those are far superior, IMO.

If you're looking for potentially a time to get on more of the rides, see some good characters, and enjoy the fireworks, then it might be worth it to your family - particularly if your boys get into pirates. If you could take or leave it, then I'd probably skip the party.

Hope that's helpful! I hope your family has a wonderful trip.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hi!! Look below





























Check out my new ticker!!!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Hi!! Look below

Check out my new ticker!!!

So, did he cave...or are you going with a "surprise" attack?!

Congrats either way!!! What are your dates?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Kristen!!! YAY!! Details!!!!

What is going on?!?!?!?

Lindsay, I was thinking about your BM trouble. When I get heavy handed wth it I get a more matte look. I don't use the mineral veil or prime time under my base usually anymore. I just don't take the time & don't like all the layers. I always use the clear radiance - usually mix a dash into my blush so I get a little shimmer/glow and not so matte. Oh ya....gotta make those phone calls in private,

 

[spacec47]

goofygal531- I have used Kids night out before and it was wonderful! We are planning to use it again next week. My DH and I will be at V&A for my Brithday I will tell you how it is after the trip.

HMeyers- I am sorry to hear about your DS. I will keep him in my prayers.

Kristen- that's awesome How did you mange it

I have so much packing left to do

Christine

 

[spacec47]

Channing- I hope you feel better soon!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I am still so excited that I am practically shaking!!! (But come on, was there ever any doubt that I would get my way!!! )

We are going May 14-20 at Pop. We originally planned only going for 5 days but airfare was so much cheaper to go midweek to midweek so we ended up with 7 for the price of 5!!! We used the new code to book. We took MYW pckg with DDP instead of the AP because I don't want to lose my December pin discount, and DH is ADAMENT that we keep the DxDDP over the DDE (it's psychological for him to be on an all inclusive package I guess). If an AP rate comes out to cover my December dates that beats my pin, we will get AP's for December (and keep his beloved DxDDP) and use them again next November (We are thinking Jersey week next year...) and wing it with the dining if needs be...

Now, if I could just get my ticker's worked out.... why won't the big ones fit on one line??

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Kristen- that's awesome How did you mange it



Christine

Tears!! No, DS's bday is a couple of weeks after and we were going to go up to Wis Dells for a couple of days for that. This ended up being much cheaper than I thought (R/T nonstop airfare for all 3 of us for $500 on United) that we couldn't resist. OK, DH could resist, but I won out in the end!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Christine, thanks! I am trying to catch up on emails etc becasue that's all I feel like doing. The luggage is lying in my house untouched. I am goign to look at my pics and try and remember my trip!!! My head is so clogged and stuffed right now it's hard to think. OMG....I just noticed your ticker!!! FIVE DAYS!!! GREAT! Enjoy - have a fabulous time. If you are staying concierge say HI to Vonnie and Joe for us. They made our stay so great.

Kristin - YOu go girl!!! whoohoooO!! We were there that time last May and it was PERFECT. Low crowds, beautiful weather, PERFECT!!!!! We do the DDE.....they added the tips in each time except the GF Cafe. Not sure why I wrote that, haha....you mentionted the DDP i guess.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Now I have to get bak on low carb pronto and lose those last 5 pounds before we go!!!!

OK, so May... we always go in the fall/winter.... we arrive the Wednesday after Mother's Day and leave the week before Memorial Day... are we good crowdwise? What about the weather?? And the Love Bugs??

 

[Lives4Disney]

Now I have to get bak on low carb pronto and lose those last 5 pounds before we go!!!!

OK, so May... we always go in the fall/winter.... we arrive the Wednesday after Mother's Day and leave the week before Memorial Day... are we good crowdwise? What about the weather?? And the Love Bugs??

It will be PERFECT in all ways. The weather is sunny and 70s to 80s. The crowds are light. The love bugs are not worse than the ladybugs we have here. They aren't too much of a nuisance. You'll have a great time. I think the doll/teddybear fest is going on during your dates. We loved checking taht out. Lucy got a doll signed by the maker. Also the Flower/Garden fst is on at Epcot. lots of fun and perfect time to go.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

What's the flower show?? (See how new this is to me )

I forgot the best part, I got all my ADR's (INCLUDING LE CELLIER!!! ) We might do the P&P Party again since DS had so much fun last August with it (any excuse to get next to The Captain again )

 

[goofygal531]

Hey contrats that your going!!

A dear friend of mine will only stay at POP she just loves it there. Hopefully you will like it too.

We used to go all the week before Memorial Day, that's our anniversary! The crowds are really low (except for the holiday weekend) and the weather is perfect!

The Flower show is BEAUTIFUL! They just cover Epcot in flowers! We love all the topiaries! They had a really amazing one at the International Gateway with Mrs. Pots shooting steam, so cool!

We always got all our ADR at that time too. It's a perfect time to go.

Oh my friend said POP is closest to DHS. Many times, but she goes in Aug, it was faster for her to go to DHS and boat it over to Epcot. Just an idea.

 

[Lives4Disney]

During the flower show, the park has tons of gorgeous topiaries and plantings and they have special booths set up selling gardening items and some cute Disney garden things that are exclusive to the show. It is just a super pretty time to visit. They have concerts at the American Pavillion in the eves. Oldies like the Guess Who and David Cassidy, haha....they're cute though. Probably too old for you. They have one weekend called "characters in bloom" and the characters are supposed to be out in droves in cute outfits.....we were there during that last year and didn't see anything special so not sure what's up. When I do get my pics posted I have tons of the adorable topiaries. It seems to be a beach theme this year. Lots of cute stuff.

Mare - SHOE REPORT..... I am looking at my pics and remembered you asked.....I was feeling so achy and stiff this time around I stuck to my old Keen standbys and brought my Colombia Mary Janes which I LOVE and wore those mostly. I did the Teva Mush a coulple times and they were fine, but I was so scared to ruin the Simple shoes....just not sure and didn't want to risk adding more aches to my old bones haha......I threw the old standbys in my luggage at the last second. Had to "REPACK" at the SWA sky cab....didn't let my large bag pass!!!!!! Usually I slip them so cash and they do, but I had a real stickler this time. So it was funny - I was throwing shoes into all different bags and panicking as we wre already running so late.

Havainas....Lucy had a hard time with hers and actually got bloody scabs from the rubbing....she wore them on Easter - had the white thin strap pearly colored ones and wore them around Epcot. Jojo was OK with hers, but they did rub. I put on Body Glide and she was better but they weren't worn to parks after that. She had the metallic hot pink ones for Easter.