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

[PrincessPaczki]

Thanks for the photos! I am loving all of the DL photos. I can't believe how different the HM looks! I love the armoire, I want one! Someday I'll get there...

 

[Golfing Goofy]

DLR conceirge is not the same as WDW, or atleast it doesn't seem the same to me. I think WDW is just more resort like because they have a larger organization??

If you are staying at any of the Disney hotels, regardless of the type of room, you can use the vacation planning line. They are great and kinda like the WDW IPO. I always try to use the same person for my entire trip. I always call about 60 days in advance and talk to them telling them my plans for the trip. Then they tell me when to call back to make the reservations. They don't seem to like you to call too early. I have heard horror stories of plans getting mixed up because people have used just who ever answers the phone each time. I also call about a week in advance to double check all of my reservations, fantasmic premier seating, tours and room service items.

Off site is so easy at DLR because everything is so close. We just like to make it a real special vacation when we go and we like to stay at the resorts. I know that you can also get a room at the GCH that has two queen beds and the sofa bed, so if you do not want the bunk beds.

Club level is mostly about having food all the time, I think. They have never been able to do much extra for me, like once we had a tour planned and one more person wanted to join. They couldn't help and I had to go to the park office to get the extra tickets.

Hope that helps.

PS. I am glad to hear that you WDW experts enjoyed DLR. It is so funny because I grew up going to DL and when WDW was built, all I wanted to do was to go to WDW. It seemed so exotic and cosmopolitan So much bigger and more like a resort. Now, I finally get to go!!! I can't wait.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lindsay, safe travels. I have the same Ipod podcast issues!!! I can't keep up. There are so many fun ones out there to listen to.

Linda, I never EVER book a package. I hate their cancellation policy and payment requirement. (pay all before 45 days of checkin and you can't cancel within 45 days without losing a deposit ) I always book room only where you put down one night deposit and can cancel within 6 nights. I hate commitment and their packages require it.

I agree with all Lindsay said, too.

I wouldn't do the DDP for my family for the reason that it absolutely requires tons of preplanning ( too much work IMO) and I do plenty planning anyway, but your options to modify and be rearrange ADRs are limited once you start using up those points & committing to restaurants. Also, it would definitely kill the flexibility during the vacation. You are tied to your ADRs. I hate the fact that you have to make and commit to ADRs sooo far out as it is even without the DDP. It's getting ridiculous. I did hear people have booked ADRs like CRAZY for Sept in advance hoping for free dining. AND it just seems like too much food. I can never eat both an appetizer AND a dessert. (maybe that's changed now anyway)....I can't keep up with their packages and all the changes they keep making.

As for the GF....iGF is nice in any room category, but RPC is just fabulous. I always stay RPC for the location, view, best staff at WDW , and it is just so convenient with the drinks and munchies out & having that lounge is nice.

Good luck with your decision!!

Channing

 

[Lives4Disney]

DLR conceirge is not the same as WDW, or atleast it doesn't seem the same to me. I think WDW is just more resort like because they have a larger organization??

If you are staying at any of the Disney hotels, regardless of the type of room, you can use the vacation planning line. They are great and kinda like the WDW IPO. I always try to use the same person for my entire trip. I always call about 60 days in advance and talk to them telling them my plans for the trip. Then they tell me when to call back to make the reservations. They don't seem to like you to call too early. I have heard horror stories of plans getting mixed up because people have used just who ever answers the phone each time. I also call about a week in advance to double check all of my reservations, fantasmic premier seating, tours and room service items.

Off site is so easy at DLR because everything is so close. We just like to make it a real special vacation when we go and we like to stay at the resorts. I know that you can also get a room at the GCH that has two queen beds and the sofa bed, so if you do not want the bunk beds.

Club level is mostly about having food all the time, I think. They have never been able to do much extra for me, like once we had a tour planned and one more person wanted to join. They couldn't help and I had to go to the park office to get the extra tickets.

Hope that helps.

PS. I am glad to hear that you WDW experts enjoyed DLR. It is so funny because I grew up going to DL and when WDW was built, all I wanted to do was to go to WDW. It seemed so exotic and cosmopolitan So much bigger and more like a resort. Now, I finally get to go!!! I can't wait.

Thanks for all the info!! You know, I was counting on one of the rooms with the 2 queens and sofa bed and the DL CMs told me in pretty strong language that it is NOT guaranteed even with a family of 5. Kind of wacky. I couldn't do the bunks because my kids were too old and tall.

DL is sooo cute. The rides are more detailed, the lines move faster for some reason, and the CMs are nicer at DL. We really REALLY enjoyed our time there even though it was packed and super crowded.....OH, and something important - the DL guests were so much nicer and easy going than WDW guests.

Happy day - I am pulling myself away from the computer!!!!

Talk to ya later,
Channing

 

[twinmum]

Hello! We went to DL in Dec 07 (me, DH and twin DS9's). As well as ourselves, our "stuff" includes a wheelchair, walker - and a desire to have our son be able to move around the room. If the GCH rooms are really 250 ft, they felt bigger than that. There's a separate sink etc area outside the shower/toilet area which makes a big difference. We got the bunk beds, and moved them right against the wall so there was a clear space in the centre of the room. Wheelchair could be parked at the door to the hall, walker fit in beside the dresser - it just seemed to work - even better than our RPC room the year before. Can't explain it, except I think the bunk neds really helped - and the guys thought it was a great - or shall I say GRAND - adventure!

We did choose concierge because we thought we'd be going back and forth more and might be there more for snacks etc. And that's exactly what we ended up doing. Because the concierge lounge is in an enclosed room (and it was getting busier, esp on the weekend (!)) it was more congested, louder etc than the GF RPC. Lovely during the day, though. We like getting out of the room for breakfast, but like the relaxed feeling of the lounge. And all that fruit!!! We were on the 6th floor which I do think is all concierge (not sure), but certainly there were people from other floors also.

We found the CM's to be quite helpful, but maybe they were just reaching out a little extra when they spied our special needs. One CM taught our son many magic tricks which was great. They hlped us find a supplier for a new inner tube when the w/c got a flat. All GCH, DLH and PPH guests can call Vacation Planning for help with priority seatings etc - I found it took about the same effort as for WDW. True, no IPO, but I guess it depends on your needs.

You can watch the fireworks from the lounge balcony and they pipe in the music - very special. Of course, our room was just down the hall and we could still hear the music from the lounge, so we were doubly lucky. The GCH also has some activities - The Grand Quest, storytelling (w/a special storytelling in the lounge for concierge guests), power walk through DCA in the morning before opening, etc.

I can't speak for the DLH, but the GCH is definitely up to date, clean and quite luxurious (should be for the price, right?!?) The special entrance into DCA came in handy when we were soaked from the rapids ride in early December!

Sorry for the many random thoughts. Suffice to say, we really enjoyed the GCH hotel, and felt it met our needs. But believe me, I'm with Channing - if we had 5 in the family, there is no way I'd pay that money with the possibility of someone having to sleep on the floor!!!

 

[grannyminnie]

Thanks so much, Irisbud, for the cut and paste instructions!
And, to all who are contributing, I'm really enjoying the DL chatter, since I get to visit this year too!! And, for what it's worth, IF I was staying on the property, I'd stay at the DLH. I gotta have the Disney theming...

 

[tholczer]

I had to jump in here too since we live right next to Disneyland. We go there at least once a month, sometimes on a Friday after school or a school holiday. January and February are definitely the best times to come. There is no one there. When DD6 was little, we used to go every other week and if it was a rainy day, we could round corners and literally not see anyone for a couple of minutes. I miss those days!

A question for the picture pros - how do I download pictures from photobucket? I've got some pics I'd love to share but can't figure out how to get them from that website onto this one. Any help would be great!

Tracy

 

[tholczer]

ps - what size do the pics need to be?

 

[Cinderumbrella]

When I upload to photobucket I always edit them to message board size. From the main page where all the thumbnails are, highight the bottom tag, ctrl C and then ctrl V into the message here... not sure how many posts the Dis requires before you can post pictures though...

 

[SleepingUgly]

Thanks, Lindsay and Channing, for your thoughts! I had never even considered the cancellation policy for a package as a "con" -- thanks for pointing that out, Channing. That is definitely a big factor for me as well.

I think we will most likely stick with RPC / no dining. I just hate to commit myself to dining times so far in advance, and if I've learned one thing during our many travels with our children, it's that we have to be flexible with our schedules.

Thanks again!

Linda

 

[WishesQueen]

To multiquote, go to the bottom of the specific message that you want to include in the multiquote, and hit the button immediatly to the right of the button that says QUOTE. The button that you should hit is the one that looks like a tiny document with quotation marks (") in the upper right hand corner and a plus sign (+) in the lower right hand corner. This button will turn red when you hit it. Hit this button on each message that you want to quote. When you get to the final message that you wish to quote, hit the button that says QUOTE instead of the smaller button. You will then be taken to the screen where you can compose messages. . These messages will all be quoted seperatly (but in the same message), so you can easily insert any text you desire between them without breaking up the quiotes!

WOW!!! LOOK AT ME!!!

Morning ladies!

Annette: We have the Ipod car attachment, DH uses it. I have to learn how! We have the ITower which sounds amazing, again, I don't use it DH does! I'm so new to this world of Ipods! We have a bose radio in the car, you really can hear the difference in quality. Doesn't the GF have bose radio docking stations?

I really didn't need to multiquote, but I am trying it out!!
I am glad your enjoying your IPOD!!

I use my Ipod in the car too. (but then I don't pay attention to what I should be doing...talking on my cell phone...NO, haha...just kidding)

My car has bluetooth built in, I think every car should have it!!!

OK!! No more quoting, just me wanting to kill myself!!!

I just came from Bathing Suit shopping!!! I can home with one!!!

 

[WishesQueen]

Thanks Irisbud!!!!

Now if you teach me how to use photobucket, I'll be set!!!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Why did I sign DS up for soccer??? Today is his first practice/game and it is 40 degrees and raining (with a real feel of 32). As of now nothing has been cancelled (they only cancel for lightening I guess) but I am hoping it is cold and icky enough that they do anyway....

 

[tholczer]

I couldn't find the message board size posted anywhere. Is that size listed in photobucket? Thanks!

Tracy

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I couldn't find the message board size posted anywhere. Is that size listed in photobucket? Thanks!

Tracy

Yes

 

[Cinderumbrella]

AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Why did I sign DS up for soccer??? Today is his first practice/game and it is 40 degrees and raining (with a real feel of 32). As of now nothing has been cancelled (they only cancel for lightening I guess) but I am hoping it is cold and icky enough that they do anyway....

Here comes the thunder!!! They just cancelled it!! Season starts next week instead and goes 1 week longer...

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks Irisbud!!!!

Now if you teach me how to use photobucket, I'll be set!!!

see my post above about how to transfer pics from Photobucket to your message...

 

[Lives4Disney]

Annette, I hear ya on the swimsuit shopping!!! I must have ordered about 30 from Lands End before I settled on a couple. SETTLED is the word.. Cool! You know how to mutiple quote!! And soon you'll be photobucketing!!! If I can do it, anybody can.

Linda, oh ya...that's just it - with kids you need that flexibility. I get so stressed out if I have too many deadlines and commitments on VACATION!! What fun is that?!?!?

Kristin, Jojo has been in soccer since she was 4. She LOVES IT!! We had practice last Thursday in that nasty downpour ....it was awful, plus it's at Woodscreek Park, which is a 1/2 hr from me and so if we are going, we are staying!! Hope your son has a nice fun coach and enjoys it!

Tracy! That is sooo neat about you and Disneyland. We got stuck for about an hour on Pirates - and of course all the girls with us had to pee.... - we were right near the exit, but too far out to exit and the CMs were talking to us and told DH January is a great time to go....that's why we are hoping for a Jan trip in 09. We shall see.....sometimes after Xmas the last thing we should be doing is spending money, haha...so we'll see if we can tone down Xmas this year with the promise of a DL trip.

American Idol night!!! I lost it last week. Just bored me a bit so I don't even remember who got the boot. I must be having a short attention span lately. AI and the Bachelor are just not doing it for me this time around.

Have a great night, all....

Talk to ya later,
Channing


More Disneyland odds and ends.....

 

[Lives4Disney]

 

[goofygal531]

;I might be wrong, but I think DLH doesn't have a concierge "lounge" and GCR does. GCR looks to have everything a WDW deluxe resort has, except spacious rooms! I read one review that compared the room size to AKL, and they do share the same architect - so that could be true?:confused

I like that they have the Kid's Club and they do have some type of IPO planning, might not be as involved as WDW.

Channing: Love the photos! Thanks! Lucy's braids are beautiful!

So tell me about the DL restaurants? Any not to be missed? Do you need ADRs 180 days ahead of time? We mostly do character dining or "fun entertaining restaurants" like Sci-Fi, Whispering Canyon Cafe, etc...anything to keep my DS4 busy and interested I'd love one nice restaurant for our anniversary dinner just for the two of us.

Should my Fairy Godmother (aka Kid's Nite Out babysitter) workout in WDW, I'm going to seek one out for one night in DL. Anyone know if they have a service out there similar to the one in WDW? If not, I'll put DS4 who will be 5 in the Kid's club and take the little one. The little one LOVES to eat! He's happy as long as he has food and you keep it coming.

Ooh, I hit a Disney Store today at the mall! I haven't been to one in ages! They were having a huge sale! 25% additional off sale prices. I got my DS1 a Little Einsteins soft musical guitar for $7.49. I got DS4 a mini "Cars" remote control car for $4.49. I also found those reuseable Mickey bags for $2.50. They are so cute! I'm going to fill the bags with toys that I've been finding on sale, and ship it down there. I'm having so much fun searching for Disney stuff.

Gotta run, DS1 having a tantrum