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

[Lives4Disney]

well, i am glad i'm not alone... I don't raise my expectations because they raised their prices That would be stupid ....i just expect the service & food I've had previously (or close to it) and I kind of thought maybe the reason they raised the prices was so they could pay the CMs better for working on holidays etc...but that's probably wrong & they do just want to rake the holiday crowds. I don't get the Disney can do no wrong attitude that I read on these boards....maybe I have it sometimes (OK I am sure I do about the GF a bit but it's been so fantastic for us ), but usually I can be pretty skeptical and critical by nature. It makes me laugh because I listen to the Dis podcasts and sometimes they totally rip&rag on Disney, but if your average poster came along and posted anything close to what they've said - FORGET IT - you'd be eaten alive on these boards.

Princesses I agree!! That's a bummer having a holiday bday!!! We like going for July 4th because we have bdays that week, but it used to be "value" season on the 5th, so we go a little deal there...not anymore. I wonder if they have "Holiday season" pricing over the July 4th weeks.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

OMG! I never knew that Around the Clock does custom cakes!!! Good to know!!

I haven't eaten at Narcosees since 1997 and have never tried Citricos so I am staying out of it. I guess I understand to some extent why Disney raises prices at the Holidays (restaurants here do it all the time for Mother's Day, Christmas etc.) but it is unfortunate if you have crappy service to go along with higher prices.

We have ALWAYS been fortunate (knock on wood) to have outstanding servers at our TS meals. The only one who wasn't "exceptional" was the server at CRT breakfast, but she was pleasant enough and we didn't have any issues getting refills etc.

 

[princessesrule4]

well, i am glad i'm not alone... I don't raise my expectations because they raised their prices That would be stupid ....i just expect the service & food I've had previously (or close to it) and I kind of thought maybe the reason they raised the prices was so they could pay the CMs better for working on holidays etc...but that's probably wrong & they do just want to rake the holiday crowds. I don't get the Disney can do no wrong attitude that I read on these boards....maybe I have it sometimes (OK I am sure I do about the GF a bit but it's been so fantastic for us ), but usually I can be pretty skeptical and critical by nature. It makes me laugh because I listen to the Dis podcasts and sometimes they totally rip&rag on Disney, but if your average poster came along and posted anything close to what they've said - FORGET IT - you'd be eaten alive on these boards.

Princesses I agree!! That's a bummer having a holiday bday!!! We like going for July 4th because we have bdays that week, but it used to be "value" season on the 5th, so we go a little deal there...not anymore. I wonder if they have "Holiday season" pricing over the July 4th weeks.

I know - could they push back Value season any more in July? Sheesh - it used to be like July 6th or 7th that Value season started. This year isn't it the 20th or 21st?! I think the prices do go up over July 4th!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I know - could they push back Value season any more in July? Sheesh - it used to be like July 6th or 7th that Value season started. This year isn't it the 20th or 21st?! I think the prices do go up over July 4th!

See and I am such a dork! I just ASSumed that Value season didn't start until Labor Day, so when I saw it was mid July, I was happy!

 

[princessesrule4]

I just checked because it was bugging me! Value Season starts on July 20th. July 4th falls under "Regular" season pricing but the night of July 4th is $20 more!

 

[princessesrule4]

See and I am such a dork! I just ASSumed that Value season didn't start until Labor Day, so when I saw it was mid July, I was happy!

Well , at least you ASSumed and got a good surprise out of it! I ASSumed that Value season still started on July 7th or so like last year. When I went to book the trip, the CM kept quoting me way higher than I thought it should be! We finally figured out that Value Season started later in July and I had to pay "Regular" season prices for July 8th week! Duh me!

I figured we may as well go in June like we always do . For the same price, June has less heat and crowds for the most part!

 

[vbarry]

well, i am glad i'm not alone... I don't raise my expectations because they raised their prices That would be stupid ....i just expect the service & food I've had previously (or close to it) and I kind of thought maybe the reason they raised the prices was so they could pay the CMs better for working on holidays etc...but that's probably wrong & they do just want to rake the holiday crowds. I don't get the Disney can do no wrong attitude that I read on these boards....maybe I have it sometimes (OK I am sure I do about the GF a bit but it's been so fantastic for us ), but usually I can be pretty skeptical and critical by nature. It makes me laugh because I listen to the Dis podcasts and sometimes they totally rip&rag on Disney, but if your average poster came along and posted anything close to what they've said - FORGET IT - you'd be eaten alive on these boards.

Princesses I agree!! That's a bummer having a holiday bday!!! We like going for July 4th because we have bdays that week, but it used to be "value" season on the 5th, so we go a little deal there...not anymore. I wonder if they have "Holiday season" pricing over the July 4th weeks.

I think I saw somewhere that the prices even went up over the President's Day holiday. I think it was on allears.net.

I have to agree. It is very greedy of them to charge such crazy prices just because it is a holiday. We are paying a very high price to stay at the GF for a few days over the holiday. This will be our first and only Xmas week (for many years) at WDW so I did it this once but I would not pay that price each time. We are heading down in July 09 (terrible that I plan that far in advance) and we are going to leave the day that value season starts which is around July 21 or 22 this year.

I do wonder how the economy will play into this. Every day the news keeps getting worse about the price of gas and groceries. Airfare is extremely high and I think people will think twice about traveling. Right now my airline tickets are around $2200 for a family of 4 to fly. I am hoping things change but I am not holding my breath.

The sun is shining in Central IL. Hoping you guys up north get some soon

 

[grannyminnie]

Cinderumbrella, we are booked for the first week of Dec. I tried switching our stay around using dates up until the end of the bounceback period, and nothing I threw at her seemed to work in the system. I was very disappointed! I really really wanted that 30%, especially since I have never gotten a postcard or email discount offered to me.
I wish you good luck when you go soon!!
Re: the discussion of the GF restaurants...we've not done Citricos yet, but the service at Narcoosee's the other night was just great!! I did think it was awfully pricey tho. I wanted those scallops but I was absolutely not going to pay $32 for that entree!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Cinderumbrella, we are booked for the first week of Dec. I tried switching our stay around using dates up until the end of the bounceback period, and nothing I threw at her seemed to work in the system. I was very disappointed! I really really wanted that 30%, especially since I have never gotten a postcard or email discount offered to me.
I wish you good luck when you go soon!!
Re: the discussion of the GF restaurants...we've not done Citricos yet, but the service at Narcoosee's the other night was just great!! I did think it was awfully pricey tho. I wanted those scallops but I was absolutely not going to pay $32 for that entree!

Guess my 30% for Dec 6-14 at the GF isn't looking to good then

 

[Lives4Disney]

Cinderumbrella, we are booked for the first week of Dec. I tried switching our stay around using dates up until the end of the bounceback period, and nothing I threw at her seemed to work in the system. I was very disappointed! I really really wanted that 30%, especially since I have never gotten a postcard or email discount offered to me.
I wish you good luck when you go soon!!
Re: the discussion of the GF restaurants...we've not done Citricos yet, but the service at Narcoosee's the other night was just great!! I did think it was awfully pricey tho. I wanted those scallops but I was absolutely not going to pay $32 for that entree!

It took me about 10 minutes & lots of trying different dates to book October trip. Luckily the CM was really nice and kept trying for me....she could have hung up. She told me I could modify it if I needed to because i didn't have the kids' school calendar with me or anything, so I booked it just to have something to work with. That's too bad they couldn't find you something.

Kristin, if they don't have your exact dates, maybe just book anything so when you get home you can keep trying for what you DO want?? The CM told me I could modify/change it from home. That way you'd at least have a shot at the 30%....??? Or is that just crazy annoying?? haha...I don't know.....

 

[Alicnwondrln]

we are getting the deluxe dining plan and we are eating at the following

yachtsmen steakhouse x2
jiko
flying fish
Artist point
narcoosse
tutto italia
coral reef
Liberty tree tavern

we still have like 20 meals after all of that
I am gonna look like the girl the umpa lompas roll outta the factory for eating the gum that turns into a blueberry

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

I have do drop serious "thank you's" here.

I had been worrying and wondering over how to send WDW gifts to the kids at the resort. Piecing together various answers from all of you I was able to do exactly what I wanted for each of them.

Disney florist (specifically Lindsay) were great to work with. I was able to take 4 of their baskets and add to them items that Disney Merchandising will send over to the florist for me.

It was a confusing order. "I, um, well, I was looking for something like a...." Yeah, merchandising must have thought I had just fallen off the back of the cabbage cart. But Sharon (merchandising) was wonderful and found everything I needed. She even found something I didn't know I needed...how's that for service?

AND...I get a throw blanket mailed here to the house..only $15, no shipping...bonus w/purchase items...gotta love it! I can feel disney warmth until we finally get there in 4 months.

Here's what the kids are getting:
For Emily:
(adding a 22" mickey and some snacks, trading blue autograph book for princess themed one.)

For Quin:

adding a Pirate autograph book and a printed scroll that tells him about his surprise Pirate Cruise. (I am sending them the scroll)

And for Alex and Matt:

They are each getting one of these...teen boys don't share well. Alex is getting a mister fan bottle added and Matt is getting a new pin lanyead with small 4 pins POTC themed.

What do you think? Don't ask the cost...it is not like I was trying to make inezpensive baskets...I just wanted specific items...Disney Floral and Merchandising were great to work with. And you are all great for helping me figure out how to do this!!

Thanks!! Sheli
(huuummmm...wondering what else I can "plan" with almost 4 more months to go )

 

[Lives4Disney]

Kelly that sounds yummy!! Yachtsman Steakhouse is my favorite...I am going to book it for our trip...I LOVE their creamed spinach!!!! And their bananas foster martini!

Glad all is well and you are leaving!!! HAVE FUN!! Enjoy your family time!

Sheli, those are adorable ....I have seen items that the florist delivered for guests and they are beautiful....they do a fabulous job. I might go with them for a little something for our July trip. Doesn't the planning/ordering get out of hand dangerous?!?!? That is surely part of the hazzard of planning a trip so far out. I ahven't even thought about anything re the July trip - no ADRs yet either. I'll get there.

 

[vbarry]

Sheli- Those are soo cute! Planning is half the fun. I have learned one thing....never will I have 10 months between trips. Too much time on my hands to spend $$$$!

 

[praline3001]

Sheli, those are adorable baskets.

I have peggy making up one for Savannah's birthday with lots of cinderella stuff in it. I have heard good things about peggys so I am excited to try her out. She is actually doing a whole room decoration thing themed on Cinderella. As she was the only one who could promise me a sugar free birthday cake, I went with her without blinking!

Have fun Kelly!!! The Deluxe plan is not for the faint of heart my family about seriously hurt themselves in Feb on it and they are all guys with tape worms

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Sheli - everything you got looks great. With 2 boys of my own, I like the gifts you are getting for your older boys. We have used DF in the past and loved their work. I am going to have to go to their site tonight for ideas.

Alicnwondrln - We love the Yachtsman Steakhouse! It is a must on every trip. We are trying the Artist Point this year for the first time. Let me know how you like your meal! Thanks.

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

I have learned one thing....never will I have 10 months between trips. Too much time on my hands to spend $$$$!

No joke. Last trip Emily was still a baby and free time was non-existant. I caused very little trouble that time. Bought a bunch of disney dollars to give as prizes to the kids in the months before we left. Then added the dining plan and made a bunch of ADR's...that was it. Well, that and planning every minute of every day. That took almost 5 months of planning time.

This time Emily is an independant little girl and I seem to have too much time on my hands...oh the trouble I can cause with the internet and Hubby's AmEx... Plus all the ride/touring plan stuff I had to spend time learning last time is still in my head, so no need to spend hours on that again. Leaving me plenty of time to design 2 birthday cakes and research wishes cruises. This could easily be a full time job!!!

sheli

 

[princessesrule4]

Kelly - have a great trip! Your ADR's sound great! We are trying Yachtsman for the first time in June! Mister Disney and the K-Man's review convinced me!

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

I am gonna look like the girl the umpa lompas roll outta the factory for eating the gum that turns into a blueberry

You'll be fine, last time we went on the basic plan (but with appies) I still lost 4 lbs in a week. The walking counteracts the desserts!

I haven't even thought about anything re the July trip - no ADRs yet either. I'll get there.

No ARD's for July yet? The DDP board would be freaking out! Don't you know you can't get a bite of food without making ADR's 6 months out?

I have peggy making up one for Savannah's birthday with lots of cinderella stuff in it. I have heard good things about peggys so I am excited to try her out. She is actually doing a whole room decoration thing themed on Cinderella. As she was the only one who could promise me a sugar free birthday cake, I went with her without blinking!

I looked at Peggy's stuff too, needing 4 baskets done would have added a lot of wasted packaging cost, DisFlorist packages in usable containers like the lunch bag or the hat, that and Peggy can't include food in a regular gift basket, teenage boys need junk food. Your daughters basket sounds perfect for her. I love that Peg will make just what you need.

With 2 boys of my own, I like the gifts you are getting for your older boys. We have used DF in the past and loved their work. I am going to have to go to their site tonight for ideas.

Just be careful, It's so much fun that I was over $250 before I blinked...oh well...just won't tell hubby that part

 

[mandymommy4]

Ladies I am in so much PAIN! I have to get up and be at my step class at 9 and I can hardly move!

I know this is not helping me make friends , but, here I go: We just got back from the Animal Kingdom's 10th anniversary celebration. I decided about midnight to go and we got up at 7 and left by 8am (have I mentioned how much I LOVE the freedom we have Homeschooling). I went alone with my four kids. Actually, I meet my parents over there but I had to get all four kids from the parking lot to the front gate and it's not safe for me to load 4 kids, a stroller, and a huge diaper bag onto the tram so I walked to the front gate. My butt and legs hurt soooo bad this morning and now I can hardly move........ Ouch!

It was VERY crowded but we went to the Joe Rohde special and heard him talk about AK and the development and design of the park, it made my year hearing him speak. We also tried to find the guys from the podcast but no such luck! AK holds a special place in my heart since I was part of the opening ceremonies so I could not stand the thought of not being there today, so all the pain is worth it!


By the way, we saw a woman grab her little girl by the hair and jerk her head back and curse at her and tell her she was a stupid idiot. I got nauseated it made me so mad and tried to find a CM but guess what? Disney security also saw the whole thing and escorted her and her family back stage! I hope she gets charged with abuse b/c she was a horrible person and does not deserve anything less! It makes me sad that the little girl will forever more have a terrible memory attached to her trip to Disney and for her this place holds not magic!