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

[mandymommy4]

Hooray!! A Morning just for Mommy!!!

DS is at preschool through lunch time, DH left fot TX this AM for work, I can grab some coffee and catch up!

I placed a big order with the Loft yesterday. I ordered this dress to wear to a wedding Mother's Day weekend

It was 25% off yesterday and I had another 25% off so long as I spent $150 so I ended up getting it for $49!!!! I ordered those white shorts in a petite but I hope my order comes this week. If I don't like the shirts, J Crew has a pair I can order, but I need them before the trip!!! (16 days )

I need to call the cake hotline today and leave a message at Pop for that cake...I should probably do that before DS gets home from school

Kristin

Cute dress! I love the LOFT! I love sun dresses in the FLA steamy heat!

EDIT to add:
Yay for you, a morning all to your self!

My weekend was crazy and my house is a bigger wreck than it was before we stated cleaning Saturday. I will probably clean all day and then do laundry all day tomorrow.....

I really want to do the mother's day brunch at EPCOT, I just have no clue if I can get a ADR at this point.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Cute dress! I love the LOFT! I love sun dresses in the FLA steamy heat!

I ordered this one too that I am toying with the notion of bringing along on the trip...

 

[irisbud]

I ordered this one too that I am toying with the notion of bringing along on the trip...

I saw that one in the Loft store here the other day. I almost bought it, but all of my dresses are B/W so I decided I need some color. It's really cute, though! I will have to check out the first one on the website. I don't remember seeing it in the store.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I saw that one in the Loft store here the other day. I almost bought it, but all of my dresses are B/W so I decided I need some color. It's really cute, though! I will have to check out the first one on the website. I don't remember seeing it in the store.

The first one looks SO much better in person!!

 

[tinklvr64]

Dawn, I have been kind of following that thread. I have to admit, when I saw that I gasped!!! I wouldn't let my kids do that - I guess more because I would be afraid of what the people in the room would have to deal with hearing LOL.. I guess it's more of a case that I have been the one below bed jumpers a couple times. I understand the OP's point. I just think those stupid threads get so nitpicked and turn so controversial over something so minute it gets amusing. I am STILL SHIVERING....I put on my warm velour sweatsuit and slept in that with my heated mattress turned all the way up!!! I can't get over the bone chilling morning on the soccer field.

I didn't see Juno. Didn't want to. The subject matter really grosses me out.....I have a 17 yr old son and I don't think I'd enjoy that movie...



It hasn't been quiet here!!!!! UGH@ I had to get up at 6 & get my older kids up, then wake up Jojo and get Lucy to band (w/Jo) and then run thru Mc Ds for Jojo (as compensation for having to get up extra early to run Lu to school) and then got home, got Jo ready, got a call from Lu's nurse - she needs Advil.....ran to her school to drop the Advil and sign waivers etc...then ran Jo to her school.....UGH!!!!!!! i feel like I've spent the morning in my car. Crazy. DH is out of town and I am feeling it today.

NOW.....I can relax and DIS. How's the hair saga?? Hope its another good day with your new cut.

Wow...you guys have me a bit interested in DC. I hate birds and I am almost fish phobic but my kids might really love it. I have heard nothing but great reports on it. I have my flight into Tampa, but I would prefer to change it to MCO and just do someting like DC or even *gag* UO. Haven't been to Universal in a few yrs....I didn't like it then, though. Maybe I will be more open minded now.

Channing~I agree that I wouldn't let my kids jump on the beds but really she is going to write a letter....Im sure Disney previewed that show 'cause I cant believe they would allow anything negative about them. Its like POP=Walmart all over again
It is a ROTTEN day! Yuck! its bad we get teased with a little spring weather and now we are back to this!

Enchanted was great and my DS 14 even watched it with me
Yah, Juno just wasn't my speed I just didn't like her walking around the school prego...

 

[praline3001]

Good morning everyone!

Cute dresses Kristin~ I wish I was still young enough to wear those gravity is not a kind friend

I hope everyone has a great day! I need to run to walmart and start knocking off a few things I need for our trip.

I am a little bit miffed.... I wasn't planning a big birthday party for Savannah as we were going to be doing Disney for her birthday. Well she shares the same birthday DATE as my adopted niece. My SIL called me and told me she wanted to suprise Savannah by having Gabi at her birthday party hmmmm I wasn't planning a "party"
SO NOW not only do I have to plan 1 party... I have to plan 1 party for 2 GIRLS... include my SIL family and all of our friends who are going to want to share in this special occasion of having my newly adopted niece and Savannah's birthday together
Wasn't that so sweet of my SIL to think of Savannah?

Anyway... I called and whined to mommy
So the party is going to be at the ranch, horse/western themed and the kids can do pony rides and play on the farm haha I ordered the horse themed stuff from birthday express. I also got the horseshoe cake pan as it looks pretty easy to make a horseshoe cake
The week before we leave for Disney Savannah will be having a big party and my brother and SIL (who live in Fl right near Disney) will be visiting here with us
Does that all make sense? It sure doesn't to me

 

[lovemy2boys]

I just got an email from the GF platinum planning services and I have to fill out the questionaire. I have a few questions if anyone can give advice on this....

We have the option of choosing the Fireworks Cruise, Epcot Illuminations Cruise, or the Magic Kingdom Specialty Cruise.... which one is best with kids?

What is Fantasmic? Is it appropriate for children?

Would Cirque Du Soleil be appropriate for an 8 year old?

 

[Lives4Disney]

kristin - cute dresses. I love the pre trip shopping!!! That's a good part of the vacation fun.

Dawn - ya, I guess the letter is what has people up in arms. People are so weird and opinionated. Whatever......It makes for some laughs. I don't think I am going to bother with Juno. Too many other things out there I want to see....we own Enchanted....My girls love that movie. They were thrilled we managed to see Giselle on her last day of riding thru the MK.

Mandy I am glad it's working out for you. How funny that people feel the compulsion to give they opinions on the way you look!!! I guess they mean well, but sometimes they probably put their feet in their mouths.....

Marci - so what did you think of DL??? Did you get the chance to go on any rides??? Hope it was a nice trip - even though it was business.

 

[mandymommy4]

I ordered this one too that I am toying with the notion of bringing along on the trip...

Oh, I love wearing dresses at Disney, I feel like I am much cooler than in shorts. Here's my brown linen AK dress I wore on our trip in March. Everyone got the memo to wear brown except DH.... somehow he put on the wrong shirt and I was so frazzled getting kids dressed I forgot to give my 5th child the look over

 

[Maxie86]

Mr. Mike, I know what you mean about the weather, we are having the same thing. Those Chicago people sent us their bad weather. Have a great trip.

Mandymommy and Cinderumbrella, thanks for the welcome, and glad to hear the weather has been good down there. I have finished packing and printed out our boarding passes, now all I have to do is wait until tomorrow.

 

[mandymommy4]

I just got an email from the GF platinum planning services and I have to fill out the questionaire. I have a few questions if anyone can give advice on this....

We have the option of choosing the Fireworks Cruise, Epcot Illuminations Cruise, or the Magic Kingdom Specialty Cruise.... which one is best with kids?

What is Fantasmic? Is it appropriate for children?

Would Cirque Du Soleil be appropriate for an 8 year old?

I have never done any of the cruises so no help from here, but I would think that the MK would be more kids friendly. Illuminations has a lot of close to the ground pyrotechnics stuff and a huge fireball. I would think the younger kids would get freaked out by that. I know that they pipe the music in on the cruises in the 7 seas lagoon so you could hear the "story" that goes with Wishes! I'm sure one of the other ladies will chime in too!

Fantasmic is great! It is the night time show at DHS. IT has a lot of characters and some fireworks.

Cirque is totally kids friendly unless DS 8 is petrified of clowns! We are taking DS5 for his 6th b-day this summer! Blue Men at UO is great too!

 

[SleepingUgly]

Cute, cute dresses! I love wearing dresses and skirts. I never thought about wearing dresses at WDW, though, like Mandy does. I may have to think about that ... and do some shopping before August.

Quick question -- If you had two daughters, ages 8 and 5, and are considering private swim lessons for them, and you had your choice of a teenage boy or a college-age girl as the instructor, who would you pick? The guy is on his high school swim team and has been trained to teach kids with special needs (even though my girls don't fall into this category, I was intrigued as this may be a good indication of his level of patience), and the girl is attending college on a swim scholarship. So obviously, both are good swimmers, but I'm not sure about the "teenage guy" factor with my girls. Thoughts?

Linda

 

[praline3001]

I just got an email from the GF platinum planning services and I have to fill out the questionaire. I have a few questions if anyone can give advice on this....

We have the option of choosing the Fireworks Cruise, Epcot Illuminations Cruise, or the Magic Kingdom Specialty Cruise.... which one is best with kids?

What is Fantasmic? Is it appropriate for children?

Would Cirque Du Soleil be appropriate for an 8 year old?

As to the fireworks cruise... if your going with kids then the MK one, if you and hubby are doing a romantic evening than Epcot fireworks cruise. DH and I did the Illumination's cruise a few years back is it was sooooooo romantic

Fantasmic is a laser/fireworks/ show where they use water spouts as screens. VERY AMAZING! The kids will love it as it showcases all the characters. It does get EXTREMELY crowded as it is one of the most popular shows in all of Disney. If you go to U tube and type in Fantasmic you will see a million clips of the show people have uploaded.

Cirque Du Soleil at Disney is geared towards families. I know some Cirque Du Soleil's are for adults only but this one is kid friendly. The only thing about Cirque Du Soleil is it runs at night. Many kids are BEAT tired from playing with Mickey all day. It really depends on your boy. Do you think he can run in the parks all day long, ride rides and handle all the day excitement and not be completely wiped out by the time the show starts?

 

[mandymommy4]

Cute, cute dresses! I love wearing dresses and skirts. I never thought about wearing dresses at WDW, though, like Mandy does. I may have to think about that ... and do some shopping before August.

Quick question -- If you had two daughters, ages 8 and 5, and are considering private swim lessons for them, and you had your choice of a teenage boy or a college-age girl as the instructor, who would you pick? The guy is on his high school swim team and has been trained to teach kids with special needs (even though my girls don't fall into this category, I was intrigued as this may be a good indication of his level of patience), and the girl is attending college on a swim scholarship. So obviously, both are good swimmers, but I'm not sure about the "teenage guy" factor with my girls. Thoughts?

Linda

Totally the girl! I think a college girl would be more nurturing than a HS boy! If I had sons I would totally choose the HS guy, JMHO!

 

[johnsonet]

I just got an email from the GF platinum planning services and I have to fill out the questionaire. I have a few questions if anyone can give advice on this....

We have the option of choosing the Fireworks Cruise, Epcot Illuminations Cruise, or the Magic Kingdom Specialty Cruise.... which one is best with kids?

What is Fantasmic? Is it appropriate for children?

Would Cirque Du Soleil be appropriate for an 8 year old?

Hi there. I have not been on any of the cruises but I have requested the Fireworks Premium Cruise from Poly CL for our summer trip. Here is the info they emailed me

There are two types of cruises: the Standard Cruise and the Premium
Cruise. The main difference in these two is that the Premium Cruise
includes onboard audio of the soundtrack to Wishes. Both cruises are
booked by boat. Each boat can accommodate up to 8 passengers, and come
with onboard snacks (a variety of popcorn, chips and pretzels) and Soft
Drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Bottled Water). Additional food and
beverage offerings are available through each resort's Private Dining
Department, at an additional cost.

The cost is $225.00 for the Standard Cruise and $275.00 for the Premium
Cruise. For an additional $25.00, any cruise can be made a Celebration
Cruise, to commemorate an anniversary or birthday. The boat will be
decorated with a banner and balloons.

Reservations for Specialty Cruises can be made up to 90 days in advance
of the requested date. All reservations require a credit card guarantee
as they do have a 24-hour cancellation window.

I would recommend the Fireworks Cruise since you're staying at the GF and it will be so convenient for your family

 

[SleepingUgly]

I just got an email from the GF platinum planning services and I have to fill out the questionaire. I have a few questions if anyone can give advice on this....

We have the option of choosing the Fireworks Cruise, Epcot Illuminations Cruise, or the Magic Kingdom Specialty Cruise.... which one is best with kids?

What is Fantasmic? Is it appropriate for children?

Would Cirque Du Soleil be appropriate for an 8 year old?

We are trying to book the Illuminations cruise for our August trip. I hear that is nice in that you are pretty close to the action. We'll try that and see.

I've heard Fantasmic can be overwhelming for some young children (5 or younger) due to loud noises and the "good vs. evil" storyline can get quite intense. Then again, I've also heard nothing but great reviews about the show. We're going to see it for the first time this August as well.

As for Cirque -- I've never seen the show in Orlando, but I presume they are all similar. We took our daughters, ages 8 and 5, to Mystere in Las Vegas last Christmas and they both LOVED it. In fact, our 5-year-old was completely entranced by the whole show and would burst into spontaneous applause at various times. My 8-year-old is the Question Queen, and since Cirque shows are unique and with weird story lines, she kept asking what was going on and what was that character doing and who was that person and what did that mean and blah blah blah. But she still enjoyed it thoroughly. I would safely assume that the Cirque show in Orlando is very kid friendly.

Linda

 

[praline3001]

Go with the girl...completely. She is older and most likely more used to babysitting and keeping kids under control.
I think the "mature factor" would be more important than anything else.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Totally the girl! I think a college girl would be more nurturing than a HS boy! If I had sons I would totally choose the HS guy, JMHO!

What she said!!!

 

[goofygal531]

Morning everyone. (well, it was morning when I started reading all your posts from over the weekend!)

Lesly: Welcome I'll be at the GF June 12-21. We're doing our first Wishes cruise this trip, I'm hoping my boys will stay awake for it! The cruises are late, 10pm for MK and 9pm for Epcot. Fantasmic usually has two shows in the summer the early one either 5pm or 7pm - I can't remember? If you're kids go to sleep early, I'd go with the Fantasmic early show. I can get my boys to nap late and keep them up a little later. La Nouba we did before the kids, we loved it. I would wait until my boys were older, they do love the circus, but we can all go to the circus here at Madison Square Garden for the price of 2 La Nouba tickets! I'm just waiting until they really can enjoy it as a "special circus". And appreciate it's hefty price tag.

Mr. Mike: We lived in Bayside when we first got married. I'm from Long Island and DH from Queens. We lived there for two years before moving up, moving on up....to the East Side...

Channing: I just applied for a Disney Visa, any benefits in WDW with it? I read in DL they give you free stroller rental (not that you would know or need that )

Well the country was beautiful, the weather perfect. DH did some gardening
while I did nothing and watched tv! DS4 loves being outside and riding his scooter up and down the driveway - not something he can do everyday in manhattan We made our weekly pilgramiage to Walmart (aka "WallyMart"). I bought the boys their little nightly gifts from Mickey. I really just raided the dollar stuff at the checkout lines. I also had to stock up on GermX wipes and hand sanitizer. I can't find it anywhere but Walmart and it's the only one without alcohol incase the kids lick their hands (which they do!)

I had time to listen to the 10th Anniversary podcats from last year, it was fun to hear the history of how they all got together! Did they upload the Disneyland podcast yet? I'm getting nervous about that trip since Pete said it was the most expensive vacation he's ever been on!

Oh, that Disney on a Dime special was just like the What you get for the money special on Fine Living. I liked seeing WDW. Brook, our conversation went like this:

DH: why don't we stay at Pop? It looks nice?
Me: Well, your a moderate resort snob and hate them and you want to stay at a value?
DH: Oh, they don't have a boat??
Me: Umm, how many times have you been to WDW? You don't know all the boats by now?
DH: No, I just follow you!


Well, off to go grocery shopping. Of course we came home to an empty fridge. DS4 is off from school today and tomorrow (snow days they never used!) I need to get them out they're going stir crazy!

Talk to you all this evening,
Mare

 

[irisbud]

I would go with the girl. Your girls will probably be more likely to see her as a "friend" and may develop a better rapport with her, which will greatly enhance their learning. I was a horseback riding instructor for several years (still do some on the side, BF is a horse trainer) and I always seemed to have an easier time with the girls than he did. They liked him, but I was like a big sister for them, KWIM.