Our little thread of BIG Resort changes*OLD THREAD link on last pg. to new thread!

[MAGIC...itis!]

Hi guys. Since the October time of year is getting increasingly busy for us at work, being closer to home for my birthday is better than a NC trip (although I will miss the beee-ooo-tiful changing leaves). So I made a very impromptu decision on my birthday plans for October... a shiny new CG dinner ADR and a Saratoga Springs stay for 2 nights. It'd be a perfect time to cross this resort off my list. After CG, it will be nice to boat to DTD and balance the dining budget at Earl of Sandwich for all the other meals. I requested Congress Park, so fingers crossed.

______________ _____________

koh1977: Oh my. I am saddened by the new of your MIL's cancer. I know the forms of cancer are all different, but my Uncle's recent stage 4 cancer has been obliterated for now and he feel better than he has in years. He has traveled to classic car shows all over the eastern US this summer. Prayers said. Please stay strong. And breathe.

sjs314: Bob, Bob, Bob! The saga never ends. On Flying Fish: My BFF and I did a impromptu walk-up Flying Fish dinner a couple years back on a freezing cold December night. The Price Fixe menu was really nice. I'd go back again.

I_heart: Your little peeps rocking out at AKL... Awesome pic!

Mousemommy1: AKL CL???? Shocker! I'm staying tuned.

trishadono & Miss: CG ressies all around! Congrats on getting your dates.

Miss: So glad MissM is going with the flow and chatting up new peeps.

chimo2u: Fire up the Family Truckster!!!!! So gald to hear the whole fam-damily is going to Disney World!

 

[disneydreamin247]

Reading along with everyone, but haven't been able to post.

Candace

Marie Awesome! A family trip! Praying for you and DH.


I am SO torn. I want to go for Easter because of 2 reasons. 1) I am at odds with my family and would rather spend the holiday ALONE with my kids and 2) It's a shorter wait lol. On the other hand, it would could a LOT more than going in August. What would you guys do? I am having longing for Disney so badly right now. A lot of ******* with my family, and I just want to go to my happy place.

 

[MAGIC...itis!]

disneydreamin247: Oooops. I forgot to comment on your fab photos of the kids in the arcade. Daniel is a gaming pro with all those tickets and Lily is adorable hanging with big bro. Every small appliance in our whole house was won at the arcades and at the wheels waaaaaay back in the early 1970s at Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. When I was a little I spent many many an hour in the arcades, then I spent many an hour under the boards as a teenager! Aahhhhhh, memories. Glad you guys are having a great time.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Reading along with everyone, but haven't been able to post.

Candace

Marie Awesome! A family trip! Praying for you and DH.


I am SO torn. I want to go for Easter because of 2 reasons. 1) I am at odds with my family and would rather spend the holiday ALONE with my kids and 2) It's a shorter wait lol. On the other hand, it would could a LOT more than going in August. What would you guys do? I am having longing for Disney so badly right now. A lot of ******* with my family, and I just want to go to my happy place.

Honestly, I would rather do August....that's why we chose it.

Easter is going to not only be more expensive (alot more expensive) but also 10x more crowded...

Could you pull off a trip earlier in the year, like maybe February?

 

[sjs314]

Reading along with everyone, but haven't been able to post.

Candace

Marie Awesome! A family trip! Praying for you and DH.


I am SO torn. I want to go for Easter because of 2 reasons. 1) I am at odds with my family and would rather spend the holiday ALONE with my kids and 2) It's a shorter wait lol. On the other hand, it would could a LOT more than going in August. What would you guys do? I am having longing for Disney so badly right now. A lot of ******* with my family, and I just want to go to my happy place.

Dani Candace is right Easter is very expensive and very very crowded. our first 4 trips we went Easter Week and it can be hot so not ideal conditions but we use to love going to the televised Easter Parade which is no more and the other reason we went then was school vacation.

It might be a bit much for you alone with both kids February might be a good option if Danimal has school vacation then ?

 

[Janet B]

Happy Tuesday Peeps!!

MM for Mickey Mail...the best kind of mail ever!!

Janet: How'd the car washing go? Did they raise lots of moolah? (Her uniform is SUPER cool, I must say.)

Thanks Miss!! The kids made $650, not bad We get to do it all over again in Sept. I'm not sure what got cleaner, the kids or the cars, but they had a great time!! It's a terrific bunch of kids.

And what happened to my cute, mickey wearing girl from August? She got all dolled up (styled her hair, make up -- that's a first) to go to a pool party on Sunday (one of the kids from marching band had about 35 kids over). It was weird going to pick her up and see her talking and laughing with boys who will be juniors and seniors this year! Yikes! My little girl is growing up...

Thanks to all of you who asked about Miss M and how she's faring at school with her new class. The principal got back to me about the list of criteria on how they chose -- which I just wanted to know out of pure curiosity. Interesting stuff. Anywho, she's mentioned a couple of girls she chit-chats with in her class and she'd only went to school for two days last week (they do a shortened first week back.) Big sigh of relief. I'm glad she could overcome any of the reservations she was feeling about her class and go with the flow. Phew. Today I've been coerced into taking her and a friend from across the street down to the playground. It's supposed to be in the low 90's. I might roast.

Hope you didn't melt away yesterday. Happy to read that Miss M is adjusting and making some new friends...we parents worry so much don't we?

yeppers! Dh and I are going to do a retake of our anniversary trip from May

We had one night at CR then visited MIl/Fil and then one night at Poly before flight next morning. Next stop GF!

The monorail anniversary ride!

I like it!

Mornin' Miss-I'd be happy to help. Here's the latest on the CG menu, updated decor, etc.
http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/cali...rbished-california-grill-and-the-new-menu.htm

Another interesting link if you don't already have it is Chef's twitter
https://twitter.com/CalGrillchef

Congrats on getting a CG reservation. It looks like they are going quickly today.
I think your idea to keep both in the meantime is a good one, that's what I would do. It's always helpful to keep an eye out for reviews to hear what recent diners have to say. It will be fun to hear about what folks think about the newly renovated CG. I'm sure there will be lots of reviews in the next couple of months. The great thing is, you have two fabulous choices!
Decisons...Decisions...If it's not the resort, it's the restaurant. That's the way it is with us RCers

Ginny, thanks for the links! Shoudl make for some fine reading I'm looking forward to returning to CG at some point since we have always loved our meals there in the past.

Hi guys. Since the October time of year is getting increasingly busy for us at work, being closer to home for my birthday is better than a NC trip (although I will miss the beee-ooo-tiful changing leaves). So I made a very impromptu decision on my birthday plans for October... a shiny new CG dinner ADR and a Saratoga Springs stay for 2 nights. It'd be a perfect time to cross this resort off my list. After CG, it will be nice to boat to DTD and balance the dining budget at Earl of Sandwich for all the other meals. I requested Congress Park, so fingers crossed.

CG will be perfect for a birthday celebration!

disneydreamin247: Oooops. I forgot to comment on your fab photos of the kids in the arcade. Daniel is a gaming pro with all those tickets and Lily is adorable hanging with big bro. Every small appliance in our whole house was won at the arcades and at the wheels waaaaaay back in the early 1970s at Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. When I was a little I spent many many an hour in the arcades, then I spent many an hour under the boards as a teenager! Aahhhhhh, memories. Glad you guys are having a great time.

Magic, thanks for the big laugh and for starting my day off right!

Reading along with everyone, but haven't been able to post.

I am SO torn. I want to go for Easter because of 2 reasons. 1) I am at odds with my family and would rather spend the holiday ALONE with my kids and 2) It's a shorter wait lol. On the other hand, it would could a LOT more than going in August. What would you guys do? I am having longing for Disney so badly right now. A lot of ******* with my family, and I just want to go to my happy place.

Dani, agree with the others...I'll stick with August... and for a Disney fix, can you take advantage of the January/Feb value timeframes? ....now for the holiday, is there another place you can go to spend the holiday with just the kids? Perhaps closer to home?

 

[Janet B]

Wanted to wish our own Linda, Queen of the split stays, happy travels today!!

Have a wonderful time with Jess and perhaps you might consent to check in with us every time you switch resorts!!

Enjoy!!

 

[letthewookiewin]

I don't have enough coffee in me yet to catch up, but thought I would stop in and say hello . The DSs start school this morning. Last night the DH came into our room at about 11:20. He had just finished working (he had been home for hours, but was researching a strange appliance issue) and wanted to watch a movie with me. We found a short movie, and I went to bed about 1 AM. Just as I was falling asleep (about 1:15) the DH woke me up to show me a trailer for an expansion for Diablo III (a game we play). I was up at 6:30 this morning, so I could take a shower before the DSs. I have a feeling this is going to be a long day.

I did get the minivan cleaned out, but just not vacuumed.

Oh, and I got a FP+ for the Electrical Parade!! I'm so happy, happy, happy!! I still need to make adjustments to one of my MK days. Right now I have a FP+ for Wishes, but I've been told the CMs will let us watch Wishes from our spot for EP. Which will open up a FP+ selection for me, which I guess we'll use for BTMRR?

Well, I'm going to make sure Joey is ready for school. Y'all have a great day!! I'll check in later if the babies allow.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Wookie: Yaya for getting the FP for the EP! So exciting for you! Hope the day is not too long, and your boys have a good first day back!

Linda: Safe travels and please let us live through you! Check in please!!

Janet: $650 is great! They do sound like a wonderful group of kids, I hope my girls make some good friend like that when they are in high school. I will encourage band and school clubs for sure. They are already joining lots of clubs in their school, and the opportunities will only be better as they get older I think! We were talking this morning and the older two want to do Dance club, choir and Eco-club.

Dani: I agree with Sheila about Easter, sounds a bit crowded!


Magic: Your birthday plans sound great!!

MM: for 32 days!!

Marie: I hope the kids kick in for the vacation too! But it does sound like it would be a fabulous family trip!!

Ginny: Things are better over here. It is just daily stresses that get to us sometimes but we are best friends, and work through it all. We are human though, and frustration shows sometimes for sure.

MIss: So glad to hear Miss M is doing ok, she is such a sweetie. Is she going to Girl Scouts again? My DD's start sometime in September again. DD4 is super excited as she gets to go too this year.
Is mom doing ok? How are you filling up your time at home now?


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Well, still waiting for AP discounts...this is getting comical!

Jen

 

[trishadono]

"Jen, Well, still waiting for AP discounts...this is getting comical!"

yeppers!

this is ridiculous! There won't be any rooms left at this point.

 

[jennyjinx3]

"Jen, Well, still waiting for AP discounts...this is getting comical!"

yeppers!

this is ridiculous! There won't be any rooms left at this point.

I hear you! Well, at least we have the GP offer booked. If the AP discount helped out though we were going to upgrade to CL (I think....who really knows though, we could have done an about face and gone back to POR!!)

Hoping this week maybe???

 

[disneydreamin247]

The crowds don't really concern me. I've spent Easter in Disney three times so far and I've become accustomed to the crowds. We would probably spend Easter Sunday at the pool and book a nice restaurant for dinner, like Cali Gril and then maybe head to DTD for a bit after dinner to avoid the parks. I remember literally being shoulder to shoulder in the parks on Easter and I would definitely avoid that!

Anything before April is out. I have been to Disney in February and I don't enjoy the weather. I want the kids to be able to swim and enjoy the pool, and Daniel is looking forward to hitting the water parks on our next trip.

 

[Missoutandabout]

Safe journeys to GG Linda!

Hello ladies and good morning.

Candace: Woooo for MM! It's for REAL.

Hi guys. Since the October time of year is getting increasingly busy for us at work, being closer to home for my birthday is better than a NC trip (although I will miss the beee-ooo-tiful changing leaves). So I made a very impromptu decision on my birthday plans for October... a shiny new CG dinner ADR and a Saratoga Springs stay for 2 nights. It'd be a perfect time to cross this resort off my list. After CG, it will be nice to boat to DTD and balance the dining budget at Earl of Sandwich for all the other meals. I requested Congress Park, so fingers crossed.

Aaaaaand get one of those brownie thingamajigs from EoS. I'm still miffed I haven't tried one of those -- although that could have something to do with being stuffed like a turkey with Ghirardelli ice cream.

Congrats on YOUR CG res. They're goin' like hotcakes.

Thanks Miss!! The kids made $650, not bad We get to do it all over again in Sept. I'm not sure what got cleaner, the kids or the cars, but they had a great time!! It's a terrific bunch of kids.

That's a LOT of dosh from a car wash! Wow!

And what happened to my cute, mickey wearing girl from August? She got all dolled up (styled her hair, make up -- that's a first) to go to a pool party on Sunday (one of the kids from marching band had about 35 kids over). It was weird going to pick her up and see her talking and laughing with boys who will be juniors and seniors this year! Yikes! My little girl is growing up...

Oh MY! Makes me sad (and scared) just reading that. One day, they're holding your hand... and the next, going to pool parties!

Oh, and I got a FP+ for the Electrical Parade!! I'm so happy, happy, happy!! I still need to make adjustments to one of my MK days. Right now I have a FP+ for Wishes, but I've been told the CMs will let us watch Wishes from our spot for EP. Which will open up a FP+ selection for me, which I guess we'll use for BTMRR?

Excellent!

MIss: So glad to hear Miss M is doing ok, she is such a sweetie. Is she going to Girl Scouts again? My DD's start sometime in September again. DD4 is super excited as she gets to go too this year.
Is mom doing ok? How are you filling up your time at home now?

Yep, back in September for M's troop too. Gives them a bit of time to get into the routine of school, I guess. So happy for your DD4! Gets to be in her OWN thing, like her big sisters.

I'm doing all the things I've put off all summer... like sitting around and daydreaming. (Well, whilst doing laundry, making dinner, doing the shopping ALONE and going to torture sessions.)

Well, still waiting for AP discounts...this is getting comical!

Jen

Budge over on the sofa. Every. day. I'm. looking. and no dice. They like to see us squirm methinks.


~~===============================~~

So, hubs said he wanted to try someplace new. Looks like CG is a front-runner. Although, then I told him the time of the reservation... 9:10pm. We've got breakfast at the castle at 8:30 the next morning -- not sure those two times are conducive to good tempers. Anywho, I went on to check and I nabbed a 5:05 dinner time. That sounds better, right? Considering we've got to travel to-and-fro BWI, even though we'll miss the fireworks, it'll make for an easier following morning, I think.

 

[jennyjinx3]

I think 5:15 is better Miss, our Cali Grill is at 5:30 ish in November too. I must get myself started on torture sessions soon, just where to fit them in!!

Dani: I hear you on the pool thing, to me it is not a Disney vaca without the swimming and nice weather. I really hope November won't be too chilly for us! Although I think my kiddos will swim no matter what! Just not DH and I....we need the heat! If you can make it work for Easter then go for it!!

 

[gwynne]

I think 5:15 is better Miss, our Cali Grill is at 5:30 ish in November too. I must get myself started on torture sessions soon, just where to fit them in!!

Dani: I hear you on the pool thing, to me it is not a Disney vaca without the swimming and nice weather. I really hope November won't be too chilly for us! Although I think my kiddos will swim no matter what! Just not DH and I....we need the heat! If you can make it work for Easter then go for it!!

Hi Jenny and Miss, I think those are both great times. We went with an early time, too, 5:50. I figure they are going to be really busy, so arriving earlier likely means less wait.

Jenny-Is there a lot of planning that goes into a cruise? Are you doing a pre-trippie by chance? I am a total newbie about cruises, so I'm trying to learn. Any thoughts or tips would be so appreciated!

 

[jennyjinx3]

Hi Jenny and Miss, I think those are both great times. We went with an early time, too, 5:50. I figure they are going to be really busy, so arriving earlier likely means less wait.

Jenny-Is there a lot of planning that goes into a cruise? Are you doing a pre-trippie by chance? I am a total newbie about cruises, so I'm trying to learn. Any thoughts or tips would be so appreciated!

Hi Ginny! So far I really haven't done that much planning, the biggest thing was narrowing down which cruise as DH wasn't too keen at the beginning of all this. Once we figured out what cruise and date, I booked with Dreams Unlimited because they offer a nice OBC. Ours will be $100 but that will pay for a good bulk of the tips (for us the tips will be $180 for a three night, and then whatever extra we wish to give). We had to put down 20% of cruise fare as a deposit.

On Friday is my 75 day mark which is when first time cruisers must be paid in full by and can do online check in. We are not going to be booking many excursions as it is our first time and we want to enjoy the trip. It will go by fast enough I think. I will register the kids for the kids club on Friday online too. We were thinking of booking Palo (adults only restaurant for $20 per person) but maybe next time.

I have booked a night at the COuntry Inn and Suites in Port Canaveral for us the night before the cruise, and we will be renting a car from the airport and either turning it in the night before or morning of the cruise. On the way back to WDW after the cruise I have paid for the DCL bus, just seems so much easier.

That is about all I have done so far. I plan on taking lots of Bonine with us to combat sea sickness whichh is what I am worried about most i think!

I am hoping that DH will love it, because I have my eye on a Nov 2014 7 night sailing on the Fantasy that I would like to book onboard. If you do that you get 10% off the cruise fare, a nice OBC, and only have to put 10% down!


Jen

 

[gwynne]

[/B]
Hi Ginny! So far I really haven't done that much planning, the biggest thing was narrowing down which cruise as DH wasn't too keen at the beginning of all this. Once we figured out what cruise and date, I booked with Dreams Unlimited because they offer a nice OBC. Ours will be $100 but that will pay for a good bulk of the tips (for us the tips will be $180 for a three night, and then whatever extra we wish to give). We had to put down 20% of cruise fare as a deposit.

On Friday is my 75 day mark which is when first time cruisers must be paid in full by and can do online check in. We are not going to be booking many excursions as it is our first time and we want to enjoy the trip. It will go by fast enough I think. I will register the kids for the kids club on Friday online too. We were thinking of booking Palo (adults only restaurant for $20 per person) but maybe next time.

I have booked a night at the COuntry Inn and Suites in Port Canaveral for us the night before the cruise, and we will be renting a car from the airport and either turning it in the night before or morning of the cruise. On the way back to WDW after the cruise I have paid for the DCL bus, just seems so much easier.

That is about all I have done so far. I plan on taking lots of Bonine with us to combat sea sickness whichh is what I am worried about most i think!

I am hoping that DH will love it, because I have my eye on a Nov 2014 7 night sailing on the Fantasy that I would like to book onboard. If you do that you get 10% off the cruise fare, a nice OBC, and only have to put 10% down!


Jen

Thank you Jen! That was very helpful!!
I am going to do some backreading at the DIS cruise board when winter sets in here.

 

[letthewookiewin]

. I habs owies!! I was walking outside at my friend's house. There is about 6 inches out and 6 inches down to the back porch of f concrete after her sliding glass door. I guess I just went to put my foot straight onto back porch and went down full force on the edge in the middle part of my foot. Luckily I caught myself with my elbow. Now my right foot hurts with every step and my elbow hurts.

 

[jennyjinx3]

. I habs owies!! I was walking outside at my friend's house. There is about 6 inches out and 6 inches down to the back porch of f concrete after her sliding glass door. I guess I just went to put my foot straight onto back porch and went down full force on the edge in the middle part of my foot. Luckily I caught myself with my elbow. Now my right foot hurts with every step and my elbow hurts.

Aw hugs Wookie!! Hope you feel better soon!!

 

[Missoutandabout]

Wookie, get to the Ibu... STAT! (Filling in for Jeanette. I say that for everything though. Need stock in ibuprofen, seriously.)

Back in a tick to post a more-lengthy reply after I pick up Miss M.