The Grand Lady on the Lake: Jan. 2011 *10/26* The Lady's Waiting

[Sassagoula Billy]

I'm usually Joan. And mother is Bette Davis. But sometimes I'm Christina.

So then you must do Baby Jane sometimes too!

 

[RAPstar]

So then you must do Baby Jane sometimes too!

Yes indeedilly do! One day I'll have my own wheelchair with which to act out the scene better.

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Yes indeedilly do! One day I'll have my own wheelchair with which to act out the scene better.

God forbid!

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

First of all, should I keep going to my first post and updating it with changes? I think it's just easier for me to do it in new updates as I go along. At least, those elements that may be added/changed.

In addition to being joined by my BFF and his partner for our Afternoon Tea ressie on Day 2, we will also be joining them for one of their lunch ressies earlier that day. Since my mom wants to go to Epcot that morning, and the BFF was already planning to go there, I made sure to book a late ADR for Tea because it looks like we're joing them at Le Cellier. I took my parents there in '03 and they loved it, so my mom's excited to go back. My dad still talks about some salmon appetizer he got, salmon three ways I think? And he's actually Canadian! It's funny, but the SO says I have a tendency to sound like my dad from time to time...which is an accent that - as he's getting older - gets eerily close to that of a certain political personality from well, Wasilla, Alaska. (My dad's from Vancouver). I had no idea I did this. But it comes and goes. And I'm getting older too, and becoming my dad. Anyway, I make fun of the SO for his tendency to turn E's into I's, so I guess we're equal. And besides, if a flat accent comes outta me every so often, I just say I'm mimicking Madonna. Because, well, have you ever heard her REAL accent? You know, the one she's hiding under all that anglophilic affectation? Flat as a Magic Mop commercial. Mahdyanna. Any post where I can mention her gives me joy. I mean, she's a legend now, you know. Lady Gaga's ascent has pretty much sanctified her status.

So to review, Victoria and Albert's the first night (early seating so that we don't get out at midnight), Epcot the first morning, light lunch at Le Cellier, late Afternoon Tea, rest, and then possibly Magic Kingdom for parade/fireworks. Between lunch and tea, there'll be a lotta food that day, so I haven't really given any thought to dinner. I assume we'd just find things to nibble (like SUGAR COOKIES. HELLO.) The next morning is breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe. All ADRs secured, and we're good to go.

The only thing that could change is, well... if Disney decides to hold back on releasing room discounts. The 3/4 whatever deal will do diddly squat for me, and free dining can kiss my aspirations. But if we don't get a substantial discount, say, 30 to 40% off, my mom and I may discuss switching to another resort, which would kill the whole idea of the trip in the first place. But we talked about it, and I always knew going in that the discount was a gamble. It's just that she wasn't going before. Now she's all excited. And we can still do all of the things we have planned, just from a different army outpost.

Since $300 or so was what I hoped to be paying a night, I decided to look into the Coronado Springs Resort's Club level. The rooms are beautiful, and the additional thingies sound cool. I know it's a mod, but deluxes that fit my cash requisite are only standard rooms at the Wilderness Lodge (which is a lovely resort, but the rooms and general atmosphere are not her thing) and the Animal Kingdom Lodge (where she stayed with a Savanna room last time). Everything else is too expensive. So what do you think? Has anyone done the club level at the Coronado? I can't get over how lovely the refurbed rooms are! I've never stayed, but I used to think the rooms looked gawdawful. Transportation isn't really an issue, because I assumed we'd cab all the meals. Hey, it'll be just like being all fancy back in the city.

That's all for now.

 

[Kaleigh]

Have you been over to Coronado? Just asking, cuz I'd skip the trip if I was downgrading that far and save up for GF sometime in the future. Just my opinion.

 

[Disneygrl36]

Billy.........I will be at Coronado Springs in 9 days so if you want to follow along & find out about the resort click the link in my siggie. We own DVC points & usually stay at DVC resorts, but my DH has a conference there so I am tagging along. We won't be staying club level, but I should be able to give you an idea about the place.

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Have you been over to Coronado? Just asking, cuz I'd skip the trip if I was downgrading that far and save up for GF sometime in the future. Just my opinion.

Had it just been me and the SO, we would have just moved to a value (to be there for my BFF's birthday celebration). But since my mom is really excited about taking a trip with me - the first we've ever taken together, just the two of us - I wouldn't want to cancel it altogether. And the only other deluxes comparable in price to what I'm hoping to pay at the GF after discount are the WL and the AKL (she's been to the latter already in a better room category, and the former isn't her style).

Billy.........I will be at Coronado Springs in 9 days so if you want to follow along & find out about the resort click the link in my siggie. We own DVC points & usually stay at DVC resorts, but my DH has a conference there so I am tagging along. We won't be staying club level, but I should be able to give you an idea about the place.

I look forward to reading all about it! Thanks!

 

[mom3sonstt]

It looks like discounts are now being offered.....hope they work for your dates!!

 

[jakenjess]

Thank goodness I didn't get too far behind! This dang surgery thing is putting a cramp in my style!

It's funny, but the SO says I have a tendency to sound like my dad from time to time...which is an accent that - as he's getting older - gets eerily close to that of a certain political personality from well, Wasilla, Alaska. (My dad's from Vancouver). I had no idea I did this. But it comes and goes. And I'm getting older too, and becoming my dad. Anyway, I make fun of the SO for his tendency to turn E's into I's, so I guess we're equal. And besides, if a flat accent comes outta me every so often, I just say I'm mimicking Madonna. Because, well, have you ever heard her REAL accent? You know, the one she's hiding under all that anglophilic affectation? Flat as a Magic Mop commercial. Mahdyanna. Any post where I can mention her gives me joy. I mean, she's a legend now, you know. Lady Gaga's ascent has pretty much sanctified her status.

Oh, no, please don't tell me you have that Wasilla accent . . . please, please! Ok, I'll be quiet, no political discussions are allowed . My DH and I were just talking about Madonna's "accent" last night as we were watching the Next Food Network Star or whatever it's called. One of the contestants has an accent sort of like that and we couldn't figure out what it is, probably because we've never watched the show before and know nothing about her. There's probably a wonderful story there but whatever, we always crack up at the Madonna "accent"! My Maine accent only gets really heavy when I talk to my mom on the phone; otherwise I have it quite under control (I think!).

So to review, Victoria and Albert's the first night (early seating so that we don't get out at midnight), Epcot the first morning, light lunch at Le Cellier, late Afternoon Tea, rest, and then possibly Magic Kingdom for parade/fireworks. Between lunch and tea, there'll be a lotta food that day, so I haven't really given any thought to dinner. I assume we'd just find things to nibble (like SUGAR COOKIES. HELLO.) The next morning is breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe. All ADRs secured, and we're good to go.

Sounds absolutely perfect!

My DD are on a "think positive and it will happen for you" kick, so we are going to visualize those perfect GF discount codes for you. Keep the faith!

 

[inkedupmomma]

subbing! I love a good young gay new york boy! and you referenced rose nylund. sold. Glad to hear things are working out for you! I stayed in a regular room at CSR, but LOVED it! Although, haven't discounts for hotels popped up recently? Best of luck!

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

It looks like discounts are now being offered.....hope they work for your dates!!

Yes! I was able to apply them and we're good to go! Of course, with my luck, Disney resorted, ha, to putting the most expensive deluxes at 40%, Grand Floridian excluded. Thanks Mickey!

Thank goodness I didn't get too far behind! This dang surgery thing is putting a cramp in my style!

Ain't nothing gonna cramp your style... ain't nothing gonna hold you down. Oh no. You've got to keep on movin' (okay, so those weren't really the lyrics...)

Oh, no, please don't tell me you have that Wasilla accent . . . please, please! Ok, I'll be quiet, no political discussions are allowed . My DH and I were just talking about Madonna's "accent" last night as we were watching the Next Food Network Star or whatever it's called. One of the contestants has an accent sort of like that and we couldn't figure out what it is, probably because we've never watched the show before and know nothing about her. There's probably a wonderful story there but whatever, we always crack up at the Madonna "accent"! My Maine accent only gets really heavy when I talk to my mom on the phone; otherwise I have it quite under control (I think!).

Don't worry, I don't really have that Wasilla accent. My dad was born in Vancouver, raised both there and Southern California, went to school in Indiana, and then, before moving on to work, family and the pursuit of happiness, moved around in the airforce from base to base. So, I think he had a lot of exposure to a particular kind of flat midwestern/some-parts-of-Canada accent. But I think Palin is actually from Wisconsin or Minnesota, so that might be where her accent comes from. In reality, his comes and goes, and it's only when I start talking about him or "doing his voice" that it comes out in me. But I tend to caricature everyone... and I mean EVERYONE. You should walk around with me at Disney. I'm merciless. And yes, Madonna and her many accents... it seems that she gets self-conscious during television interviews, so she puts on this mid-Atlantic, 1930s accent. And that's something she has always had, even prior to Evita, it just got worse with age. But when she does radio interviews, she sounds more like her good ol' midwestern self. It reminds me, in a way, of Martha Stewart. She of Nutley, New Jersey...

My DD are on a "think positive and it will happen for you" kick, so we are going to visualize those perfect GF discount codes for you. Keep the faith!

Your visualization worked Lori! Granted, it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but 30% is better than nothing! Oh the age of entitlement... I'm guilty.

subbing! I love a good young gay new york boy! and you referenced rose nylund. sold. Glad to hear things are working out for you! I stayed in a regular room at CSR, but LOVED it! Although, haven't discounts for hotels popped up recently? Best of luck!

LOL, thanks inkedupmomma. I loves your name. LOVES. And thanks for the info on CSR. I do intend to stay there someday, I think the rooms look purrty. Even if the place reminded me of a mall as I drove around it once on the bus from hell en route to Blizzard Beach.

 

[inkedupmomma]

LOL, thanks inkedupmomma. I loves your name. LOVES. And thanks for the info on CSR. I do intend to stay there someday, I think the rooms look purrty. Even if the place reminded me of a mall as I drove around it once on the bus from hell en route to Blizzard Beach.

Why thank you The new rooms are gorgeous! and personally I truly LOVED the resort. Maybe it was because it was my first upgrade from a value? Idk, what I do know is, that I felt like I was away on a vacation while at CSR. Everything about it was perdy! and the pool was super awesome!

I wouldn't give up hope on getting a pin though! Have you tried booking trips on their website and saving them? That is how i get pins!

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Why thank you The new rooms are gorgeous! and personally I truly LOVED the resort. Maybe it was because it was my first upgrade from a value? Idk, what I do know is, that I felt like I was away on a vacation while at CSR. Everything about it was perdy! and the pool was super awesome!

I wouldn't give up hope on getting a pin though! Have you tried booking trips on their website and saving them? That is how i get pins!

Perdy, such a good word. I have never received a pin of my very own, so I just use the general ones I read about on Mousesavers/DIS/All Ears. The next time I go to Disney after my January trip, I will definitely look into booking CSR during a 20-30% discount period.

 

[inkedupmomma]

Perdy, such a good word. I have never received a pin of my very own, so I just use the general ones I read about on Mousesavers/DIS/All Ears. The next time I go to Disney after my January trip, I will definitely look into booking CSR during a 20-30% discount period.

I never got a pin until this past May! Right after my life fell apart and then came back together! Then I got 4! 1 in May, 2 in June, and then 1 in July! I am positive it is because I kept going on the official Disney site and playing around with different trip dates!

So my dear, where abouts in NYc are you? I live in New Hope, home of the gays. Well it used to be anyway..now it's mostly yuppies with the gays on the weekends. Ever been? I'm originally from Staten Island..don't hate

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

I never got a pin until this past May! Right after my life fell apart and then came back together! Then I got 4! 1 in May, 2 in June, and then 1 in July! I am positive it is because I kept going on the official Disney site and playing around with different trip dates!

So my dear, where abouts in NYc are you? I live in New Hope, home of the gays. Well it used to be anyway..now it's mostly yuppies with the gays on the weekends. Ever been? I'm originally from Staten Island..don't hate

Where the queer sisteren and brethren conquer, the yuppies are sure to follow! And that makes prices skyrocket which in turn makes me a very unhappy fellow. So I think it's high time to discover and settle in new neighborhoods incognito, dressed as yuppies or something.

I'm in Manhattan. And no hate on Staten Island, one of my closest friends lives there. HOWEVER...you'll forgive me if I hold a teensy-weency grudge...because my ex hails from there. And let's just say I wish I'd had a Disney pin or two during that break up.

Have never been to New Hope, but there's hope!

 

[I<3EvilQueen]

Have never been to New Hope, but there's hope!

Just use the Force....

sorry I couldn't resist

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Just use the Force....

sorry I couldn't resist

I'm so used to saying "New Hope" that I'm entirely oblivious to the obvious!

 

[I<3EvilQueen]

I'm so used to saying "New Hope" that I'm entirely oblivious to the obvious!

"A New Hope" is the "new" name of the original Star Wars movie.

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

"A New Hope" is the "new" name of the original Star Wars movie.

I know! That's what I meant by being oblivious to the obvious. I can't think of anything to compare it to... except for Empire Strikes, Alaska. Okay, that didn't work.

Of course there's always Uhura with "All my hopes.."

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Sew, a needle pulling thread, I s'pose it's time for a proper update. First the good news:

Eureka (not the show), hallelujah, yo dude awesome, way-to-go, Sweet Cheesus of Nazareth!

THE DISCOUNTS ARRIVED EARLY. The economy is truly in the, uh, shutter. Shutters, from the review on the Dis Unplugged, isn't that far from my meaning. So I guess it works.

But what does Mickey do to me? He says in all his squeaky, high fructose corn syrupy processed vocalise: "Huh-hah! 40% off to all the other pricey resorts but NO SOUP FOR YOU." Okay so there's soup. It's just thinner than usual. You see what that Free Dining Plan does? It seeps into everything it touches. Where's Poirot when you need him? Enough of these silly Tween Mystery books, I want Agatha Christie on the scene. Pronto, Tonto! It must be exterminated immediately. Who needs clues? But okay, so, 30% off at the Grand Floridian is still just barely keeping me from switcherooing it over to Los Springs del Coronado (my apologies to those Espanol-speaking DISers)...but I must admit that that wee 10% kept me up a little last night. Because people, now that it's happening...

It.
Is.
Expensive.
Still.



More popcorn.

Have you noticed lately how much popcorn makes it into, oh, I don't know... every thread on the Disboards lately? And doesn't it just make you kinda feel like you're watching someone's innocence get crushed to the ground of your local bedbug-infested AMC theater by holier-than-thou high schoolers from 1995 sitting at the rear of the auditorium mocking everything being said in snickeringly quiet-popcorn-munching repose? It's like Pontius Pilot everywhere you look. Well guess what ladies, I see your popcorn and raise you:

Because Helen Mirren makes your popcorn look so not bada..um, bad...donkey?

Now of course, there are casually, well-intentioned ways of employing the whole popcorn smiley. But, enough about popcorn. Tina Fey wrote about it. Fabulous movie. Lindsay Lohan's last cognizant performance.

Remember the crazy blond lady who described Space Mountain as going "up and down, looking at the stars. Great gotta ride it" in A Dream Called Walt Disney World? What ever happened to her? Oh, and unrelated to this unrelatedness, I'm down to 194 lbs. Go me.

In review: Cheesus, the Grand Floridian is a go! Wheee....we're on our whey. Little Miss Muffet's victorian, ain't she?