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

[Sassagoula Billy]

This week was one long day. With breaks here and there for napping - not SLEEP - napping. And it's too darn hot. Thank God I'm not menopausal. My poor co-worker, she had just about had it yesterday. I asked how she was holding up and she said, "don't worry, you'll get there one day." I blinked. "I mean, you'll have to go through this with someone else one..." And then we both cracked up. I mean, I went through it with my mom, so maybe that counts? But male menopause? Not quite the same as a hot flash on top of an heat index of 100. Today was a bit better, but... moving on from changing weather and bodies, I saw a few Walt Disney World t-shirt wearing tourists today taking photos by the Wall Street bull statute. Statue. See? One long day. Work never ends. And the mom was wearing those snuggies... what the heck are those things called? You know, with the holes in the sandal/shoes? Oh whatever, anyway I felt like I was back on vacation. I could give an Adventures By Disney tour right here. Really, it'd be fabulous! Do they have one for New York City? They should. I'd take everyone on a boat up the Hudson to the Rockefeller Mansion, check out Coney Island, go to a Broadway show (I guess the company would be biased toward its own shows... but that's all right), and show you the Wall Street bull.

But this isn't about ABD or DVR or ADR, okay so it is about that last one. Here's the scoop. I've given a lot of thought to the following two comments:

Just found this, and I just have a tidbit. If it is possible, and I know it would ruin your thread title, may I suggest you start at the pop...then move to the top. Justification? Here goes... Four or so years ago, we booked a delicious
(first time on dining plan) trip to stay in a deluxe hotel for the first time ever. It was to be the Wilderness Lodge after we waltzed through the lobby the prior year and, after getting our breath back, just stared for who knows how long. So, since we are military and since we could not afford a whole week at WL, we decided to split stay with the Shades of Green. Which is a very nice resort. I am pretty sure. But, here's the thing, it may as well have been the 7th circle of hell after 5 days at the WL. Where's the theming? Why isn't our lobby pretty anymore? Why can't we just take a boat from the MK? Why doesn't our room overlook Bay Lake anymore? These are questions that would not have been asked if we simply had swapped around our ressies. So now we have a rule that will not be broken--- start with the lesser of the two hotels because you cannot properly enjoy the crappier one if you visit it after the amazing. You just compare constantly. Whereas, the other way around, you are just like "This is so awesome." And you barely even think about the other hotel.

What the heck!!! How in heaven's name did I miss this? I am SO excited for you! Since when do they have nights with no fireworks? Is this new? I really should be more on top of this stuff. You are going to LOVE the Grand, and I can't wait to hear all about it.

I agree with Kaleigh, start out at Pop and end with a Grand finale at the Grand. This may also solve your fireworks issue. Ooooohhhhh, this is gonna be good!!!

Kaleigh and my DVC Fairy Godmother Lori make very good points (and thank you both for joining in!). But see, part of my look-at-me-I'm-special fantasy is arriving to the GF on the Magical Express Bus, and then be whisked into the hotel where I shall burst into tears and disrupt the floral calm. "Bellman, take my bags and I shall rrring for you when I'm ready." It's like Upstairs Downstairs, and I'm, like, upstairs. However much I agree that the flow would be better experienced in reverse, Pop to GF, well... I do have a parallel below.

Besides The Grand Floridian, there are only four other hotels in the world where I've always longed to stay. One is the Hotel del Coronado itself out in San Diego:

One is the Grand Hotel from Somewhere in Time fame (I hear the island itself is very conservative when it comes to travelers of my persuasion, bah):

And The Savoy in London:

Last, but certainly not least, is The Algonquin:

I

...where I had the privilege of staying when I was little. And though it was somewhat rundown at the time, it was absolutely thrilling. I must have been 11 or 12 years old and I was obsessed with the Round Table and all of the critics and writers and glamour (I pretended that I was even staying in one of Dorothy Parker's old rooms). So when the movie came out with Jennifer Jason Leigh, I was on , even if Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle isn't the best of movies. Anyway, my dad surprised me with a trip to NYC for my birthday (we were still living up in New England at the time) since he had to travel for work around the time of my birthday. He coerced the company into writing off two nights at the Algonquin and I was absolutely gobsmacked. But the third and fourth nights.... well, that was pushing it. So we relocated to The Iroquois two doors down (I know, tribe names up and down 44th street or wherever it is). Night and day folks. Night and day. Even my father couldn't believe it. The charm and splendor gave way to the ghastlyness of The Iroquois. And remember, though the Algonquin's individually wacky rooms hadn't been upgraded to the level they are today, it felt like a real, old New York hotel. But the website today shows rooms looking to have all the charm of a Hyatt with free wi-fi. Maybe the change wouldn't feel so drastic now? Especially since by the looks of it, The Iriquois has also had a complete facelift. Yikes, I don't even recognize it from the website.

Long story short, I should learn from my past mistake and leave the best for last. But i'm struggling with it, because there's something so very informal about arriving to check-in from a theme park, or another hotel. I guess I should make my decision soon. I'll also have to change Victoria and Albert's, because that would break my little dream bubble. Though it would be quirky to walk through the Pop Century's Hall of History all gussied up. And I still can't wrap my head around what's going on the remainder of the trip. I've never gone back to WDW this quickly before, and I'm still processing the trip that ended a month ago! I don't know how people can juggle planning three trips at a time. It's a gift that this OCDis'er just can't coordinate. And I have other trips like one next month to Gettysburg (I'm always looking for Mary Chestnut's ghost. If you get that reference, I love you. But she wouldn't exactly be hanging out at Gettysburg!), and friends visiting in late-September and then early October. I like to plan little NYC outings and stuff, and I get crazy about that, too. And I live alone, no family to tend to, but moms and dads on here can do it all!



Oh and on an unrelated note, I'm so ecstatic that my BFF will hopefully be able to see the Main Street Electrical Parade with me in January. We've never seen it together, and he was bummed he couldn't make it to Summer Nightastic. The fireworks on the other hand. Maybe you've seen my signature? (EDIT: Yes, my signature changed. But it used to be a little blonde girl and a reference to Wishes). I have to explain that. So, the BFF and I show up for Wishes. It's the first time, we're excited, the lights go down and it begins. A girl starts singing, and he turns to me and says, "Did she say All Them Witches?"

"She said 'wishes', you idiot."

"No she didn't, she said All Them Witches!"

"This isn't Rosemary's Baby. Now shut up!"

"She said All -"

"Shut it."

And folks, to this day... all I hear is a creepy creepy girl telling us about that creepy creepy book from Rosemary's Baby.

Not to mention I think Wishes! is longer than the Ring Cycle.

But, when the happy faces explode upside down, it gives me such unexplainable joy.

So, that's the update. Not much to report except for procrastination and indecision. Pop then GF? GF then Pop?

Oh, and -

Hilarious! Scott MC turned me on to this PTR and I'm sold. Can't wait to read more!
PS--We're going to see an outdoor screening of "Some Like It Hot" this Friday. How timely!

I'm so jealous! Come to think of it, I haven't watched a Marilyn movie in months! Underrated genius of comic timing that one... I'm sure I'll be watching SLIHot again soon in preparation for my GF stay. . Thanks for comin' on over to read!

subbing
I LOVED your other trip report and can't wait to hear all your plans for this one
Ann and family

I'm already subscribing! I can't wait for this report!!!!

Thanks ladies! Glad you're here!

OMG! This will be the most anticipated TR EVER!! I can't wait to hear your stories!

Note : Just added "Some Like It Hot" to my Netflix queue. Never seen it. Do I have a certain time limit to watch it before I get my gay card taken away??

If you don't watch by midnight, you'll turn into another kind of fruit. . Thanks for reading!

Yay. So happy for you

I can't wait to hear about this trip!

I am so excited to read about this trip!

Thank you for joining, ladies!

I will be reading too! I love reading your posts - you're so articulate but oh so on point. I'm going to be at the GF in august too and I feel the exact same way about it. Like, there should be an orchestra following me into the lobby so that they can narrate my shock and awe accurately to the rest of the world. I didn't book V&A though, so looking forward to reading about that. Have a great trip and planning period!!

I feel like I'm gonna just fly like Mary Martin once I walk through those doors. Not that it would be advised, I'm sure. Thanks for reading and enjoy your stay next month!

I'm totally in!! I loved your TR & am soooo excited for your dream trip!
Laura

Of course i'm on board for this! I'm SO happy you are getting to realize your dream. That's what Disney is all about. I can't wait to read this hilariousness and fabulousness!

Thank you ladies!
Credit is helping me realize my dreams! And conscientious monthly laments. I mean, payments. I'm still teetering on the edge, but I'll get to that...

 

[Disneygrl36]

Oh we have such similiar tastes in our hotel wish lists!!!! I love Somewhere in Time.....so quirky but romantic at the same time & that hotel is too die for.
I have been to the Del to walk around but not to stay & as I said before it is a slice of heaven.
I am reading Christopher Plummer's autobiography right now & he was talking about his wild days at the Algonquin.
Oh & the real Von Trapp family home in Austria has been made into a hotel & I MUST stay there too some day!

I vote Pop first then Grand!!!!

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Woohoo so excited that you are going for it & staying at the Grand. I am soooooo along for this ride. Can't wait to hear all about it-esp dinner at Victoria & Albert's. I can't seem to talk DH into getting that dressed up for dinner at Disney.

On a side note....have you ever been out to San Diego to see the Del Coranado in person? It is a slice of heaven.

I have not, but it is a dream hotel of mine! And as for Victoria & Albert's, I read they keep a few dinner jackets on hand for those guests who may require one. I think you can tell them in advance while you're booking. . Thanks for joining in!

Great start, I love your writing style. Gave me plenty of lol's.

Thanks RAPstar! Hope the lols keep comin!

I'm in! I loved your last TR so of course I'm subbing for this one! I'm glad you decided to start your PTR for your dream trip, can't wait to hear about it!

Thank you! I can't wait for this

I've been lurking in your other trip report and I'm throwing caution to the wind and signing on for this one! Love it!

By the way, have you ever heard the one about the girl tuba player who was stranded on a desert island with a one-legged jockey?


Katie

Fresh!

Well Katie, I'm glad you threw caution to the wind and de-lurked. Cuz it gon' be windy.

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Oh we have such similiar tastes in our hotel wish lists!!!! I love Somewhere in Time.....so quirky but romantic at the same time & that hotel is too die for.
I have been to the Del to walk around but not to stay & as I said before it is a slice of heaven.
I am reading Christopher Plummer's autobiography right now & he was talking about his wild days at the Algonquin.
Oh & the real Von Trapp family home in Austria has been made into a hotel & I MUST stay there too some day!

I vote Pop first then Grand!!!!

I love the segue from Plummer to the Von Trapp B&B (I hope, the breakfast would be fabulous, right?). I got to see him on Broadway about ten years ago in a play about John Barrymore. I guess you could say the casting was perfect.

So, Melanie, we need an ABD to Mackinac Island! I don't know what else there is to do there, but I'd be there in a heartbeat. And I'd really like to try ABD.

 

[I<3EvilQueen]

I have on my bucket list a romantic weekend getaway at the Grand Hotel. I love Mackinaw Island.

 

[bottles]

I've always wanted to stay at the Algonquin due to a my Dorothy Parker fandom, and the Hotel del Coronado because of Some Like It Hot. I got into both at a tender age, which probably explains a lot about me now.

I DID get to stay the Grand Hotel when I was 9. The things I remember most about the trip were the fact that there were no TVs in the rooms, much to the chagrin of my 16 year old sister (I don't think this is a case any longer); the fudge, which was delicious and plentiful; the bridge to the island, which is still giving me nightmares to this day; and the fact that our table in the dining room was next to Bill Laimbeer of the Detroit Pistons, whom my mother felt compelled to heckle by chanting Michael Jordan's name. This was in 1991 and we're from Chicago, which may explain this. Explain, but not excuse.

And a warning: I wanted to stay at the Grand since it opened, preferably after a cruise on the Big Red Boat. I never got the latter, but last year, my then DBF* took me to the former last October. I think he thought that we could do it the one time and that would help me get over my obsesstion. HA! It's only worse now.

Katie

*He's now DF and he wanted me to let you know that he started calling Narccossee's Narcotic's after the second out of the three times we ended up eating there.

 

[mom3sonstt]

If you want your grand entrance to the Grand after staying at the Pop, then you could rent a limo to transfer you and your luggage - then when you check in you can tell the bell hops to just get the bags from "your driver".

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

lol I love this. Your poor coworker's brain was suffering sunburn! I love Some Like it Hot and Somewhere In Time! I really hope you love your trip to the Grand Flo! (We heard a bus driver call it that once and cracked up!)

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Update #2: Invasion of the Body Snatchers! - (8/2)

The SO won't be able to take the time off in January after all, so I momentarily considered canceling altogether. Over lunch the follow afternoon, my BFF encouraged me to stay the course and make it a solo trip. Ha. Sure. I'm not spending over $1,000 for my hotel room alone. Suze Orman would be very, very disappointed with me.

Even if I could apply a discount to the reservation, it would still be an uncomfortable expenditure. And I couldn't bring myself to dine solo at Victoria and Albert's, either. Maybe on a future trip, but not the first time. And forget the Pop Century and theme park tickets and everything else.



As any good mama's boy would do, I called her and told her of my disappointment.

You want to talk character sketches? You know, those TR cast of character thingies? Like, meet the Robinsons/Smiths/what-have-you? Here we go.

DM, somewhere between 40 and not 40: Grace Kelly meets Rose Nylund meets Carl Sagan meets Auntie Mame, she and my DD took my siblings (throughout the '70s), and I (throughout the '80s) to WDW. As she says, "she put her time in". Adamant against anything commercialized or in-her-mind, culturally bankrupt, she has long questioned my Disney World bug. It popped up around 1990, for that's when I began connecting the Disney musical films to the places (Disneyland included), and became obsessed with sterile, 1960s architecture. I'm not saying the theme parks are culturally bankrupt, but it has seemed like a grand waste of time to her. She also used to question my going back every year, and I'll grant her a modicum of insight there. I got into a pattern, like most things in my life, and found it difficult to shake. To say I have an addictive personality would be the understatement of the century, but regardless, I tried to explain that a lot had changed, and there were parts that included fine dining and relaxation that had only begun appearing post-1989/1990. My DD and I did take a few trips, but never on-property. He couldn't see the worth. Again, with my siblings, he'd done the Polynesian, he'd done the Contemporary... he'd done the Golf Resort back in the day. And he didn't see the need to explore further.

Okay, so moving on.

I surprised them with an anniversary trip in 2003 and booked them Savanna view at the AKL (ah, when I thought I had money!). It was a revelatory experience for them. My DF still talks about it to this day. My DM was mesmerized by the giraffes, and was completely charmed by Jiko. This wasn't the Disney she remembered, and maybe...just maybe... there was a glimmer of hope. But, my DD's attempts in going back since then have proven unsuccessful. There's still something about the whole environment that rubs her the wrong way. Knowing her, it's completely understandable.

But let's get back to that phone call.

"So I'm deciding to cancel it altogether."

"Well that's good sweetie, better to save your money."

"Yeah."

"Now was this the one your father and I stayed at?"

"No, this one's to the left of the Magic Kingdom."

"We stayed there in the 70s."

"No, this wasn't built 'til the late 80s."

"I'm sure we did. Isn't it called Mickey's Tropical Village?"

"That's the Polynesian."

"OH! Wait, is this the really pretty Victorian one?"

"Yes."

"Hmm."

"Why, you interested?"

"Well."

"It's two days, and it's expensive."

"We've never taken a trip together just you and I."

"Mom, I can't think of a more perfect hotel there, it's completely your speed."

"I'm excited, let's do it. What's it cost again?"

"Almost $500 a night, but a discount may bring it down."

"That's not bad."

"Are you kidding? I thought I was supposed to save my money."

"All the nice hotels are $600-700 dollars in New York now."

"Mom, it's Disney not the Waldorf-Astoria. I wouldn't expect anything super lush."

"I think it's really exciting though. I remember seeing it on the boat last time. I like the look."

And so there you have it. My DM. She who abstains from all things WDW is now gaga for the Grand Floridian. I made sure to tell her not to have very high expectations, but she seems really thrilled in just taking a trip together. And I couldn't be happier! I think it might improve things to go with her, because really, I never expected to bring her back to Disney, and I never expected to stay here.

Because of the change in plans, I am truncating the trip to just three days, which is fine by me. Now that the focus is the hotel and my DM, I don't feel the need to do what I normally do. Oh wait, here's another priceless exchange:

"And just to make you feel better, we don't even have to do a park."

"WHAT?! No park?"

"Mom, I thought you didn't like them."

"I at least want to go to Epcot, is it near Epcot?"

"Everything is near everything. Who are you and what have you done with my mother?"

"What kind of dining do they have?"

"What, Epcot?"

"Isn't that all you can do there?"

"Well.."

"I mean where we're going."

"Oh, there are a few places. But I was hoping to go to this five-diamond place I've wanted to try for years."

"Sounds good."

"It's pricey."

"That's fine, don't worry I'll pay my way."

"Okay."

"I'm easy. Even the Castle's fine."

"What?"

"You can eat there still right? Your brothers loved it."

Sooo.... the BFF is thrilled my DM's coming, and we're still going to keep the schedule, kinda. But I'm planning on treating her to V&A's, because if this doesn't mark a special occasion, nothing does! I've also moved everything up a day, ensuring the Main Street Electrical Parade (which is always subject to change anyway). I did notice that Wishes was performing those nights I thought it was off, but not the parade.


Wednesday, January 5
Late-Morning flight
Magical Express to the OMG Resort
Check-in, GF
Beach/Pool (even if it's freezing)
5:45 PM - Dinner, Victoria and Albert's
Shopping
More Beach (even if it's freezing)
Possible BFF and BFF's SO meeting us

Thursday, January 6
Morning: Epcot
Breakfast?
3 PM - Afternoon Tea
Rest
Dinner?
Evening: Magic Kingdom/Electrical Parade/Wishes

Friday, January 7
Breakfast, Kona Cafe? Grand Floridian Cafe?

That's it for now, I see there are new comments! I'll go read!

 

[I<3EvilQueen]

Update #2: Invasion of the Body Snatchers

The SO won't be able to take the time off in January after all, so I momentarily considered canceling altogether. Over lunch the follow afternoon, my BFF encouraged me to stay the course and make it a solo trip. Ha. Sure. I'm not spending over $1,000 for my hotel room alone. Suze Orman would be very, very disappointed with me.

Even if I could apply a discount to the reservation, it would still be an uncomfortable expenditure. And I couldn't bring myself to dine solo at Victoria and Albert's, either. Maybe on a future trip, but not the first time. And forget the Pop Century and theme park tickets and everything else.



As any good mama's boy would do, I called her and told her of my disappointment.

You want to talk character sketches? You know, those TR cast of character thingies? Like, meet the Robinsons/Smiths/what-have-you? Here we go.

DM, somewhere between 40 and not 40: Grace Kelly meets Rose Nylund meets Carl Sagan meets Auntie Mame, she and my DD took my siblings (throughout the '70s), and I (throughout the '80s) to WDW. As she says, "she put her time in". Adamant against anything commercialized or in-her-mind, culturally bankrupt, she has long questioned my Disney World bug. It popped up around 1990, for that's when I began connecting the Disney musical films to the places (Disneyland included), and became obsessed with sterile, 1960s architecture. I'm not saying the theme parks are culturally bankrupt, but it has seemed like a grand waste of time to her. She also used to question my going back every year, and I'll grant her a modicum of insight there. I got into a pattern, like most things in my life, and found it difficult to shake. To say I have an addictive personality would be the understatement of the century, but regardless, I tried to explain that a lot had changed, and there were parts that included fine dining and relaxation that had only begun appearing post-1989/1990. My DD and I did take a few trips, but never on-property. He couldn't see the worth. Again, with my siblings, he'd done the Polynesian, he'd done the Contemporary... he'd done the Golf Resort back in the day. And he didn't see the need to explore further.

Okay, so moving on.

I surprised them with an anniversary trip in 2003 and booked them Savanna view at the AKL (ah, when I thought I had money!). It was a revelatory experience for them. My DF still talks about it to this day. My DM was mesmerized by the giraffes, and was completely charmed by Jiko. This wasn't the Disney she remembered, and maybe...just maybe... there was a glimmer of hope. But, my DD's attempts in going back since then have proven unsuccessful. There's still something about the whole environment that rubs her the wrong way. Knowing her, it's completely understandable.

But let's get back to that phone call.

"So I'm deciding to cancel it altogether."

"Well that's good sweetie, better to save your money."

"Yeah."

"Now was this the one your father and I stayed at?"

"No, this one's to the left of the Magic Kingdom."

"We stayed there in the 70s."

"No, this wasn't built 'til the late 80s."

"I'm sure we did. Isn't it called Mickey's Tropical Village?"

"That's the Polynesian."

"OH! Wait, is this the really pretty Victorian one?"

"Yes."

"Hmm."

"Why, you interested?"

"Well."

"It's two days, and it's expensive."

"We've never taken a trip together just you and I."

"Mom, I can't think of a more perfect hotel there, it's completely your speed."

"I'm excited, let's do it. What's it cost again?"

"Almost $500 a night, but a discount may bring it down."

"That's not bad."

"Are you kidding? I thought I was supposed to save my money."

"All the nice hotels are $600-700 dollars in New York now."

"Mom, it's Disney not the Waldorf-Astoria. I wouldn't expect anything super lush."

"I think it's really exciting though. I remember seeing it on the boat last time. I like the look."

And so there you have it. My DM. She who abstains from all things WDW is now gaga for the Grand Floridian. I made sure to tell her not to have very high expectations, but she seems really thrilled in just taking a trip together. And I couldn't be happier! I think it might improve things to go with her, because really, I never expected to bring her back to Disney, and I never expected to stay here.

Because of the change in plans, I am truncating the trip to just three days, which is fine by me. Now that the focus is the hotel and my DM, I don't feel the need to do what I normally do. Oh wait, here's another priceless exchange:

"And just to make you feel better, we don't even have to do a park."

"WHAT?! No park?"

"Mom, I thought you didn't like them."

"I at least want to go to Epcot, is it near Epcot?"

"Everything is near everything. Who are you and what have you done with my mother?"

"What kind of dining do they have?"

"What, Epcot?"

"Isn't that all you can do there?"

"Well.."

"I mean where we're going."

"Oh, there are a few places. But I was hoping to go to this five-diamond place I've wanted to try for years."

"Sounds good."

"It's pricey."

"That's fine, don't worry I'll pay my way."

"Okay."

"I'm easy. Even the Castle's fine."

"What?"

"You can eat there still right? Your brothers loved it."

Sooo.... the BFF is thrilled my DM's coming, and we're still going to keep the schedule, kinda. But I'm planning on treating her to V&A's, because if this doesn't mark a special occasion, nothing does! I've also moved everything up a day, ensuring the Main Street Electrical Parade (which is always subject to change anyway). I did notice that Wishes was performing those nights I thought it was off, but not the parade.


Wednesday, January 5
Late-Morning flight
Magical Express to the OMG Resort
Check-in, GF
Beach/Pool (even if it's freezing)
5:45 PM - Dinner, Victoria and Albert's
Shopping
More Beach (even if it's freezing)
Possible BFF and BFF's SO meeting us

Thursday, January 6
Morning: Epcot
Breakfast?
3 PM - Afternoon Tea
Rest
Dinner?
Evening: Magic Kingdom/Electrical Parade/Wishes

Friday, January 7
Breakfast, Kona Cafe? Grand Floridian Cafe?

That's it for now, I see there are new comments! I'll go read!

Yay for Mom. Are you still going to try to do the character dinner at 1900 Park Fair?

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Yay for Mom. Are you still going to try to do the character dinner at 1900 Park Fair?

Sadly, no. It just wouldn't be her speed at all.

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

I have on my bucket list a romantic weekend getaway at the Grand Hotel. I love Mackinaw Island.

I love how it just hasn't changed. In all the photos, it's still the same as it was in the movie.

I've always wanted to stay at the Algonquin due to a my Dorothy Parker fandom, and the Hotel del Coronado because of Some Like It Hot. I got into both at a tender age, which probably explains a lot about me now.

I DID get to stay the Grand Hotel when I was 9. The things I remember most about the trip were the fact that there were no TVs in the rooms, much to the chagrin of my 16 year old sister (I don't think this is a case any longer); the fudge, which was delicious and plentiful; the bridge to the island, which is still giving me nightmares to this day; and the fact that our table in the dining room was next to Bill Laimbeer of the Detroit Pistons, whom my mother felt compelled to heckle by chanting Michael Jordan's name. This was in 1991 and we're from Chicago, which may explain this. Explain, but not excuse.

And a warning: I wanted to stay at the Grand since it opened, preferably after a cruise on the Big Red Boat. I never got the latter, but last year, my then DBF* took me to the former last October. I think he thought that we could do it the one time and that would help me get over my obsesstion. HA! It's only worse now.

Katie

*He's now DF and he wanted me to let you know that he started calling Narccossee's Narcotic's after the second out of the three times we ended up eating there.

The tender age of hotel moviedom and Dorothy Parker. Kindred spirits, we!

And okay, I'm glad I'm not the only one who calls Narcoossee's "Narcotic's"! Your DF and I must be on the same wavelength. Love your Grand Hotel story, too. What are the odds? But why does the bridge creep you out? I haven't really studied the place that closely, was it rickety?.

Your mentioning the Big Red Boat brings back a lot of memories. Not that I ever went, but I do recall all of the Disney print ads in the New York Times. I had just about erased it entirely. Thanks so much for reading!

If you want your grand entrance to the Grand after staying at the Pop, then you could rent a limo to transfer you and your luggage - then when you check in you can tell the bell hops to just get the bags from "your driver".

Now that the trip's been reduced to three days, I won't have to bother. But you can trust that I was thinking about doing just this! Thanks for reading!

lol I love this. Your poor coworker's brain was suffering sunburn! I love Some Like it Hot and Somewhere In Time! I really hope you love your trip to the Grand Flo! (We heard a bus driver call it that once and cracked up!)

Thanks Lulu, Grand Flo here we come!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Love the idea of an ABD to the Grand at Mackinaw!!!! I have only done one ABD which was the Backstage Magic in Dec 08 & it was FANTABULOUS!!!!! I really want to do another one!

Loved your conversation with Mom & really love that she is going to go with you so you don't have to cancel. Yeah for Mom.
My Dad is not a Disney person at all, but we convinced him to go on a Disney cruise with us a few years ago & he really had a great time & still talks about it too. It's amazing what a bit of Disney magic can do to the un-koolaide drinkers.

 

[Sphyrna]

Yay!! So looking forward to reading all updates. I just love your TRs!!

 

[bottles]

The tender age of hotel moviedom and Dorothy Parker. Kindred spirits, we!

And okay, I'm glad I'm not the only one who calls Narcoossee's "Narcotic's"! Your DF and I must be on the same wavelength. Love your Grand Hotel story, too. What are the odds? But why does the bridge creep you out? I haven't really studied the place that closely, was it rickety?.

Your mentioning the Big Red Boat brings back a lot of memories. Not that I ever went, but I do recall all of the Disney print ads in the New York Times. I had just about erased it entirely. Thanks so much for reading!

I am so jealous! My mom (also a Disney-resister) and I got to have a just the two of us trip in December 2008, but she broke her arm on the way to the airport, which put a bit of a damper on things. We did get a great picture on the ToT, though. Make sure your mom is careful and doesn't pull the same stunt! I'm sure you'll have an amazing time.

The bridge to Mackinaw was old, extremely narrow, seemingly neverending and I could swear I felt it moving. Granted, I was nine, but if you do go? Take the ferry. As for the Big Red Boat, the closest I ever got to it was the brochures I would swipe from the travel agent next store to the studio where I took ballet.


I'm glad you threw out "kindred spirits," because it crossed my mind, but then I felt weird!


Katie

 

[RAPstar]

Oh and on an unrelated note, I'm so ecstatic that my BFF will hopefully be able to see the Main Street Electrical Parade with me in January. We've never seen it together, and he was bummed he couldn't make it to Summer Nightastic. The fireworks on the other hand. Maybe you've seen my signature? I have to explain that. So, the BFF and I show up for Wishes. It's the first time, we're excited, the lights go down and it begins. A girl starts singing, and he turns to me and says, "Did she say All Them Witches?"

"She said 'wishes', you idiot."

"No she didn't, she said All Them Witches!"

"This isn't Rosemary's Baby. Now shut up!"

"She said All -"

"Shut it."

And folks, to this day... all I hear is a creepy creepy girl telling us about that creepy creepy book from Rosemary's Baby.

OMG, I almost passed out from laughing so hard.

"It's just a little tannis root, Rosemary, it ain't gonna hurt you!" I <3 Ruth Gordon.

Yes, I have an affinity for campy horror movies. Me and my mom act out the "Eve was weak scene" from Carrie when we're bored. And I'm usually Carrie's mom.

 

[Guatemommy]

How great that you go on a special trip like that with your mom! I am sure it will be a magical memory for both of you.

Here I am all psyched about my 10-day ASMu trip, but really I am jealous bubbles of your trip!!!!

 

[jakenjess]

Ok, now you've got me loving your mom!! I can't tell you what such a trip would mean to me when my now surly almost-15-year-old is older and wiser! Your plans look fabulous, and I know you're both going to love the GF. I want a very detailed V&A report! Someday I'm getting there, but if I even expressed the desire out loud right now Suze Orman would probably arrive on my doorstep and smack me silly (I ADORE Suze!)

Sorry I've been among the missing. Had a little hand surgery last week, and it's just very difficult to type with a bunch of fingers wrapped up in yards of Coban -- uggg... Getting the stitches out next week, though, so hopefully I won't get too far behind in the meantime!!

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Love the idea of an ABD to the Grand at Mackinaw!!!! I have only done one ABD which was the Backstage Magic in Dec 08 & it was FANTABULOUS!!!!! I really want to do another one!
Loved your conversation with Mom & really love that she is going to go with you so you don't have to cancel. Yeah for Mom.
My Dad is not a Disney person at all, but we convinced him to go on a Disney cruise with us a few years ago & he really had a great time & still talks about it too. It's amazing what a bit of Disney magic can do to the un-koolaide drinkers.

Someone has to get get on this stat! If not, maybe just a Dis-Member only Adventures by Sassagoula Billy trip. I don't know much about the place, but I could make up some stories. Or just do a Somewhere in Time tour. Who wants to help embroider some complimentary backpacks?
I only hope mama doesn't love the Grand Floridian kool-aid too much. She might
want to go back! Or I might! Pocketbook says, "HELLLLP!"

Yay!! So looking forward to reading all updates. I just love your TRs!!

Thank you for reading them!

I am so jealous! My mom (also a Disney-resister) and I got to have a just the two of us trip in December 2008, but she broke her arm on the way to the airport, which put a bit of a damper on things. We did get a great picture on the ToT, though. Make sure your mom is careful and doesn't pull the same stunt! I'm sure you'll have an amazing time.

The bridge to Mackinaw was old, extremely narrow, seemingly neverending and I could swear I felt it moving. Granted, I was nine, but if you do go? Take the ferry. As for the Big Red Boat, the closest I ever got to it was the brochures I would swipe from the travel agent next store to the studio where I took ballet.
I'm glad you threw out "kindred spirits," because it crossed my mind, but then I felt weird!

Katie

Oh Katie, this is a kindred spirit thing. I mean, come on, all of this on a Disney forum? Although the Dis is turning out - on SOME boards - to be the coolest parks forum ever. (Misty sentimental moment over). But goodness, I'm so sorry to hear of the mishap on your mom-and-daughter trip together! I'll make sure to knock on wood continually.

I used to look at the Big Red Boat travel booklet thingies at a travel agency next to the library where I caught the bus to summer camp. And is it just me, or were the Birnbaum Guides to WDW ginormous back then? Thanks for the tip about that bridge... I'll make sure to tread cautiously once I do make it out there.

OMG, I almost passed out from laughing so hard.
"It's just a little tannis root, Rosemary, it ain't gonna hurt you!" I <3 Ruth Gordon.
Yes, I have an affinity for campy horror movies. Me and my mom act out the "Eve was weak scene" from Carrie when we're bored. And I'm usually Carrie's mom.

I LOOOVE IT! I love it i love it i love it! (Spoken like Molly Shannon)! Do you also do Burnt Offerings?

OMG WAIT! - the real question is, who plays Christina Crawford? I mean, I guess that counts at horror, right?

How great that you go on a special trip like that with your mom! I am sure it will be a magical memory for both of you.
Here I am all psyched about my 10-day ASMu trip, but really I am jealous bubbles of your trip!!!!

Please! I can't afford this at all, it's completely ill-advised. But yes, I hope my mom likes it. And I hope I don't try too hard to make everything perfect. It would be nice to relax for once. And I can't wait to read all about your trip!

Ok, now you've got me loving your mom!! I can't tell you what such a trip would mean to me when my now surly almost-15-year-old is older and wiser! Your plans look fabulous, and I know you're both going to love the GF. I want a very detailed V&A report! Someday I'm getting there, but if I even expressed the desire out loud right now Suze Orman would probably arrive on my doorstep and smack me silly (I ADORE Suze!)
Sorry I've been among the missing. Had a little hand surgery last week, and it's just very difficult to type with a bunch of fingers wrapped up in yards of Coban -- uggg... Getting the stitches out next week, though, so hopefully I won't get too far behind in the meantime!!

Oh Lori! I'll have to send some DVC fairy godmother healing pixie dust! But that Tinkerbell is so touchy lately since her Fantasy Hollow's been downsized. Really though, ugh, sorry you've had to go through that. Here's some residual expelliarmus from Islands of Adventure:

I'll try and do as detailed a V&A report as I can. OH! I was watching The Young Victoria the other night (looove Emily Blunt) and totally had my mind on V&A. We're doing the 5:45 seating, so I should be able to take notes afterward without it getting late. I'll lift a glass of one of my wine pairings to the Diva Orman... "I'm sorry Suze but, L'Chaim!"

 

[RAPstar]

I LOOOVE IT! I love it i love it i love it! (Spoken like Molly Shannon)! Do you also do Burnt Offerings?

OMG WAIT! - the real question is, who plays Christina Crawford? I mean, I guess that counts at horror, right?

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