Bunnies and mooses and groupies, Oh my!!! The Wilderness Lodge groupies thread. 4.0

[DiznyDi]

Hugs and prayers to you Eliza.
I know how hard it is to lose your dad. I think about and miss my dad every day.
We're here to support you. We care.

 

[KeepSwimmingDory]

Oh, Eliza. I am so saddened by the news of your dad's passing. My heart aches for you, friend.

 

[horselover]

As DDad promised, I was at the lodge multiple (3) mornings just for the yogurt parfait! For all you parfait enthusiasts, a CM told me the fresh, made-to-order parfaits are being replaced with the pre-made variety and will be available in the cooler. The counter will be serving Mickey waffles! You can't imagine my disappointment! That morning I ate not just 1 but 2 parfaits! And I enjoyed every bite!

Nooooo!!!!! That just stinks!

Dad and I shared a Lapu Lapu while we waited on our Kona reservation. Our first one ever. It was good - but I'm glad we shared.

Hmmmm. I have no problem finishing one all by myself. I wonder what that says about me?

Our best meal was at Artists Point. But as a reminder, check and double check your ressies. According to Disney Dining, we arrived a day early for our Artists Point reservation and had 2 reservations for the following evening. They weren't busy so it wasn't a problem and we were seated at a beautiful location next to the window and looking out over the waterfall.

We spent leisurely days in the parks and went back to the resort to swim when we'd had enough of the heat.

At Kidani, I had requested a room close to the elevator, and sure enough we were steps from the ice machine and the elevator that took us down to the parking area near the swimming pool. We were in a savanna view room and saw plenty of animals. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would not hesitate to stay again in the future. While there, we met up with Dory and her DH. What great folks they are! It was enjoyable getting to know a little bit about them and their family. How very fortunate we were that their trip corresponded with ours and we were able to make the connection.

Glad to hear you liked AKV. I've been starting to regret my decision a bit to stay there in Oct. As much as I love AKV (at least the restaurants & public areas) I'm really missing the Lodge.

We also met John from Owners Locker at his Tuesday eve 'meet and greet' outside France. We have been trying to get there the past 3 trips and it just hasn't worked out for us. This time it did! We met other Dis folks; Dadio, Maistre Gracie, NancyinNYC and 2princes2princesses. Again, an enjoyable evening spent in conversation with others that share a love of the mouse.

If you read back a few pages you'll see that I saw your pic. front & center on the OL Facebook page. You both looked very happy.

DVC has a TOWL tour that we participated in. Nice sandwiches, prizes, pins and fastpasses. The view from the lounge is wonderful. I can understand why BLT owners love this place. We used our fastpasses the next day and rode Toy Story Mania multiple times.

Is this the general BLT tour that I've heard others talk about or just a TOWL tour? I might consider doing it in Oct. if it didn't take up too much time. Was it in the morning or afternoon?

Next trip, Dec. 2 to VWL! Of course, I've got to get through DS's wedding in Hawaii next month, first.

Wow I didn't realize the wedding was coming up so soon. Very exciting & they couldn't have chosen a nicer location. Well ok maybe one other location would have been "magical" but Hawaii is pretty magical too.

Eliza- my deepest condolences to you & your family on the loss of your father. Hugs & prayers going out to all of you.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Let me begin by harmonizing with DiznyDi:

Eliza – our thoughts and prayers to you and yours.

DiznyDi knows what it feels like to lose the first man in her life, as do so many others. I try everyday to live up to the level of love, respect, honor and integrity that DiznyDi’s daddy set in our family.

As for the trip report, DizniDi has it right, but I want to add . . .

Great to meet KeepSwimmingDory and her husband Pilot Guy. We spent but a few minutes together but it certainly was a highlight in our stay. Kidoni Village was enjoyable. I’d also stay there again some time, but it just wasn’t the relaxing atmosphere the VWL brings to me; not to worry though, my desires of the Lodge were well met taking DiznyDi to breakfast a number of times.

Also great to meet and sit with John during OL Wine event in the World Showcase. He is a great guy with a wonderful attitude about work (aren’t we all envious?).

Jiko was somewhat of a disappointment. It just wasn’t for us. The filets with mac’n cheese were interesting but the filet was not the best and the mac’n cheese was as standard as you can get. Jiko fans, please don’t flame me, it is OK for some, and we are glad we tried it, but I enjoyed my ham sandwich from Mara the evening before a whole lot better (and it was cheaper, too!).

The BLT promotion was great. It was a pleasure to see the TOWL! The presentation was so much better than last December’s at the Beech Club – fewer people, more relaxed, more interaction, and better chance to meet others. The snacks were great also (never had a cheesecake lollypop before – mmmmmm!)

We took the time to visit Port Orleans this time around. Very nice place, but never went any further than the French Quarter; we should have kept going and investigated Riverside, as I understand there food court has much more to offer.

All in all, it was another great time with DiznyDi. So good, I think I’ll let her take me again in December.

 

[twokats]

Eliza - my thoughts and prayers to you also. It has been over 30 years since I lost my dad, but I still think about him and what he would have me do and Mom and I also think about how he would have loved WDW and DCL. He went to DL on a business trip and had a blast.

Happy belated birthday to Maria. Sorry I was so busy with family reunions and visiting the grandkids, I did not have time to get you your message on time!

Mom is a little better. The doctor cut back on one of her chemo's and it seems to be making a difference. She is making herself do things so that she can build her strength up. She is a trooper, plus she wants to get ready for the December cruise!

 

[Happydinks]

I just received a PM from Eliza's son. Eliza's dad has passed away.

Eliza-we are so sad to hear about your Dad. We understand your pain and sense of loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.

With our deepest sympathy,

Leslie and Bob - (Saddinks)

 

[madcoco]

Thoughts and Sympathies go out to Eliza and her family.

And WELCOME to Mike (madcoco) !!! Nice to see ya over here

Happy Belated birthday Maria! Thanks.Yeah I don't get out much. LOL

The job is simply described as "modifications" to the Guest and valet parking lots at the Wilderness Lodge. The exact nature of the modifications are currently unknown. However, since free valet parking for Disney Vacation Club members was eliminated in October 2009, many members have suggested that the valet parking lots need to be downsized in order to provide additional room for those wishing to self-park their vehicles.

Miss that perk!!! Really do hope they add more self parking.

 

[Granny]

Eliza...my prayers for you and your family. Best wishes to you at this very rough time.

 

[horselover]

Jiko was somewhat of a disappointment. It just wasn’t for us. The filets with mac’n cheese were interesting but the filet was not the best and the mac’n cheese was as standard as you can get. Jiko fans, please don’t flame me, it is OK for some, and we are glad we tried it, but I enjoyed my ham sandwich from Mara the evening before a whole lot better (and it was cheaper, too!).

All in all, it was another great time with DiznyDi. So good, I think I’ll let her take me again in December.

No flames here DDad, but sorry you didn't like Jiko. It's possible you may have caught them on an off night. When DS & I were there in March I had the filet & DS had some of mine too. It was so fantastic we made another ressie for our last night. The 2nd trip was not as good. The filet was undercooked so I sent it back to be cooked a little (my bad never send steak back!). When it came back it was overcooked & no where near as good as the steak I had had a few days before. I did love the mac & cheese both times though. The service also was not as good the 2nd time. Good thing it was so fantastic the 1st time or I probably would feel like you did. I'll still go back in Oct.

Glad to hear you're willing to let Di take you again in Dec. You're a good DH!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Eliza - So sorry about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find comfort.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Mom is a little better. The doctor cut back on one of her chemo's and it seems to be making a difference. She is making herself do things so that she can build her strength up. She is a trooper, plus she wants to get ready for the December cruise!

Glad to hear this. I hope she continues to improve.

 

[Inkmahm]

Eliza, so sorry to hear about your dad. I lost my dad just over 6 years ago and I still miss him a lot. I don't know that you ever get over the loss, but you do learn to live with it. I'm wishing you peace.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I have got such a wonderful dilemma!!!! My favorite sports team in the whole world, the Philadelphia Flyers are going to the Stanley Cup Finals!!!
My dilemma of course is that we will be in Florida during the playoffs but now this makes me feel even better about us switching to the BWV cause I know I will be spending some time at the ESPN club. I do have a question though. I have never been in there before. Can we just go in and have sodas and watch the game?

 

[KeepSwimmingDory]

Happy moose day Maria! Count me in for dinner too!

Anyone have a remedy to avoid those yellow flies?

Someone on the camping thread provided a link to some info.

http://www.waltonoutdoors.com/yellow-flies-are-back/

We never experienced them in the parks, but pretty much didn't use our deck at the treehouse except to grill and DH mostly got stuck out there alone grilling. He thought bug spray with DEET helped but my Dad and son were covered in bug spray at the putt putt course and they were bit all over. We didn't swim. It seemed they were worse for us around dusk. I think it is seasonal and hoping they are gone by the time you get there.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Eliza....so sorry for your loss. You have my most heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your father. Know that we all hold you near in thought here. Come back whenever you feel ready. Prayers to you and your family.

Twokats.....thank you very much for the birthday wishes


Maria

 

[jimmytammy]

Eliza-I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I will lift you and your family up in prayer and ask that God grant you peace.

Us groupies, we love you and we are here for you

 

[wildernessDad]

Eliza, sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. My condolences go out to you and your family.

 

[horselover]

I have got such a wonderful dilemma!!!! My favorite sports team in the whole world, the Philadelphia Flyers are going to the Stanley Cup Finals!!!
My dilemma of course is that we will be in Florida during the playoffs but now this makes me feel even better about us switching to the BWV cause I know I will be spending some time at the ESPN club. I do have a question though. I have never been in there before. Can we just go in and have sodas and watch the game?

Congrats to your Flyers! As far as ESPN Club goes I would think you could go in & have sodas. DH & I went there last yr. to watch the Kentucky Derby. We just had drinks (alcoholic) & no food. The server didn't seem to care & never tried to rush us out.

 

[wildernessDad]

Walt Disney World has released their December calendar.

 

[KeepSwimmingDory]

Walt Disney World has released their December calendar.

How many days, WD?