Have you been "Bitten" by the Concierge "Bug"? aka The LIZARD LOUNGE!

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey, everybody!

Thought I'd finally post some long-overdue comments on our stay last month at the Poly CL and BWI CL. If anybody is still interested!

We had a very good stay at the Poly, we asked for the second floor to be close to the lounge (DD had a sprained ankle,) and we got room #2534. Great location for proximity to the lounge, not much of a view, though!! We looked out at the end of the Samoa bldg. As it was extremely hot while we were there, we really didn't miss a balcony at all. We spent most of our time in the lounge or the pool this trip, and the Poly grounds are perfect for spending time at your resort. We ate at Ohana and Kona Cafe, and both were very good.

One minor glitch while we were there, which had nothing to do with the CL staff, was the loss of some clothes we sent to the WDW laundry. A little worrisome, but they found it right before we checked out, so all's well that ends well!! All the staff in the Hawaii bldg. were very nice, especially Dore at the desk, and we will definitely return.

On the fourth day, we moved to BWI CL (room #4235 right across the hall from the lounge!) and I have to say, Kerry was sooo right!!! These are some of the best cm's on property, IMO. Jackie, Robin, Scott, Pete, Steve and Marya all made our stay extra special, they're all great people and fun to talk with. I was sick one whole day of our stay at BWI, and it was still the best part of our trip! They were so nice, DD told them I was sick, and they provided ginger ale and offered to send down for chicken soup for me. Very sweet. We tried Spoodles for the first time, liked it, and had to visit Flying Fish again, it's one of our favorites. We also did the Illuminations cruise while at BWI, and this was fantastic!! Loved it, money well spent! It happened to be the day that I was sick all day, and we were worried I wouldn't recover sufficiently to make the cruise (boat, water, movement, I'll say no more! ) but I just couldn't cancel. I'm so glad we did it, it was awesome!

The parks weren't too crowded, considering it was summer, but DD and I noticed that the parks were not as air-conditioned as many trips in the past. Our first several trips to WDW were in the summer, and it was always such a relief to hit the inside of the ride queue. The icy cool air was like heaven! But a couple of years ago, DD, DS, and I noticed they were not turning the air down quite as low, and this trip was even less air-conditioned!! A couple of the rides (Splash Mtn. was one) even felt as if they had the heat on!

All in all, it was a wonderful trip, the cm's were fantastic. Even though many had major damage at their homes, they were still as friendly and cheerful as ever. They are the reason we return to the House of the Mouse year after year!!

 

[Sazzo'sMommy]

Thanks for posting such a positive report on the BWI CL! We are to be there very soon and I am so fired-up to see everyone stating how wonderful it is!

If you can remember, could you please share what the offerings are like in the lounge and what view your room had?

Please, feel free to share anything else about the BWI CL you want to! We have stayed at the BWI before, but this is our first CL visit!

Thanks!

 

[cm1ab]

Samnbilly-
Tell the cm's where you are going and when. They well transfer your luggage for you.
This will be our first time at the Beach Club after several stays at Poly CL. I'm looking for advice, too. Hope we both get a lot of helpful tips. JJ

 

[samnbilly]

Thanks again cm1ab
Thank You too Bambi -in the excitement of the day, I missed your post with the e-mail address of the IPO at BC. Well, off to work I go

 

[#1hockeymom]

Big wave! Thank you for taking away the guilt! If I can manage to go then, I'll only be missing two days of staff meetings. In the past, they seem to be just room working days and not anything major. I'd rather take the days off when I don't need to have a guest teacher in my room for obvious reasons! DS will only be missing one day of school as his school also has a teacher work day on that Friday. Last year was a great bonding experience. Sometimes I think my class takes so much out of me I have nothing to give back to my own children. I really enjoyed sharing Disney last January, and we had a blast!

IT IS FRIDAY! Everyone [here] has a PS for Cali Grill for the fireworks and then we're off to Cindy's for breakfast the next morning! See you there!

Debbie

 

[storybookmum]

I had such a wonderful reply from AKL IPO today to an email. I'd asked about transferring over from POR, basically just to clarify how it would work, and more importantly, about Meredith's and my milk allergies. Alana at IPO wrote back today to say that our milk allergies were already noted on everything for our PS, our stay at CL, and the Surise Safari, and that rice milk would be available for us, as well as oatmeal without milk in the morning, and that dairy free desserts would be available in the evenings. She told us that unfortunately the zebra cakes have heavy cream in them. Meredith will definitely have to stay away from them. I might be able to sneak a small taste, as I'm more able to cope.

I imagine this will affect the possibility of a cake in the room for Jessica's birthday, but it would be really difficult to keep Meredith out of it if it had milk in it anyway. I can easily make her cakes at home without milk, but most of those that we see in bakeries have milk.

Alana initially misread part of my email about the girls' stuffed giraffes, which I asked to have put out on their beds when we transferred (it's a complete surprise to them that we're moving; I think we might tell them we're leaving WDW, actually, not that we're switching resorts for the last two days). She thought they needed new ones and offered to arrange buying them at the gift shop. She then sent a follow up email saying of course they could put their stuffies out, just to tuck them aside and ask that they go in as soon as the room was ready.

The care for detail, particularly about the milk allergy, has already impressed me. I wish we were staying there the entire time!! But what a beautiful ending it's going to be to our trip.

Happily,

Kris

 

[johnsonet]

Kris I too got to e-converse with Alana today. She is so amazing and simply The Best (Andrea is too!) I had emailed AKL IPO to make a few changes and Alana emailed back. Although she helped me tons during my first AKL CL trip - last October - she has since switched to the BC/YC/BWI IPO, which I found out in July when I contacted BWI CL. It was wonderful to receive a response this afternoon from Alana - who said she had gone over to AKL - for today (Fri.) only, to help out!! She is wonderful! She helped me with all of my changes.
BT I am going to put off doing the Wanyama Safari until February when I am planning to go back with friends for my birthday. I think it would be amazing to surprise my friends w/ the Sunset Safari...
AKL CL is terrific. I can't wait!
On my December trip, I am going to take DD(8) to the My Perfectly Princess Tea Party I had not been very interested in this before but we witnessed this from the Lobby of the GF while staying there in July and DD said she would LOVE to do it one day. As I told Alana this afternoon, I need to do these things while my baby is still young
Take care everyone

 

[Angel16]

Didn't have any luck with my 4:00 AM phone call today. The CM said that there is "really a lot" of people staying at WDW during October.

I have a e-mail discount for the last part of our AKL stay, but the 3 days I added on are still rack rate. Is there any thing I have missed? I have tried e-mail rate, BAT, AP and AAA. Non are available.

I think I am just going to sit down here, put my feet up and have a glasse of wine you put out.

Angel

 

[#1hockeymom]

Just keep calling, calling, calling! I think most of us have made multiple phone calls for our concierge stays! One of our trips I think I called over 15 times! Btw, calling works for basic rooms too! I can't believe it, but I really wanted POP if I am not going "all the way". I called today and GOT IT! Here I thought the calling mantra only worked for the concierge stays!

Alana is back! That is great news! Oh how I wish this was another AKL concierge trip, but I am NOT going to complain! We're going to Disney!

 

[lindeyspol]

Boy, Alana sure was busy today. We heard from her too. She did say that Sue is due back the 21st and that all cast members there fared ok through Frances.

She told me that none of the concierge rooms connect to deluxe savannah (the room my parents are currently in) but that we could have adjoining or across the hall. That doesn't make sense to me----yoo hoo, Debbie, help! I know when we stayed concierge in June, we had a door to the next room. Since ours was savannah, couldn't it be possible to have the next room connect? Of course, I'm still trying for concierge. I cannot complain after my super-successful upgrades yesterday though!

She also told us that as of now, we still need 2 more spots for our 1st morning Cindys. They must not have received my email to add my parents on time (90 day mark was Frances day!) Hopefully that will open up. Of course I'm sure my dh and brother would be happier sleeping in than going to the castle

Hoping for everyone's discounts to appear. I tried all times of day, several times a day (maybe they gave me the discount to stop the calling!) I got my parents one step closer to concierge at 7:30 am after no avail at 7 and got lucky w/CR 14th at 10:55pm. He did say last night that rooms seemed to be opening up at the end of the evening.

Kris, so glad to hear how responsive they were. I can't wait to see your "special" desserts!

Johnsonet: I think you are wise to save the safari for a special occasion. Yes, your friends will be blown away!

I'll keep the cappucino machine on, dh flies back after 5 days in Bay Area on 9/11 so lets say I won't rest until he's home safely.

Have a great evening everyone!

 

[#1hockeymom]

YES! I know you can do this! You won't be as close to the lounge as many of the concierge rooms, but as everyone has heard me say a million times, "I love the view at the ends!" The suites are there, also, so you know the views are great! Just tell them that your priority is being next to your parents and you'd rather be next to them than in the concierge area. I have been to AKL's concierge three times now and except for my wonderful lucky upgrade to the suite, I was never in the concierge area! I am sure some people would have hated the walk, but the view is what I was after.

I would request Zebra Trail so you'll have the short cut to the pool using either the staircase or the elevator over by Simba's Cub House. They've always come through for me! BTW, they've always said that they would do their best and there were no guarantees. Well, they did it! Good luck to you! I sure everything will work out fine.

PD for your reservations, and that flight home for your DH! I am sure he'll be fine, but no one feels secure with that date anymore.

 

[GoofySuse]

Hello, my name is Susan and I am a Conciergeaholic.

Our first experience with WDW Concierge was "given" to us by the GM of the Yacht Club, due to a rude CM when we were checking in. We have been back to the YC and the BC concierge and will be moving onto the WL Concierge in November.

While I have always had a problem controlling my urge to visit WDW, and always on the Gold Plan, I never thought that my disease would be "kicked up a notch"...but alas due to the evil influence of that nefarious GM I will never again be able to be a "normal" guest.

From the moment we arrive, at the resort, until the day we check out we are enveloped in luxury and pampered by the concierge staff. And do we even have to discuss how WONDERFUL it is not to have to get up, with the chickens, for more than a week to make Priority Seating reservations?

I must confess, this disease is contagious. We have two college aged sons who were given the option of having their own room, in a value resort, rather than staying with their parents. Do I even have to tell you what their response was? NO! How dare we even think of such a thing! We are abusive parents, just the thought of two college juniors not having the concierge lounge...how could I! Thank heavens they are past the legal age for I fear they would have called CPS.

I am so happy to have found this support group. I feel right at home, thank you so much....*sobbing with relief*....I know my tale is one of thousands, but like you.....I REFUSE TO TAKE THE CURE!!!

 

[johnsonet]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
Alana is back! That is great news! Oh how I wish this was another AKL concierge trip, but I am NOT going to complain! We're going to Disney!

I just want to clarify that Alana said she was only helping out at AKL today - she will be back at the YC/BC/BWI IPO tomorrow/next week!

 

[lindeyspol]

Thanks Debbie. It makes much more sense to me now. We did LOVE our room in the 1st group on zebra trail but I think we could hoof it a little further for the convenience of being connected. Of course that's more hallway to run down for my boys so we'll have to practice our "walking!"

My 6 yo really wants to do Pop but not this time. I think he will be really happy when I surprise him with the Contemporary at the end of the trip! I do love your idea of the bonding trip. I'll have to try that when they get a little older.

Thanks for the well wishes on DH. He keeps telling me it's the safest day of the year to fly but I must admit to being much more anxious since 9/11.

Always happy for the quick responses.

Susan, you are too funny! Yes, my DH is ready to have me committed with all this planning. ACK the pressure--1st time at holidays and trying to show family why we love to do this.

 

[BambiTamby]

first of all.....

WELCOME to the DIS and the LIZARD LOUNGE, GoofySuse!!!!

You have found your new HOME here with folks who completely understand (and crave) the luxury of staying concierge aka 1st class!
Pull up a soft, comfy chair and enjoy a glass of wine, key lime tarts, and perhaps a latte from our cappucino machine!

now, I'm confused!
Was Alana telling you that the concierge deluxe rooms are not connected?
Every time we've stayed at AKL in a deluxe room, there was a connecting door.
Now, I know there are some Kings and 2 queens that do not connect......hmmmmmm.

She told me that none of the concierge rooms connect to deluxe savannah (the room my parents are currently in) but that we could have adjoining or across the hall. That doesn't make sense to me----yoo hoo, Debbie, help! I know when we stayed concierge in June, we had a door to the next room. Since ours was savannah, couldn't it be possible to have the next room connect? Of course, I'm still trying for concierge. I cannot complain after my super-successful upgrades yesterday though!

And, you will get concierge!

thanks for the update on Sue!
that is wondeful, she'll be back soon! She is one of the best IPO CMs, along with Alana, Angie, Andrea....on and on.

kacsmom...see? Kerry and mmausse are right!!!
They are wonderful at the BWI CL!!!!
Why do you think we're having our LIZARD Meet there????
(besides...to make Jackie and Robin ) LOL!

BTW....anyone else interested in our May meet?
PM me or mmausse for more details!
So far, we have lovesdumbo w/friend, ead79, donna (of steveanddonna), KERRYCM (of course!), mmausse, and me, BT!

We have room for more and since we're somewhat dividing the costs, it will make your suite dream come true!
Steepechase and Sonora Suites have deposits on them and I have several "irons in the fire" concerning dessert parties, cruises, dinners, etc.....

So, johnsonet, cajunfan, lindeyspol, kacsmom, sazzo's mommy, storybookmum, samnbilly, angel, janet2k, cm1ab, even Goofysuse.....please consider joining us!
And if I left your name out, please forgive, as I'm tired and I suffer from memory lose!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Sazzo'sMommy - Hey! Ummm, I'll try to give you an idea of the food offerings, but BWI is a little different from the Poly and AKL in the way they present them. Coffee is out by 6:30 a.m., and after 7, they have very good breakfast pastries from the Boardwalk Bakery, cereal, fruit, juice, milk, etc. and probably oatmeal but I'm not sure about that one. Then, they close the lounge at 10:30, reopen it at 11:30 with lemonade, iced tea, water, soft drinks, snacks.

They close again at 4 p.m. and reopen at 5 with all the above, plus a couple of hot hors d'oeuvres, and they add items as these are emptied. Not the same items, but new ones!! Very intriguing, waiting to see what would come out next! I can't remember all of them, but I do remember some little phyllo pockets with a mushroom filling, and something the cm's called "spring rolls" but instead of a vegetable filling it had an almost pizza-like filling. Gourmet cheeses and crackers, loved the cheeses, cut up fruit, and a very nice crudite platter with dip - they had endive, asparagus, white asparagus, peppers, not the usual broccoli and cauliflower dippers!! Oh, and the wine, I wasn't feeling too well, so I skipped the wine so I can't help with what kind.

They serve the desserts and cordials from 8-10 p.m., Drambuie, Grand Marnier, DiSaronno, Bailey's, etc. Wonderful chocolate-dipped strawberries, truffles, various yummy desserts. To be honest, I don't remember all the different ones, they were so varied over the 3 nights we were there. I should have kept a diary, huh?! And, you get a great view of the Illuminations fireworks on the lounge balcony, all you miss is the ball and laser parts.

We also noticed that you now have to have a key card to get into the wing with the CL rooms and lounge. I know people have posted in the past that the door was always open, but during our stay, it was always closed and usually there was a cm at the desk there.

We spent a lot of time in the lounge this trip, that's how much we loved it! We would head out to Extra Magic Hour, spend 2-3 hours in the parks, then head back to the resort for pool time and rest (me,) then go to dinner in the evening and, if we felt like it, back to the parks for an hour or two in the evening. If we were tired, we'd just drop by the lounge for a drink and some great conversation.

It was very funny, there was a young couple with a new baby at the Poly that we struck up a conversation with one night while watching Wishes. Our first night at BWI, DD said "Mom, look, it's the people from Wishes!" and, sure enough, they were at the next table in the lounge!! We spoke to them, and they were as surprised and amused as we were, that we all moved to BWI the same day! This is the type of positive experience we have always found staying CL, that's part of what makes it so hard to stay any other way!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Debbie - Hey, girlfriend!! Love your counter!

BT - Yes, you're right, they are wonderful!! Robin took a few of the CL loungers on a tour of the Steeplechase Suite, and all I can say is "WOW!!!" You guys are gonna have a great time, living like the queens you are! During the tour, DD said "I feel like Samantha Brown!" I told Jackie that I definitely wanted to join the Lizard Meet after seeing that suite, but when I got home and found out you were doing one in the summer at AKL I figured I had to do that one. My twin will be at the AKL meet! I might be able to swing both, but I hate to leave you up in the air on it. Sooo, I'll definitely plan on the AKL meet!

Big room wave to all!!:thewave:

 

[#1hockeymom]

*jumping up and down!* <b>WE</b>'re going to AKL in the summer! WOOO HOOOO!

Welcome Goofysuze! I do believe you have found your home! I love your description of the concierge experience! I totally understand your problem with your kids! The only thing saving me from 11 year old heart ache is a frozen coke machine at the food court! LOL I've created two lizards, and I'm not ashame

 

[#1hockeymom]

lindeyspol>> There is one fantastic two bedroom suite on the fourth floor, first wing (elevator wing), and its twin where many of the lounge lizards have stayed is above it with the dome roof! Maybe????It would be perfect for your family!

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
lindeyspol>> There is one fantastic two bedroom suite on the fourth floor, first wing (elevator wing), and its twin where many of the lounge lizards have stayed is above it with the dome roof! Maybe????It would be perfect for your family!

Yup! And here it is!

hockeymom & kacsmom...You know, we need to come up with some dates for that AKL Meet.
Perhaps the third week of July, end of July, first week of August?
Whenever I can get the Royal Kuba or Assante Suite booked?