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

[GoofyJoofy]

sfbank - Sorry to hear about your results. Please take care of yourself and God willing your doctors will discover what it is, and how to control it. Prayers and PD

mmause - Here's hoping for positive and encouraging news from your surgical team. I know of several people who are very happy that they had total knee replacements. Rehab is long and hard, but the results are worth it. Prayers and PD.

GoofySuse - So sorry to hear about your DB. Prayers and PD for him and his family.

Gotta get back to work, but just wanted to stop by and say hi to everyone here.

Hope future plans are developing well for all...

 

[VAgal76]

Oh, sfbank , I'm so sorry dear. I know this has to be tough. They will eventually get to the bottom of it.

Mmause, you poor thing. We need to have a little talk with that knee of yours. It needs to be a little more cooperative.

Steffy, glad you got that cast off. That trip is definitely your motivation for a super swift recovery. Keep up the good attitude!

I'm keeping each of you in my prayers.

Floridafam - Congrats to your DH for finishing & your NEW HOME! Plus, you were able to nab CR 14th floor to enjoy after the holidays with your family at home!

It looks like I'm missing the summer meet by a few days! We'll be leaving as you guys are coming in. I'd have to change my resort/room choices so I can save some dough to stay longer to make it to the meet. That's IF DH will let me hang out a little longer with MIL. I know my MIL is ALL for an extended trip. I'm not looking for hopeful for the May meet, which gives me even the more reason for wanting to try to make it to the summer one. Please send that PD to convince DH to let me stay longer. I'm willing to give up some of the suite at CR just so I can make the meet and hangout with you guys!

 

[cajunfan]

VAGal...I am planning onbeing there at the same time as you...my AP expires 7/29, so we were trying to be there 7/21/05 - 7/30/05. I am planning on renewing mine, so I may be able to move it back a week, but can't go any further than that...so maybe we can talk everyone into being there that last week of July for a lizard meet! WE are wanting to stay at CR (12th floor)for most of the trip and then spend a few dyas at the end of the trip at AKL.

Hape everyone has a good Monday!

Prayers and Pixie Dust to all in need!

Lynn

 

[VAgal76]

Hey, Cajunfan! Maybe two lizard meets back to back are in order (one possible mini and one full scale). It's hard to get such a large group together. Watch out IPO, here were come!

We are completely opposite on resort stays right now - LOL! We're at AKL then CR, but this could be changing. I have to be patient and see what I have to work with. I know I will still be going that last week of July, but I have to see if I can extend it a few days to make it the August meet.

I believe k&a&c'smom is also going that last week of July. Her DD and my MIL share the same birthday. So I'm hoping we at least bump into each other.

Which BTW, k&a&c'smom, are you out there? Long time, no post! Hope everything is going good for you!

Looks like we could at least have a mini-meet for those coming that last week of July who can't make it that 1st week of August. I guess once everyone knows when they can go we can PM each for details. Sound like a plan?

 

[minniesota]

Hey again lizards!

I need some advice. My anniversary trip with DH is coming up fast and my plans seem to be a little shaky. We are staying at the BWI garden suites, arriving on a Friday afternoon and departing Tuesday morning. We have dinner plans at bluezoo on Friday night and then I'd like to watch Illuminations - maybe from the lounge. Can you hear the music in the lounge? What is the lounge like? Tell me everything!

I currently have a CP package for Saturday night - show at 6:45 and dinner at Chefs de France at 8:10. The problem is when DH saw this restaurant in October, he said it looked like an overcrowded cafeteria! I e-mailed Alana and tried to change our restaurant and even our night but nothing available at Le Cellier or Rose and Crown (our other choices). So should we stick with Chefs de France or just try to catch the show from the back of the Gardens and eat wherever? Has anyone eaten at Chefs?

MVMCP is on Sunday night but DH doesn't seem overly excited about going to MK without the kids (did I tell you he's not a Disney-lover?). He said he'll go if I want to but I'm wondering if there's something else we could do. What do you guys think? I did get a ressie at CG at 7:30 this night so if we skipped the party, we could at least have a great dinner and maybe see Wishes from there. Has anyone ever gone to the party without kids? I've never been to the Christmas party.

Monday is our last night and right now we have a ressie at CG (6 p.m.) - we made this one before we knew what we were doing the other nights. If we do CG on Sunday, any ideas for our last night?

I want this to be a relaxing and romantic visit so I don't want to over-schedule especially since DH isn't overly excited about Disney. He loves good service, quiet time and being with me! So, any ideas or advice about my plan so far?

 

[GoofyJoofy]

Since you are at the BWI I would really suggest you try Spoodles. We all loved it. Both of my brothers have gone to WDW this year at different times. Each of them tried Spoodles and they all loved it.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Minniesota, don't you just hate when you're finally close to your vacation and you start second guessing all the plans that you made? I do that to myself every single trip we take.

DH and I have had lunch at Chefs and it definitely didn't feel like a cafeteria to me. I think the Bistro upstairs is much more romantic and it's been rumored that you can request a window table here which has a nice view of Illuminations. Unfortunately, they are not on the CP package list though. A Saturday night is probably going to be crowded, but with only the 2 of you, I might opt to cancel the package, try to catch the 5pm show (which I would guess is less crowded) and eat at whichever restaurant you want.

As for going to MK without the kids, I think that MVMCP is going to be totally different. It's the shows, the parade, the fireworks, and strolling hand and hand down Main Street as it snows. The romantic in me is looking at it more like a winter wonderland if you're there without kids. Of course, if you don't mind skipping it, this might be a good night to do CG and Monday night hit DTD. I'm sure that will have a Christmasy feel to it and you can grab a quick dinner followed by some clubbing at PI. I highly recommend the Adventurers Club. DH and I stopped in for a quick drink during our anniversary trip and ended up staying there until closing.

Is your DH a football fan? We had the best time at the ESPN club last January. I had treated my DH to his first massage earlier in the day and then we decided to have lunch at the Boardwalk and try to catch a game. We sat in the lounge with our Patriots shirts on, had something to eat and a couple of beers. It definitely ranked as one of the highlights of our trip. DH was so relaxed that I'm surprised he didn't melt right into the floor. You can check the www.nfl.com to see what time your team is playing.

If you haven't bought the MVMCP tickets yet, I'd hold off and decide when you get there. I don't think you'd have a problem with Sunday night selling out. CP has a 48 hour cancellation policy, so you'll need to decide on that one before you go down.

Tammi

 

[samnbilly]

minniesota-I just have to say that THE most fabulous dinner we had was at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant in the upstairs fine dining. We had the best meal there and it was quiet,relaxing, and we had wonderful service. It is at Downtown Disney. Just my opinion though! Best of luck in your decision.

 

[#1hockeymom]

sfbank>> Biggie hugs to you. I know this is going to be a major change for you, and I can only imagine, while you have to live with it. As others have said, Thank God that you have been safe in the past and they now know what is wrong, and how to help fix it! P and PD to you and yours!

Floridafam>> SOOOO??? How did that ultrasound go? huh? huh? HUH???? *its been 11 years since I was on pins and needles with this!*

Summer meet>> Truth be told, middle/end of July works much better for me, too! I don't know what our Queen of the Lounge has planned, though. I would like to combine this with the sorority sister part deux meet, and I think they're talking middle of July again. Oh, it is so hard when you're a member of the two best threads on the DIS! So many friends... only 365 days in the year! (We are very lucky, aren't we?)

Ok that was sappy, but I mean it! Off to make dinner (yes, with the stove!) and a big wave to all of those I didn't mention, but thought about!

Debbie
PS Alice is safely back from her trip so hopefully she'll check into the lounge soon!

 

[BambiTamby]

Ok, another quickie post!

Let's vote on the last week of July or the first week of August.

I can go either way!

How bout July 27th thru August 3rd ?

Crazy days are starting!

promise to spend more time with ya'll soon!

 

[Angel16]

Big room wave

Floridafam - How was your vacation? Congrats to you and your DH on finishing Ironman. That is Fantastic! So are you going to share with us the results of your ultrasond? I imagine the children are excited either way. Congratulations on your new home. How exciting, new baby, new home

Johnsonet- Your plans for your trip with your girlfriend sounds "perfect" How many days are you going to be there? Be sure to do Boma for either breakfast or dinner.

I currently have a CP package for Saturday night - show at 6:45 and dinner at Chefs de France at 8:10. The problem is when DH saw this restaurant in October, he said it looked like an overcrowded cafeteria! I e-mailed Alana and tried to change our restaurant and even our night but nothing available at Le Cellier or Rose and Crown (our other choices). So should we stick with Chefs de France or just try to catch the show from the back of the Gardens and eat wherever? Has anyone eaten at Chefs?

I am sorry, but I don't know what a CP package is that has a show at 6:45 and dinnere at Chefs de France. Isn't Chefs in Epcot? Someone please set me straight.

Hey, Debbie & Storybookmum For helping me understand my pictures and such. Hopefully this week I will get it all taken care of.

Got to run and fix my biscuits and made gravy to go with the roast, veggies and potatoes I have had cooking in the crockpot. I'm so spoiled, this does not happen too often. But tonight I will have one happy Maybe tonight the right time to talk about the 14th Floor for November 2005.

Angel

 

[storybookmum]

Originally posted by Angel16

I am sorry, but I don't know what a CP package is that has a show at 6:45 and dinnere at Chefs de France. Isn't Chefs in Epcot? Someone please set me straight.
Angel [/B]

Angel, it's a Candlelight Processional package. The Candlelight Processional is a celebration of the Nativity with a choir and a celebrity narrator. It happens in the American area of the World Showcase. Several of the Epcot restaurants offer dinner packages which get you seats in a specific area. There are tiers depending on restaurant chosen. You can read all about it on Deb's site at allearsnet.com. We're going to the CP but not doing a package.

Minniesota, I had a lot of people tell me, when we were re-picking, after deciding against the Teppanyaki, that they loved Les Chefs...a LOT. If you scroll backwards, I believe you will eventually stumble across absolute raptures over their raspberry cheesecake. Rumour has it, it's better than sex. Since Meredith and I are unable to have dairy, I decided to stick with DH instead of Les Chefs, and we picked Le Cellier.

ALL DONE DAYSHIFT and it wasn't even painful!! 9 MORE SHIFTS TO WORK AND I AM OUT OF HERE!!!!!!

Happy, happy!

Kris

P.S. Floridafam, I'm eager to hear, too, if you're sharing results...

P.P.S. Angel, I got home late from work tonight, and I'm starving. Got any leftovers?

 

[sfbank]

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers. My appointment got set for Nov 18th for the next round of tests. Will keep everyone posted.
Since you all are planning lizard meets, how about one the first week of December next year???? Please!!!!!!! I want to get to meet some lizards too!!!

 

[Angel16]

Sfbank - First week in December 2005 works for us. We are planning a trip for Thanksgiving staying on until December 4th. I would love to meet you! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Storybookmum - WOW that sounds super and just perfect for DH and myself next year. Thank you I will look up Deb's info. I hope it is offered in early December. Congrats on your 9 more shifts to work. Also, I believe you may be joining us in May of next year! That would be Fantastic! Your welcome to my leftovers, dinner was good....but not good enough to make DH think about leaving AKL for the Nov/Dec 2005 trip Thats ok, there is many years of Disney trips in our future.

Angel

 

[GoofySuse]

Originally posted by sfbank
Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers. My appointment got set for Nov 18th for the next round of tests. Will keep everyone posted.
Since you all are planning lizard meets, how about one the first week of December next year???? Please!!!!!!! I want to get to meet some lizards too!!!

sfbank...I probably need to change my counter, the second one, as I'll be there Dec 5th -11th....no hubby or family just myself and a friend...staying a few nights at Beach Club Concierge and then a few in the Animal Kingdom Lodge Concierge...so don't dispair there will be other lizards lounging about!!!!

 

[storybookmum]

Angel, the CP is like the rest of the Christmas stuff; it starts at Thanksgiving and moves right on through to the New Year, I think. You'll have no problem seeing it in early December, you just have to be sure to get there in enough time to get a seat.

I'm hoping to be there in May, yes, but haven't a prayer of making it CL...I suspect it'll be POFQ, POR or CSR for us....I'm even considering POP, looking at the 50s for my Mom...just not sure how well she'd tolerate the busy style of a value resort. I'd also love to hear from people how they've found the crowds in May, really....we've only been there in January or in early December, so I don't know if I'm mentally prepared for May, or if Mom could handle it.

Thank you for the leftovers! Yummy!

Kris

 

[ead79]

Hello everyone! I've been running around like crazy the last couple of days, so I haven't been posting, just lurking on our little thread.

sfbank, I am so sorry that your results weren't what you were hoping for. My prayers are with you. I pray the doctors are able to diagnose you quickly and accurately and provide excellent treatment to you.

floridafam, I can't wait to hear about your ultrasound! Woo Hoo!

mmausse, you have great spirits about your knee replacement. Not to worry, I am sure you'll come through with flying colors and be ready to race around World Showcase sooner than you think. Until then, we'd love to pass the time with you here in the lounge.

I am getting so excited I can hardly stand it, LOL! This Sunday we are surprising my mom by flying in her brother, his wife, and their little boy for a surprise visit. My mom helped raise this brother, so he's more like a son to her and a big brother to me. Their little boy is precious, and he has stolen all of our hearts. She has NO IDEA that they are coming, and it has been so hard to keep it a secret! She is going to be beside herself with joy! I will have to be sure to remember my digital camera to document the occasion.

 

[minniesota]

Good morning!

I feel so old this morning - DH and I took our DD to her first high school open house last night. She starts in the fall. It seems like we were just taking her to pre-school last week. A bittersweet feeling...

GoofyJoofy - Thanks for the Spoodles suggestion. We actually ate there for the first time in October and loved it. So that's a definite possibility if we hang around the Boardwalk one night.

TammiMcMan - I like how you think! I am tempted to just try and "catch" CP without the dinner commitment. That way there is no real time pressure and we can be more spontaneous - something we usually are not on Disney vacations! I have been thinking about a massage for both of us actually. What did you do and where (the GF)? Did your DH like it? I checked out the NFL schedule and the Vikings play the Bears so that might also be a fun "date"! I'm thinking about just letting things happen this trip and with just the two of us, that seems more manageable. We'll keep MVMCP in mind for the romance!

samnbilly - That's so funny you suggested Wolfgang Puck's Dining Room - Alana at BWI IPO made the same suggestion last week! Great minds...maybe we can discover DTD. I've only been there to shop and it was without DH. Thanks for the suggestion.

storybookmum - I will "rewind" and look for those reports! I LOVE cheesecake. Not ruling out Les Chefs yet!

Hope all of you have a great day and if anyone else wants to add their 2 cents, my ears are open. I count on you lizards for the straight 411!

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Originally posted by minniesota
Good morning!

I feel so old this morning - DH and I took our DD to her first high school open house last night. She starts in the fall. It seems like we were just taking her to pre-school last week. A bittersweet feeling...

Oh,minniesota... we are apparently at the same crossroad in life, also with a DD. I can relate to your sentiments exactly!

... and TammiMcMan... your comment, ..." don't you just hate when you're finally close to your vacation and you start second guessing all the plans that you made? I do that to myself every single trip we take"...

OH YES!... and I've really got a BAD case of that right now. I am SO conflicted on this December trip -- want to go, feel there will never be a better time to do this particular trip YET I am really wondering if we are doing right by the kids. Aside from our evaluation on whether the kids can handle missing a few days of school, DD13 came home last night with an invitation to try out for a district level orchestra slot (she plays the sax and this is quite an honor for her). As she was busily filling out her application last night, I noticed the try-out date -- December 11th, of course! So now we're in quite the dilemma if we stick with our plans to keep the trip a secret. Oh well... it'll give me just one more thing to ponder today...

Have to LOL at our attempts to plan a mutually convenient summer time Lizard meet! Two years ago it took MONTHS for Goofy's family to choose a single week for all of us to gather for a 50th wedding anniversary trip with his parents! I'm figuring with the frequency of travel on this thread, looks like a near-monthly meet would fit the bill!!

Happy Tuesday, Lizards!!

 

[akghutton]

Greetings all,

I haven't had time to post a trip report yet, but I wanted to everyone a quick review of our first trip to AKL and our first trip concierge. It was AMAZING!!! I absolutely fell in love with AKL, the smells, the sights, the sounds, the chocolate mousse crisps!!!! We were on the 5th floor with a savannah view. My DS(4) spent so much time watching and talking to his giraffe and zebra friends. What is it about walking over that suspension bridge on the fifth floor and smelling those wonderful lobby smells? Everytime I would do this, I would close my eyes, take a deep breath and smile; there is something so relaxing about those smells.

The concierge lounge and staff were outstanding. The goldfish crackers and bananas were big hits with my DS(1). Andrea, our AKL IPO planner, went above and beyond for my family. After many kind e-mails and phone calls, it was nice to finally meet the her. We had zebra strawberries delivered to our room shortly after our arrival, along with gift bags from Andrea and a gift basket, which I had put together and mailed to AKL for our sons. I highly recommend the zebra strawberries...YUMMMM!!! Each night the boys would come back to very cute stuffed animals on their pillows, which were left at turndown.

We loved the pool and playground. Jikos was out-of-this-world, and has become one of our favorite, must-do restaurants now. THe filet mignon and homemade macaroni and cheese with red wine sauce, AHH, I'm drooling just thinking about it.

The Sunrise Safari and breakfast buffet was worth the price of staying concierge and event tickets alone. What an amazing experience.

Our first stay at AKL and concierge was truly magical!!! Thanks to all for the great advice and encouragement prior to our trip.