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

[YCFAN]

KerryCM: That's a wonderful idea!! I hadn't thought about that at all. This board is great.

 

[VAgal76]

Originally posted by tammy
Hey Lizards,

Have any of you done Discovery Cove? I feel like it's something I gotta do. It looks so beautiful but the price is outrageous. Looks like I am gonna be eating pb&j's all summer

Tammy - Could you elaborate on this? I'm stumped as to what this is. Sorry, stamp "stupid" on my forehead today - LOL!

 

[tammy]

VAgal:

Discovery Cove is where you swim with dolphins and sting rays and you can do some snorkling. It has gotten rave reviews all over the internet. It's just so darn expensive. The price is $249 plus tax or $149 plus tax if you choose not to swim with the dolphins. Check out there website www.discoverycove.com.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

tammy - If you email IPO and ask for a copy of your itinerary, they'll send you one now! Sometimes I have to ask them to, sometimes they just send it after they get done making the PS's.

KerryCM - That's a really great idea - the only thing useful I could think of was a Wal-Mart gift card. They have Wal Mart down there, and so do we, and I figured they could use it like money. But I like the Disney Dollars, too! BTW - got the horse, had to switch over to the Swan for 3 nights before heading to WL. Boo hoo! But, DD is ecstatic!! What a 15th birthday present, huh?! AND a trip to WDW, what else could a girl want?

 

[VAgal76]

Tammy - Thanks for the "clue"! That sounds pretty spectacular. I think I would do it. Somethings are just worth the money.

k&a&c'smom - So they wore you down ? I bet she is one happy girl!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

VAgal - Yeeeees, she got the horse, what can I say?! She's a good girl, and she gets excellent grades, so it's hard to look at that face and say "No!" Plus, it's a great occupation, with her heading into her middle-teen years. Something to interest her, keep her out of trouble! Not that she's ever been in trouble, but it's so easy for them to head down the wrong path. At least, that's the argument I gave DH, when we told him we were thinking of getting the mare! We've had to modify our vacation plans a little, we'll be staying at the Swan for the first 3 nights, instead of the BWI. But, we are looking forward to the Heavenly Beds! And, we have WL CL to look forward to at the end, so it's all good!

What are you still doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in the Florida sunshine by now?! Skedaddle!

 

[KerryCM]

YCFan Glad you liked the idea. It was actually suggested to me by Jackie at the Innkeeper's Club. Stephanie was wonderful as my planner even getting us a very last minute Illuminations cruise. I really am going to miss her planning for me this trip. She is back working at the Innkeeper's Club now.

k&a&c's mom I am sure your daughter is thrilled with her new horse. She is at a great age for it to keep her busy.

tammy My son and his wife did Discovery Cove for their honeymoon 3 years ago and loved it! They said it was worth every penny. They are going to do it again in October while my husband and I take Madyson to the parks. What a horrible chore to have to take my grandaughter to see Mickey!!!!

 

[#1hockeymom]

KAC'smom>> congrats on the horse purchase! I am sure your DD is thrilled beyond her wildest dreams!

VAgal>> I don't remember if I said one of my kids, or one of my angels, but in both instances, that is my "classroom"! I have my kids, and... MY KIDS! Basically, one of my fifth graders fell into a bad chair which had turned over showing its BAD side, slide into it tibia first and ended up with 24 stitches, 8 inside the rest outside. It has been a bear of a day today dealing with what we know will happen with this, but I am just glad that it wasn't worse than it was. Today was the last day of school for my classroom, with my own personal gave birth to children being out for over a week now. Tomorrow is paperwork and close up the rest of my room, Saturday is YEAH day!

I need advice with MY child, DD 18 (graduated HS has taken college credits already) who now lives in her own apartment. She wants to bring BF along. I have always been totally against this and she knows it, but I am thinking if I say yes, her and I will bond better and I won't "lose" her. Does this make sense? I FEEL too young, or is that old? to be making this decision! She'd get the daybed with DS and BF sleeping in the other bed (the one furthest from the daybed!) (and I know its already happened, but not on my watch!) OK, I am ready for help/advice/encouragement! I married young, so I am not the best role model for waiting unless you count the fact we're still married! If she goes, I am done balking about Poly concierge and we're doing it, along with CRT! (if I have to beg, plead, and carry on she will the breakfast with the princesses she never had as a little girl!

Discovery Cove>> One of the sorority sisters has gone there. I want to say KelliR is her screen name. She loved it and the pictures were gorgeous! We all know that delswife went, and they loved it! (except for that SIL thing!) Sorry I am not more help!

Kalen>> Think of concierge food as your appetizer before the meat and potatoes! Make sure you come back to the lounge after dinner for dessert and cordials!

I am almost positive there is an outback in the Orlando area. I also know that Olive Garden certificates can be used at Red Lobster, which is also in the area.

Have a great night, lizards!
Debbie

 

[MermaidsMom]

HockeyMom,
Stay close to your daughter and say as little about the boyfriend as possible, even if you can't stand him. It will give her the opportunity to dump him eventually if she doesn't feel pressured by parents. Spend some alone time with her on the trip too!! (and I totally agree with the "not on your watch" statement...)! And DON'T let your past make you feel like you shouldn't have an opinion on the subject, you are actually an authority on it now- a veteran of life's experiences that should be shared to help others. Have a great trip!

 

[steveanddonna]

Another vote for saying yes. #1hockeymom. You might not only bond better w/DD, but you might come to appreciate what she sees in her DBF. I think your plan is great - let her know what is OK & not OK in your rulebook and trust her to use good judgement. I totally hear you about being "too young" to make these decisions - I still find myself thinking, "I have to choose a roofer to do my house? But I'm just a kid.....!"

k&a&csmom what an awesome b-day gift! Will you be my mom????? Not only will riding give her something to do, owning a horse will give her something to be responsible for. What a great way to learn!

Putting out the Poly egg rolls & pot stickers, with some ginger tea for WoodysRU. G'night!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Thank you Mermaid'smom and SteveandDonna for your great advice. I talked it over with DH and he says I should do this. (of course, he's not going, either!) I love your quote about having to pick a roofer! I went from having to grab DH to buy a bottle of cheap wine since I wasn't 21, yet I was a mother and a homeowner, to trying to pick out a plumber/sewer guy thinking "I'm not old enough to do this!"
I totally agree with your advice, mermaid'smom! I would rather keep my relationship with my DD than alienate her from all of us. Who knows, this could be a major memory maker all around! BF has NEVER been to Disney, but has been all over the world. I guess we have to show him what he has been missing!

Now the PS making can begin!

Debbie

 

[mmausse]

Originally posted by ksy8384
It sounds like the concierge there would fit the bill. Now to choose between concierge and the silver pkg. Hmmmmmmmmmm

Kalen

WHY choose between the two. I've found it easier just to stay CL on Silver, Gold, or Platinum - that way I have everything I need and a little more. Ok I admit it's sounds like I'd be eating my way thru Disney but I found a great thing to do with those meals I don't eat (i.e. Platunum or Gold Package), I took total strangers out to dinner or lunch. Not "taking" them per se, but just telling the CM that I was picking up the tab. My way of spreading a little PD incognito.

 

[mmausse]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
I need advice with MY child, DD 18 (graduated HS has taken college credits already) who now lives in her own apartment. She wants to bring BF along. I have always been totally against this and she knows it, but I am thinking if I say yes, her and I will bond better and I won't "lose" her. Does this make sense? I FEEL too young, or is that old? to be making this decision! She'd get the daybed with DS and BF sleeping in the other bed (the one furthest from the daybed!) (and I know its already happened, but not on my watch!) OK, I am ready for help/advice/encouragement!Debbie

Another vote for yes but with, perhaps, a twist. If your DD balks at your sleeping arrangement, you could tell her that DBF is welcome to get an adjoining room of his own as long as HE pays for it. If he just CAN'T STAND to be away from your DD for that time, surely he'd "pony" up the money to be with her. And if he can't, she'll just have to agree to the House rules.

 

[VAgal76]

Originally posted by mmausse
WHY choose between the two. I've found it easier just to stay CL on Silver, Gold, or Platinum - that way I have everything I need and a little more. Ok I admit it's sounds like I'd be eating my way thru Disney but I found a great thing to do with those meals I don't eat (i.e. Platunum or Gold Package), I took total strangers out to dinner or lunch. Not "taking" them per se, but just telling the CM that I was picking up the tab. My way of spreading a little PD incognito.

mmausse - What a great suggestion! I'll have to keep that in mind next go around.....if I don't get an AP and choose to do a package again .

Yep, I'm still here, guys! I'm leaving this afternoon. I have all my stuff out and ready, but it hasn't made it's way to the suitcase. I needed something to do for 2 hours before I pick up DH & DS to go to the airport . I must keep busy or I'll go insane from the excitement .

Debbie - I think you're on the right path. I think if it were up to my parents DH & I would still be sleeping in separate bed even though we've been married this long. They make me chuckle! We were an instant family and young, too. They still see me as their baby and I don't blame them. Being a parent made me understand how they felt. Your DD will be in your shoes one day then she'll understand and appreciate it what you've done for her. I hope you bond with not only your DD, but find common ground with BF while on your trip.

BTW, can you say "OUCH" - 24 stitches! Poor thing.

k&a&c'smom - Horse is a horse, of course, of course. Sorry, I couldn't resist. The heavenly beds and horse are a great switch for a gift like this. I don't think you'll regret it at all.

I'll be saying adios a little later. I have some last minute stuff at the office I have to take care of.

 

[YCFAN]

#1hockeymom: Another vote for yes. My 16 year old has always brought a friend on vacation with us, he has a three year old brother and it just seems fair to let him bring someone his age. Well this year he wants to bring his girlfriend, they've been dating since March. It took me a while to decide but finally last week I rearranged all our PS's and added a person to our reservation. I finally decided I'd rather have them where I could see them and observe than to send him in the other direction. We'll see how it goes and I'll let you know. We leave in two weeks.

 

[luckywife]

VAgal76- You must be SOOO excited about your trip! I hope you have a GREAT time!!! Tell BT I said hello.

k&a&c'smom WOW! Your daughter is one lucky young lady! I think it's a great idea for her to have something to keep her busy and to be responsible for. Never stayed at Swan/Dolphin but DH has always loved the looks of them so maybe one day. You and your DD will have a super time!

 

[mom_rules]

Did the same thing here. If the kids don't want to stay with us in concierge (fully paid for by mom and dad) then they have to split the cost of the extra room (this is DS and DD we are talking about-DD's BF won't come to WDW) thus they stay at ASMu or CBR-whatever they can afford at the time-those are our house rules. DD's BF was invited but the rule was he would have to pay 1/2 of the extra room cost and stay with DS (-DD would be sleeping in our room!!). DD was fine with this arrangement but BF decided he doesn't like WDW in general. Oh well, his loss-at least DD still comes with us-she won't give up her WDW and family time, it's very important to her and I am so thankful-BF just has to stay home and sulk alone for 10 days.

 

[lindeyspol]

Just back from our magical 9 days! Wanted to do a quick recap since it may be a while for a full report as I have never done one and would like to add pictures (I took about 450!)

Flew Delta--flight attendants awesome! Loved my boys and even took us to cockpit after flight. Have a picture of oldest in pilot seat w/hat on! Couldn't believe they would let us do that in this day and age. First bit of magic.

Used transportation2disney. Very good and accomodated our change in flights. Would use again.

1st 2 nights at BWI (non concierge. Long story short--after a nightmare of a check in which started at noon, we were finally able to get into our room around 7. The room had been ready, the front desk could not get our paperwork together. The resort was pretty but our room could use some work. There was the worst recaulking job around the tub and several mold spots on the ceiling above the tub. Rest of room good. Kids loved the keister coaster. Probably wouldn't stay here again--unless concierge different but would probably head back to BC or try YC.

Then on to Poly LVC. Check in around noon again room not ready so visit lounge and parks. Room ready around 5:30. Got just what we ordered--room 3509 fantastic view, room in excellent condition and wonderful mousekeeper (no towel animals, but in all our visits including honeymoon we have yet to receive one). Lounge is very nice and big. Met Tess and her DH. Good thing she had the picture in her sig so I could recognize her! So nice to meet someone in person and she is just as sweet in person! For those of you going soon, check to see if Neverland Club is still in rehab. This was a HUGE disappointment for my son, since he had seen the pictures and was really looking forward to it. It has been moved to Tangoraro (sp) Terrace and they moved the little drum stools and check in "bed" but all the other unique things are not there. We ended up cancelling--not worth the extra $ since we already had Kids nite out for our youngest. On a side note, not at all happy with them. Both times this trip the sitters were late, the first one at least called with car trouble and thankfully we had time before our ps but less time for lapu lapu's. The second time we had to call twice as we were holding up the other quests for the Sunset Safari. She had apparantly been sitting in front of the wrong room for 30 minutes--no call, nothing--don't you think she would have called to get it right? We were totally panicked about the tour. Neither one was anything to write home about. By the time you add in tip, it's about $20hour I was expecting more like Mary Poppins for that price! Anyway, loved the poly. Besides the NC, the other small disappointments were the kids activities or lack thereof. When we stopped in GCH at times listed, nothing going on. Checked in NC and they said just free play. On checkout saw lei making going on but too late for us. Can't beat the location and the resort is pretty and the lounge is nice, although the food got better when chef dick returned.

AKL concierge last two nights. Didn't think I'd like this place but the preplanning was so personal it was like they had all the time in the world for you. Dealt with Sue and she was wonderful. Got to meet her while we were there. She sent up 2 lovely african fertility dolls and a beautiful candle for us and for the boys, wooden yo yo's , matchbox type safari vehicles , and personalized autographed pictures of their two favorite characters! All cm's were so friendly and Jack at the desk was particularly helpful. The food was GREAT! I say this coming from a hubby in the restaurant business. They had some truffles out the first night that were to die for! They also left us a lovely anniversary cake. The Sunset Safari was worth every penny. Especially the personalized service (also a personalized menu) at Jiko with the chef coming out to explain everything. The kids activities were wonderful. They have lots of activities every day and kids can earn different beads doing the ones that help them learn how to take care of the earth and the animals to form a necklace. We also did the cookie decorating at Boma. They had a special Father'sDay craft (picture frames)going on too. In the lounge our kids also received goodies every day. Our room was also ready by noon --we had Safari booked that night and were worried if we didn't have room where the sitter would go with the kids. Got exactly what we requested--zebra trail close to elevators 5th floor. We were in 5417--3 rooms down from royal kuba suite. This resort is true Disney magic. I am hoping to talk hubby into a long Dec weekend to see the decorations and I already know where we're going--although on checkout I started inquiring about suites!


On another side note, (sorry I know this is long) we did the Family Magio tour and had the best time. Our tour guide Shannon took so much time with the kids. After, we ran into her at Columbia Harbor House and she spend 1/2 hour listening to my 5yo talk about his plans to open his own theme park. She asked if she could come and if he would send her tickets. She then said to stop by city hall on our way out. She left him the nicest note with her address (to send his "tickets" to, some stickers of peter pan(his favorite), some special paper to put the tickets on and 2 family ride passes. He was thrilled! It was so cute, when we came back the next day to use the ride passes, he was disappointed because he thought they were special passes to go and see his new friend Shannon! He would rather have seen her than go on Buzz Lightyear. Now that's Disney magic!

Thanks to everyone for all their help. Our anniversary dinner at the castle was lovely--perfect table center table looking out over fantasyland. Nice Mickey confetti. Cinderella was downstairs taking pix in the throne. Boston Bruin Keith Cerchuk (sp) and family right next to us. Great atmosphere--good food. Oh, and they gave us lovely champagne flutes too!

Lots of other magic but I've taken up enough space. Thanks again to everyone and hope to be planning another trip soon!

Lisa

 

[bonzie1]

lindeyspol

Thanks for the report! It makes me want to go back NOW!!! Can't wait for the pictures!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

VAgal, steveanddonna, #1hockeymom, luckywife - LOL! Yes, DD is so excited, she spent the whole night with her horse last night!! I'm so happy for her, I know I would have loved having a horse when I was a girl. And yes, steveanddonna I'll be glad to be your mom, I know how well you treat your family!!

Debbie - I agree with everybody here, you should allow your DD to bring her DBF, and whatever your sleeping arrangements are, they'll have to abide by that. We let DS's DGF go on vacation with us last July to Seaside, and it was a great time. DS hadn't wanted to go on vacation with us anymore, but allowing his (now) fiance to go was just the incentive he needed. We created a lot of family memories, and that has helped DGF to become a part of the family, prior to the wedding. She spends a lot of time with us now, and I think that trip helped. But, she is a very sweet person, and so that made it easier, hopefully your DD has made a good choice as well. If not, the trip may show him to her in another light, and she will make another choice. At any rate, I think you are doing a good thing. And, so sorry to hear about the accident to one of your "kids," that was very stressful, I'm sure!