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

[#1hockeymom]

Welcome all of the new lizards, and I have to say I am tickled pink that another HOCKEY MOM is joining us!

The only information on HRH is what I remember reading. I believe Cassie wrote a review and if memory serves correctly she loved the hotel, but club level was just so-so. I wish I could remember what her DIS name was! Try doing a search, as I also remember she was from the Toronto area.

Momrules>> So glad you have your limo plans in action! You might want to add in that grocery stop, just in case. I always do this, but have never actually used the stop. Murphy's law would make that stop a necessity for my family if we suddenly didn't ask for one ahead of time!

Woody'sroundup>> I hope things are going well for you. I've been thinking about you!

LovesDumbo>> When the kids get older you'll want it even more as a place to actually rest and converse over a glass of wine! Those rooms really d o get smaller when the children get bigger! Plus, face it.. we're all hooked and can't stop! LOL

Fam4jc>> Can't wait to hear about your poly cl trip! Have a wonderful time!

I know I missed two of us leaving for the world. May they have a safe trip and a vacation filled with great memories!

I just ordered a Minnie Mouse hula beanie and a Goofy hula beanie from the Disney store (among way too much other stuff!). I guess I MUST go to the poly now, eh?

Goodferry>> YEAH! A packed suitcase is a lovely thing!

ead79>> I just know you're going to love AKL's CL!

P and PD for everyone who needs it! I also left the needed pastries, fresh fruit, and of course, the cap. machine is humming along nicely!

Big wave to EVERYONE! Have a safe Memorial Day!
Debbie

 

[stacilee]

Good morning fellow Lizard's! Looks like a nice day for the parks. Drink plenty of water though, it's already hot out there.

I have to correct myself, pardon my deleriousness (lack of sleep and all that). Last nice tonsil-less child and I turned in at 8:30 and she was telling me that her throat hurt "so, so ,bad" I had just given her pain medicine and told her to watch the clock, by 8:45 she would feel much better. We both passed out and today at least I, feel much better. She ( poor darling) is still miserable. I think this will be the last "bad" day, though. She must be a tiny bit better since she is sipping on a little soup right now.

I have to tell you that I made an unconscionable error on a previous post here when I related how thrilled I was to recieve a late evening phone call from the AKLCL CM. Is it correct to call them IPO's? I stated here that his name was "Dan" which it certainly was NOT, and I wanted credit to go where it was deserved! The lovely man I spoke with was "DON" not "DAN".
I admit to suffering from the same deficit as "Dory". Let me say it a few times Don Don Don Don Don
The funny part of this incident was that he sent me 2 emails. One to my correct name and the other to "Tracey" which is NOT my correct name. If friend of "Don" is in the lounge please thank him for me, for getting me through the other night and appologize for my not getting his name straight!

Still struggling with dining decisions at Epcot for the fourth. Have PS's for 6:30 @ the Japanese Tappan. (sp) Grill, but still might want to try something new. Any suggestions are welcome. Has anyone here tried the one over at the Living Seas? We've never tried that one. Decisions, Decisions....This is what will get me through the next, lets see, 28 days I think!

Have a great afternoon, I'll stop back for a drink and a snack later.

Wish I were going over to to DMGM to catch a performance of the Hunchback..... sure miss that show.
See ya....

 

[BambiTamby]

LOL, stacilee! I thought you meant Don, but they did have a Dan there also, but DON would know me!
and probably Debbie, Janet2k.....

Another busy day and I'm out the lounge door
(before grabbing a danish!)

 

[BambiTamby]

also....

<font size=6 color=green><center>Welcome to the
LIZARD LOUNGE!
Annette_VA, hightown, cajunfan and hockey mom!!!
</center></font>

Wow! Another HOCKEY MOM!!!!!

Pull up a chair and enjoy!

 

[hockey mom]

Thanks for the warm welcomes.

#1hockeymom- I did do a search for Cassie's old posts and read quite a few of them but you know how it is- you always seem to be starving for more info.

 

[stacilee]

Did you all know that it is somewhat difficult to play checkers with a whining child who prompts you with "MOM! It's your turn every 1.2 seconds), research the Disney restaurant sites, pack a bag for 2 family members to attend the neighborhood pool, make a rootbeer snoball AND participate in these boards all at the same time?

After my initial reading, the reviews I've seen of the Coral Reef Rest. @ Epcot do not give me good vibes and therefore I think I will be sticking with the plans I have made. That is unless any of you have a better suggestion.....

 

[lovesdumbo]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom

LovesDumbo>> When the kids get older you'll want it even more as a place to actually rest and converse over a glass of wine! Those rooms really d o get smaller when the children get bigger! Plus, face it.. we're all hooked and can't stop! LOL

I was thinking maybe we'd start using home away from homes so we could continue to bring an extra person. We'll fit in a deluxe (5) after baby turns 3 but can't bring anyone with us without getting 2 rooms. I also promised DH we could vacation someplace other than Disney when kids got older.

Now DH says we shouldn't buy plane tickets yet because it too much $ to invest and one of the kids might get sick. I told him thats a good reason to go in Oct vs Jan and just think how much easier it would be in CL. And he says-"well I never complained about CL. I wouldn't go any other way." So at least I've got him hooked on that! Tickets still haven't gone up but there are not 6 seats near each other on either flight......

 

[lovesdumbo]

stacilee-I've eaten at Japan and had a great time. Have you tried Germany? Thats lots of fun and while I liked the food I was glad picky DD was asleep because I don't think she would have eaten much. The best meal I've had at Epcot was in Canada.

Sounds like your DD is feeling better.

 

[stacilee]

Dear lovesdumbo,

We've been to Le Cellier probably 10 times! We love it. DH really loves it the most. Went to the rose and crown last year for a sitdown dinner and it was disappointing from the first minute to the last. Just not enjoyable. - We still like their walkup window for a tasty snack though.
Have never been to the german place and know that DH and myself would probably enjoy it but of the three offspring that we are taking with us, I can't tell you which is the pickiest eater!

While we are talking about it we've "done" the Mexican, French and Akershaus as well. DH tells the kids that the Akers. is his alltime fav at WDW and he wants to go back at least once every trip. They all hate it and start protesting loudly every time he brings it up!

Tonsil-girl is eating, believe it or not, a Krispy kreme donut, microwaved for exactly 5 seconds and cut up into tiny less-than-bite-size pieces! So yes I think she is turning the corner. Thanks for thinking of her!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Stacilee>> So glad your DD is feeling better! ON restaurant help, we are one of the few who LOVE the Coral Reef. That being said, we've only been there for lunch and not dinner. For the price/quality of their dinner menu I think I'd rather spend my money elsewhere. I can't think of a better place for a Fourth of July PS than Rose and Crown! I haven't tried it yet, but the reviews sound fantastic. Wouldn't it be a great viewing spot for illuminations if you were actually out on the patio?! Being that it is the Fourth, you'd be in a good location to hop on the boat at the international gateway and go see the fireworks at MGM after illuminations is over. I hope I have the times correct, as I have never been to Disney during this time period! I thought the Fourth and New Year's were two of the times MGM had fireworks.

Here is hoping DD gets better soon!
Debbie

Big wave to all the lounge lizards! Cordials/beer/wine/desserts/appetizers are all out at once! I know this system will work better with everyone being in and out, plus we're all so good at cleaning up after ourselves! LOL

 

[lovesdumbo]

stacilee-I should have mentioned that DD was just 3 1/2 at the time. I think Germany has Mac & Cheese (my DD only likes it if it comes from a box), chicken, and a nice pork roast but she wasn't eating those at the time. They had a great salad bar and the band is really fun. It is served family style like Japan. I think your kids would like it over Norway (but I've never been) and seems like your DH would enjoy it too.

I have to agree with you on Rose & Crown. I've been twice and didn't get an outside seat either time-someones gotta sit inside. The first time I was pregnant so I gave it a 2nd try and the only thing I like was the Guiness. It didn't help that this poor little boy next to us wasn't feeling well from some ride and exhausted and his father was giving him a hard time about how much he had spent blah blah blah the entire meal!

 

[disneyholic family]

actually.....i think i'm the person who said that.....or at least i have said it many times.....whether or not i wrote it here..

but...onwards....

we've been doing disney for 31 years.....every year.....sometimes several times a year....always for at least 2 weeks at a pop....
but the concierge bug only bit us a few years ago....but since then there's been no going back...

let's see....we've only done the following concierges (not in the order they occurred)...
--BC
--YC
--GF (sugarloaf)
--the hotel in disneyland that looks like the wilderness lodge...
--disney cruise concierge

in july we'll try for the first time:
--AKL
--GF - RPC
--And we'll go back to the YC..

so people...a question...
instead of going back to the YC, should we try a different concierge?

The order of the stay is as follows:
--AKL (3 nights including the sunrise safari)
--GF (RPC) 3 nights
--Disney Cruise concierge
--YC (3 nights)..

instead of that last YC, should we do WL? Contemporary? Poly? other?

What's your opinion?????

 

[annamonte]

GOOD MORNING LIZARDS !!!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Just woke up after tossing and turning all night!!! I have no excuse, just couldn't sleep! Anyway, hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday today!

Welcome to all the new lizards!

 

[VAgal76]

Happy Memorial Day to all you folks, too!

It's raining cats and dogs here and is putting a damper on my evening cook out plans. I hope the sun is shining brightly where ever you are today .

I'm suppose to be studying for a test this morning that I have on Thursday, but I couldn't resist having the opportunity the check on the YS for my last night at WL & check in on you guys. I'm having a bit of trouble on that YS for Friday night so I'm trying to tweek some things to hopefully work out the bugs . My fingers are still crossed that I can do this without totally upsetting the cart.

BTW, what do they show in the confirmation packages they send you? Do they show the room type and cruise info (if you've booked one)? I've read where concierge is not showing up. However, if I get the suite will that show on the confirmation? I don't know how I'm going to keep it from DH if they do?! He knows it should be arriving very soon and is looking forward to scoping it out - YIKES!

 

[lovesdumbo]

disneyhollic-it tough for me not to reccomend Poly but I think I'd keep your YC or maybe switch to BWI (great reviews here) since you're already doing a MK resort. Sounds like a great trip!

 

[ead79]

disneyholic, your plans sound great to me! If you are interested in trying a different concierge, then I would also recommend the BWI. It would be in the same general area as the YC, so you would have the same transportation conveniences. If not, YC concierge is great!

 

[Steffy]

Originally posted by Majestic
I know you have all been waiting for this so I will make my best attempt to put down in words my experiences with staying at the Polynesian and if possible, I will try to make a fair comparison to Wilderness Lodge. Not sure if my comments will be welcomed but here goes anyway....

I must start by saying that the Polynesian is a great resort. Don't take my critique as totally negative it's just one man's opinion and we all know what those are worth.

We arrived at the Polynesian via Tiffany Town Car (on time and great ride as usual....highly recommended) on Saturday at around 12:30pm. We had a wedding reception to go to asap so I had to hurry as much as possible. We got our bags out of the car and spoke to the desk. I advised that we were staying concierge and they said they will take us right on over. We waited for about 10 minutes then we were off and on to the concierge building. They weren't ready for us as the room was not cleaned yet and I expected that so it wasn't a problem. Tara checked us in and held our luggage in the room so we could go off to do our thing.

We did the reception then came back to the hotel to crash as we were all very tired. It was our first experience at seeing a room at the Polynesian. The room is LARGE compared to other resorts. The view was FANTASTIC. We were in 3508 on the third floor about half way down the hall in the middle of the building and had a perfect view of the castle and Wishes every night. I highly recommend you requesting this room if available.

Here is where I need to rant...sorry to those of you that I know love the Polynesian.

I must say that the cast members at the Polynesian need a little help with making people feel welcome. I felt like a total stranger and out of place the whole stay. For that I could stay off property at any other hotel. We never had this at WL. The cast members on the 7th floor there are absolutely amazing at making you feel like family. I would find it very difficult to believe anyone was not pleased with thier performance.

There are many other things I didn't care for. Here is a partial list.

1) No hot tub. One thing I look forward to after a long day at the parks is a soak in the tub. It really helps my knees. The view from the tub at the main pool at WL is incredible. Especially at night.

2) Buildings are seperated. I didn't care for the fact that you had to leave your building to go to the grand ceremonial hall and then again to go back. At WL I can leave my room and go down the elevator to the Mercantile if I need anything.

3) There are 3 floors of guests in the concierge building at the Polynesian and only one lounge. For the most part, whenever we went to the lounge, most of the tables were taken so we had to go to the 3rd floor lounge. (Which wasn't all that bad really I guess...) People seemed to be very pushy and the whole place gets kinda noisy. It's not very relaxing and you feel guilty hanging out too long as people are waiting for a table. No way to really "lounge" around in the lounge. The cast members here were good though. I enjoyed Ivette, Koolai (sp?), and of course Chef Dick. (Got my picture taken with him!)

4) Whenever I need questions answered, it seems that the cast members on the 7th floor at the WL know quite a bit and are very helpfull. I didn't get that kind of impression when I asked for help choosing a place to dine one night. I got lots of "I don't know" and "i'm not sure...". The CM was alone that night and I can't say wether or not she was new so I can't hold this against everyone there. They just weren't there when I needed them.

5) There were times I would walk in the main entrance and stop. It would be minutes if ever before someone would say hello. Even when they weren't busy. I hate the fact that the monitors are built into the desks because they all look down into the desks when using the computers. Really strange feeling. May just be me.

6) At WL it seems that the cast members go well out of thier way to please my daughter. They play with her and speak to her. They even gave her a giant basket full of toys one time. At the Polynesian, she was given a beach bucket and shovel to play with when we checked in but nobody acknowledged her from that point on. We are there as a family so I wish we would be more accepted as a family. Again, this could just be part of my high expectations of what a Disney World resort should be like.

There are probably more things but I feel so negative right now and I don't want to sound like a total complainer. Don't get me wrong....the Polynesian is nice and I am sure many people like it. It's just not the fit for me and my family. We won't be returning any time too soon. We are already discussing our next trip....to Wilderness Lodge of course.

Fred

Thanks for sharing Fred.

I too love the Lodge. I love it for the same reasons. You don't have to leave the building for coffee. The great theming. The wonderful CMs.

I really appreciate you sharing your experience.

And that just makes me really happy about my decision to do CL at the Poly. I won't have to go to the GCH for coffee. I am really looking forward to the monorail, and watching Wishes from the lounge. The Poly is my DD's dream resort. The trip is my Christmas gift to her family...

I hope if I adjust my expectations, I will have a good time. I need to expect the lounge to be crazy busy If they can get my PSs and have the birthday setup for my DGD, refill the food after the masses swing through the lounge and always have Kona coffee ready, I'll be a happy camper...

I really hope your next trip to the Lodge helps erase the bad taste of this trip...

 

[BambiTamby]

Another Lounge lizard! And an "experienced" one ta boot!

<font size=6 color=green><center>WELCOME to the
LIZARD LOUNGE
disneyholic family!!!!
</center></font>

I completely agree with ead79 and lovesdumbo.
BWI CL's on our "must do" list also, as I keep on reading all these wonderful reviews about it!

Besides...like I tell the other lizards, it's fun to try other CLs....
even though you'll have a tendency to be partial to a couple!

VAgal...I hear you about that "tweeking"! Good thoughts going your way for a suite!

I have to tell ya, if you think being bitten by the CL bug is bad....
being bit by the "SUITE" bug is even worse!

The princess suite at the Poly is calling my name!

Still haven't decided on the restaurant to eat at before Grand 1 on Father's Day. have the Artist Point still booked, but i think it'll be easier to eat somewhere on the monorail.
Any ideas?

Also.....Tess...will you still be at the Poly on Father's Day?

Just going to fix myself one of those nice lattes and grab a danish....

 

[BambiTamby]

Steffy...noticed your counter and I first thought you were on your way to WDW, but it's a counter to get a counter!

LOL!

 

[BambiTamby]

disneyholic family....after reading your post again....
I think you might be the poster I was referring to on page one!


Once you go concierge, it's hard to go back!