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

[lindeyspol]

Good afternoon lizards! Only 6 days to go so I am taking care of the little things now.

Just wanted some opinions on a ps for myself and dh. We are doing sunset safari one night but while at poly we have neverland club/in room sitter booked for boys. We were thinking of just parks but are thinking of doing a dinner then too. Somewhere easy from Poly so we can pick up ds after a few hours at nc to go back to room. We did CG on our honeymoon during fireworks and again 2 years ago. I was thinking maybe Citricos or Cinderella's. Don't know how food at either of these would be. Any opinions or people who have been to either?

SIX DAYS TO GO!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

lindeyspol - Have you tried Narcoossee's?! We love it (I know I sound like a broken record, huh?) And it's easy to reach by boat from the MK (and Poly!,) as it is on the dock. After dinner, just take the resort boat right to the Poly. And, of course, Ohana is one of our favorites, as well as Kona Cafe. MMMMM, starting to drool!

 

[Bumbles]

lindeyspol - are you doing the Sunset Safari at AKL? If so, that includes dinner.

Unless I'm just reading your post all wrong

 

[lindeyspol]

Yes, we are doing sunset safari so we'll have dinner at Jiko. But that will be with the others on the safari and not just dh and me. That is why we are thinking of another private dinner!

Yes, we had Narcoosees on our Honeymoon (on the meal plan so I basically rolled out of there!) It is definitely a possibility too.

I am leaning towards CRT since it will be anniversary dinner and the castle would be nice (I have two boys so they aren't interested in breakfast with princesses!) Thought it might be quiet. Of course, no wine with dinner but we're in concierge so we'll have a glass while getting ready!

Has anyone had dinner there?

Oh, almost forgot. We are trying Ohanas for the 1st time with our kids and my dad and brother. Hoping for Kona at least for dessert sometime during the stay too.

 

[floridafam]

BambiTamby,

Yes, we are back. Our trip was wonderful. We arrived at the WL a day early on 5/20. I called from our vehicle as we got close to Orlando and asked if they had a room at WL CL for the evening. They did. At that time, I asked if they had a deluxe room available for that one night plus our 2 night reservation that started the next day. They did not. By the time we arrived in Orlando, WL CL was closed so we had to check in at the front desk.

We were given room 7042 with a perfect view of the castle. For some reason, DD would not sleep in the bunk beds. We went straight to bed.

The next day I walked over to the desk and checked in for our reservation that started that day. I asked again if there was a deluxe available. There was not. Jack said we could move to a 1br villa with concierge service for the 3 nights (we realized that we needed more room for all of our stuff) I then asked if any of the suites were available-both of them were available for 2 nights. We took the Yosemite Suite for 2 nights.

The Yosemite Suite is nice. Dh enjoyed the jacuzzi (okay, we all did.) My kids got a kick out of the doorbell. The balcony was huge and that is where DH stored his bike for the 1/2 Ironman. He appreciated having a seperate room to sleep in the night before his race.

I would not pay to stay in the YS suite again. It is starting to show age and just isn't very elegant.

We did the Family Magic Tour at MK on the 22nd with Janet2k and her family. It was very hot that day but we enjoyed the tour and the opportunity to meet Janet, her Dh and her daughter. The tour was great and we had to follow a series of clues that took us to various places throughout the park. At the end, we were met by Peter Pan and Wendy and they joined us for viewing of Mickey's Philharmagic-seats were saved for our party and we walked right in.

I know Janet2k took a lot of pictures. I am not sure if she is going to do a trip report upon her return from WDW. I know she can describe it much better than I can. She is a wonderful lady and her DH and daughter are just great! My DS enjoyed meeting a new friend and was glad we were scheduled to be guests at their dinner party the next day.

The 23rd, DH got up very early for the Florida Half Ironman. There were many athletes staying at WL and there were bikes everywhere. It was great meeting many of the athletes and their families. DH completed the race. We went to FW and looked for him for almost 2 hours and couldn't find him. He was exhausted and immediately returned to WL after the race to eat something and rest. He was so tired and his legs were cramping but he was able to join us for Janet2k's dinner party at the GF Resort.

 

[floridafam]

We enjoyed the concierge offerings. Jack at WL CL was very nice and helpful. Mark, the Manager was also very nice and talked to us on many occasions about transportation issues, etc. during the race.

Marilyn in the IPO office had asked what my children's favorite characters were and I told her Buzz Lightyear (they already had Mickey cards from last year) Two cards were left out in the hallway on the floor for DS and DD. I thought this was a bit strange.

The staff was very friendly and our housekeeper, Diana, was awesome. Our suite was FULL of towel animals and she brought the children several different ones that she told them to take home.

OKAY, now the evening we will never forget!!!!!!!!

Janet2k's private dinner party at the GF Resort was on the evening of the 23rd. I have not spoken to Janet since our return so I don't want to give away too much information.

IT WAS AMAZING. There was a very special guest and many surprises throughout the evening. I will tell you all about it as soon as I make sure it's okay. She took many pictures and there was a Disney photographer taking pictures.

Janet is so much better at describing things than I am. It truly was an evening we will never forget. We enjoyed meeting some new friends from the DIS and had some wonderful food (TONS of wonderful food) and great conversation.

 

[disneyholic family]

well i did it.....took the plunge...
i just changed my YC conciege reservations to WL concierge!!!

AND........they had an annual passholder rate on the WL concierge....what luck.....
anyway....it's done...
so now the last 3 days of our stay will be at the WL concierge...

i hope it's wonderful....

by the way, before taking the plunge i asked the kids their opinions....DS (17 years old), who adores epcot and being near epcot, as well as loving SAB, was negative at first...but then as he thought about the fact that we've never even tried WL, he started wavering..

just a few minutes ago, i asked DD (19 years old)....she gave a BIG thumbs up to WL.....of course she hates the YC so it's not that surprising.......

unfortunately, there were no suites available so we only have a double queen bed room....
actually the CM said the vice-presidential and presidential suites are available......but that sounded a bit extreme...even for me...

can you pay extra for concierge service on the villas? there's a one bedroom villa available....

 

[lovesdumbo]

Goodferry-Have a great trip! Don't stress to much about packing! You really can buy just about anything you forget. I did once forget my itenerary and tickets to MVMCP but I was able to replace the tickets and since you're staying CL they can print your itenerary for you.

Lindeyspol-I have had dinner at CRT once and thought the food was just OK but I would reccommend it for the atmosphere alone. My salad was great but my entre (can't remember exactly what I had-I think steak) was so salty I could bearly eat it and I like salty food. Maybe it was just an off night. But it was just so romantic (I was just there with a friend however) that I really think it would be a great choice for you-you've just got to see the inside of the castle and they do treat you like royalty. Have a great trip!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Disneyholic-from floridafam post it seems like maybe you can get CL with villa but isn't a 1br just a king bed in the bedroom and a pull out sofa in the livingroom? I hate to add to your confusion but maybe you'd be better off at the Poly if you haven't tried that-they have 2 queens and a daybed. Seems like 2 reg concierge rooms would be cheaper than the presidential suite.

Originally posted by floridafam
The next day I walked over to the desk and checked in for our reservation that started that day. I asked again if there was a deluxe available. There was not. Jack said we could move to a 1br villa with concierge service for the 3 nights (we realized that we needed more room for all of our stuff)

 

[VAgal76]

Afternoon, lizards!

Goodferry & Sojo33 - **SINGING** Happy Trails to you until we meet again!

I know it's a little soon, but my Dad has knee surgery AND I have a test tomorrow so I'm afraid I might miss you guys before I can get back into the lounge to wish you well on your trips. It's a shame I'm not a contortionist and be able to fit in a tiny space in your luggage - LOL!

I'm singing the blues on that suite! I'd lose my discount if I upgrade for our entire stay or I'd have to pay extra on my package since two of my days would over lap and I'd have to do room only reservation for that one night for the suite (shame on me for not buying APs). Anyway, it's just a crazy mess ! I think I'll have to pass on it this time, but grab it the next go around. And crazy me thought it would be EASIER to do a package for our first trip! Who knows, maybe it'll be simpler to upgrade when I get there for that one night I want if it's not taken. I wouldn't mind paying extra, but it was really out of the way just for one night and I can't bear the thought of losing my discount on my package.

Alright, I'm going to stop whining now & get back to my cram session!!

 

[disneyholic family]

lovesdumbo
you're right....two concierge rooms is cheaper than taking either of the suites....especially with the AP rate i got....
ok....maybe i'll do that.....it will make for a more pleasant three days i'm sure.....nothing like two bathrooms...

 

[#1hockeymom]

Cajunfan>> thanks for the snacks! Great iced tea! You're going to love going CL! You're never going to want to go back again!

*waving* I am still here! I managed to crawl up from a bunch of report cards and end of the year stuff both for "my" kids and MY kids! I am really looking forward to meeting you, kac'smom! I hope those new storms haven't been near you, also!

SO many people about to leave for the World, SOJO, Goodferry, who else??? Have a wonderful time and e sure to tell us all about your trip when you return! I just love reading all of the trip reports! Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses!

Floridafam>> SO glad you're back! We were worried about you! Sounds like you had a fabulous time!

Lindypol> You won't talk about the food afterwards, but CRT has atmosphere you just can't get anywhere else! You might even try to time your reservations so you'll be in the castle when the fireworks go off!

Ead79>> When we drive.. I take my own pillow, too! Of course, that usually means hockey tournaments, but those beds are so bad its nice to have my nice pillow to compensate for Holiday Inn mattresses! The tournaments aren't all that bad... we have adult jello shots down to a science! Made 10 flavors last time!

Disneyholic and Tess>> Spartan here, who married a wolverine who thinks the only REAL sport is Michigan football! I think people can figure out what my favorite sport is! LOL Now, I do know the old words I was taught in elementary school to "Liquidate Ohio State"..... but I like Tess so I'll just be quiet!

DF>> Once again, you've outdown yourself! Sounds like a fab time was had by all! I can just picture all of the smiles the way you described everything!

BT>> BIG WAVE! Save me a strawberry on that fruit plate, please! Your parents are going to have an awesome time with everything you have planned!

I saw the POLY pictures posted today. WOW! I think I am done hedging CT v. Poly. You do know of course, I keep on thinking I'll miss my beloved AKL, but I will try to be very strong and keep these ressies intact!

Woody'sroundup>> Still sending lots of P and PD your way. Please keep us updated when you are able to!

Big wave to all bth mentioned names and unmentioned! Thanks for making my days merry and bright!

Debbie

 

[disneyholic family]

"to liquidate ohio state"....how did i manage to miss that one growing up....
oh....and since we seem to have a quorum from the great lake state (that is THE worst slogan......the "water winter wonderland" tagline was SOOOO much better.....who decided to change it?....and why?????)..
anyway....where was i..
oh yes.....michiganders, how about a few rounds of applause for the team headed out to la la land.....although having watched the first quarter of the game, for the life of me i can't figure out how they won?!!?!??!?

 

[KerryCM]

lindypol , my husband and I had our 30th anniversary dinner at the castle and it was the most magical dinner I have ever had. The food was good, I had the chicken and my husband had the prime rib. Our waiter was very attentive and we had the perfect table to watch the fireworks.
As we were waiting for the check, our attentive waiter all of a sudden became invisible, we saw Cinderella escorted by a man in a suit get off the elevator. Well they headed our way and stopped at our table with a dessert sampler and a card. I opened the card and it was from my daughter, son-in-law and grandson from California! The tears were flowing then. Well, it turned out the man was Steve, the manager and he told us our dinner was paid for by our daughter and we were to have a magical evening. Cinderella then stood for pictures with us and she was wonderful. After dinner Steve came to make sure things were OK and he told us he had been contacted by Amy about paying for our meal and having a card there for us. She mailed the card to him. It was his idea to have Cinderella present it to us.
When we went downstairs to leav Cindy came over to us and again congratulated us.
When we returned to our room, Amy called. She said Steve had called her right after we left to let her know things went as planned right down to my tears!!!
Go and enjoy your dinner. It will be magical.

 

[BambiTamby]

WOW! Ya'll been busy today!

WELCOME BACK to the lounge, floridafam!!!!

Thanks for the reports and I'm looking forward to Janet's pictures.
She already has the invitation for that dinner on her pic site.
So, I'm assuming that she'll be adding the FABULOUS DINNER pics soon!
Anything that involves Janet2k is FIRST CLASS all the way!
I can only imagine who the special guest was and all.....

Good to see you back home safe and sound and DH completed his race!

lovesdumbo and disneyholic...yes, the 2 rooms at AP are less, but sometimes you can get an upgrade to a suite with the AP discount applied! remember...the key word here is
"sometimes"!
Ergo...you won't know until you check in and who's checking you in.
Book what you're comfortable with and want.....the rest is GRAVY!

VAgal....you getting excited yet?


BIG to all the lizards!
thanks for the snacks and beverages, cajunfan!

 

[tnkrbell]

Janet2k where are you?? I want to hear about the party!!!

 

[GoofyJoofy]

Originally posted by BambiTamby

I'm leaning towards Narcoosee's for pre-cruise dinner.
Dad and mom have never eaten there and I think Dad would get a kick out of those "yards" of beer.

BT - I just learned that Narcoosee's is not in the main building. It is like a five minute walk from the main GF building. You probably already knew this, but just in case.

KerryCM - That anniversary dinner at CT sounds devine! And what a special treat that your daughter arranged.

#1hockeymom - jello shots! - OMG I never thought hockey could be so much fun.
DS plays soccer and baseball, and I get a real charge out of watching him and his team.

disneyholic family - You or your DS might miss the SAB, but I think the experience of a new and very different resort will more than make up for it.

 

[GoofyJoofy]

For everyone that has done multiple resorts during one vacation - I am curious as to how difficult or easy is it to do the switch? And OK, a stupid question, does being CL make this easier?

TIA

 

[floridafam]

BambiTamby,

Thanks for telling me it was up on her site. I didn't know that. We received the most lovely picnic basket of goodies in our suite the day before the party. The basket was stuffed with fruit, bread, cheese, water, etc.

We actually ended up not taking our camera to the party because I knew there would be a Disney photographer there. We REALLY regret not taking our camera or video camera. There was something done at the party that had never been done before and I wish I had video of it.

I cried when the evening was over. We are still talking about it.

 

[dreamflight99]

Excuse me while I grab a cookie...before heading to the fitness center and the treadmill!! ~Still can't keep up with DH, whom
RUNS 5K per day!! Maybe if I hop on our Vespa... (LOL).

KerryCM~AND...aren't these suites the ones with the Premier water views? I presumed as much, but heard a different story recently. Yet, I learn something new all the time! I always thought the Dolphin had NO Suites with balconies, UNTIL I discovered there is ONE (Jr. Suite) overlooking the Grotto Pool. Hmmm...sometimes you have to be a SUPER-SLEUTH to uncover the mysteries of these resorts!

*I agree with you 100%...CRT is our FAVORITE for a ROMANTIC "DISNEY" DINING EXPERIENCE! Thanks for posting your memories...they brought tears to my eyes. XO

goodferry~I am the WORST packer in the world!! I always forget things. Yet, I've grown to be very relaxed about it, and merely replace or buy the items once we reach our destination. I also plan in advance for emergencies. If my girlfriend needs to access the home in case of a dilemma, I give her the garage door access/security code to access one of our garage bays. I then give her the keyless entry/security codes to access the home. I alert security prior to all of this, in case of a problem (our home is monitored). This came in handy one summer, when DD needed her meds for Swimmer's ear. The infection was not completely eradicated...and caused terrible pain. My girlfriend used FEDEX and overnighted the package to the resort where Concierge was awaiting the arrival! It was so expedient...and relief was almost instantaneous for DD. After she left the home, the codes were automatically reset via the computer system.

We are also able to monitor the home via cameras (through our Vaio). To top it all off...(for FUN), we have two little sony aibo's on guard 24-7. They are fully autonomous, and recharge themselves at their own docking stations. They alert us to anything "odd" via email. We can also access them through our Vaio, and literally "SEE" what they see in the home. We can control their movements, and check everything. They are amazing, and very entertaining. I'm impressed with their independence and unique personalities. DD is taking ABBEY to college with her for a Dorm companion! Astro is staying here...and possibly will be joined by a new addition. They provide lots of plain ole' whimsical fun/folly!!

*Wish I could arrive early...and visit. We are going to have to plan a MEET together, maybe during the big TEDDY BEAR and DOLL convention in the fall.

k&a&c'smom~DD LOVES celebrating her BD in the MAGIC!! She'll be the PRINCESS for the DAY, and get to select anything she wishes to do! We already picked up a few items, including a beautifully framed share (www.oneshare.com) of Disney stock, with an engraved message from DH & myself. I know she will love it. I also bought the special collectible NABCO Muffy/Hoppy mohair Disney Donald/Daisy Duck characters from the last Convention @ WDW. She absolutely LOVES Donald. I selected a special Tiffany necklace from the catalog, and placed an order online. She will be very surprised, and is always happy with ANYTHING she receives. :cloudnine: I have a few more things to acquire before her day arrives! She'll have a BD in WDW, and another at home when we return. She is the consummate BD QUEEN!

Calif. Grill is one of our all~time FAVS! The sushi apps, and the med. pizzas, the lobster mashed potatoes...and the ever-changing menu is simply astounding. We never miss it...and usually visit two-three times each summer. Enjoy, and let me know your thoughts after you give it a try.

Tess~So sorry to read about all your Computer problems. I've had them as well...and try to stay one step ahead of the viruses and spam, etc. It's terrible...and infects the system so quickly. Hope your headache disappears...and everything is working better (back to normal).

GoofyJoofy~ LOL...I'm not sure either!! I still use "the bomb" (much to DD's dismay!!).

disneyholic family~I can RELATE! It's SO hard to fly anything BUT FC/BC, once you've had this level of service. There truly IS a difference.
I could not fly international (too long) without the capsule, etc. of BCE. As for Domestic travel...I usually fly transcontinental, averaging 4-5 hours in the air. This justifies the FC seating (IMHO)!! If I just take a hop...I usually fly BC. It must be tough on your 6'7" DH...to fly in those coach seats. I am amazed when we are in FC, to think they cram THREE seats in the space where TWO are placed in the forward cabin(?). I'm also amazed how my "thinking" has changed over the years, as I too considered FC to be absolutely FRIVILOUS! That was until I personally traveled first class....and admitted to myself the extra $$ was worth every penny. It's definitely a luxury, but one I readily afford as part of my personal "pampering" and reward for all my efforts/hardwork (planning the vacation...making reservations...etc.!)

*I have FAMILY Wolverines...all from Mighty Michigan! It is a magnificent state, God's country in every respect. ^_^

sojo33~Your DH will be SO SURPRISED! Only two more days to hold the secret. I too, am a big LOVER of surprises, and enjoy doing such things with my family. They never know what I'm up to...or what will happen next?!? Life...is ONE BIG SURPRISE just WAITING TO HAPPEN!
*Along with a nice down pillow...I bring a lap~throw to cover my legs, etc. Sometimes the A/C seems a bit "chilly" for me. So, when we travel by vehicle...I always bring a nice comfy throw from home for the ride!

lindeyspol~Oh, We LOVE Cinderella's Castle! We find the food fabulous...(Ask for a Chef's recommendation~we tried an app of mussels in seasoned broth last summer...outstanding!). The scenes at night during the fireworks display are SO romantic (lights all dimmed...music softly playing...fireworks exploding through the stained glass windows and reflecting off the ceiling and archaic castle walls). Ask for "Krisz" (pronounced KRISSY) as your server, she's been there about 18 years, and is PERFECT! She works eves, so call ahead and insure she's there for your special visit, (TELL THEM it's your ANNIVERSARY!). She gave DH and I a pair of champagne glasses engraved with the Castle logo...etc. She's simply the BEST!!

Floridafam~Wow...everything sounds as if you all enjoyed your visit in the WORLD! Hope your DH had a memorable time in the race. The "cards left in the hall" seems strange to me as well. I've heard other remarks about the YS...maybe it's time for a refurb. Glad to have you back in the lounge with us LIZARDS!

disneyholic family~How wonderful!! WL Concierge...instead of YC. I'm so glad you took the POLL...it's something I usually do as well. I always like to run things past DH & DD *(except for secret surprises!), and weigh-in on their opinions. I'm sure you will enjoy the WL and the NEW ADVENTURE awaiting you in less than 32 days!

VAgal76~Sending PD & P for your DF's procedure & recovery, and your TEST!! Don't stress about the upgrade, just ask when you arrive. At least you are all set for this trip!! Now...get to CRAMMING!

#1hockeymom~You are a RIOT!! Jello shots...LOL. How about an Aerobed for a mattress topper? Speaking of Strawberries...I'm eating a "Strawberry double decker moonpie" as I type (sans the RC cola)! I ordered a few boxes for DD's party...and most "vanished" before I could "save" a couple for MOI!! What a sweet indulgence, and a reason to envy the Chattanooga residents.

Well kids...enough chatting, I have to leave the lounge and hit the GYM!!

TTFN...DF99