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

[hightown]

Just checking out the loung offerings tonight. Hope to find those yummy pineapple cheesecake bites from AKL!

ARF, we'll be there a little before you---I HOPE! If there are no AP discounts however, will have to come up with a plan B. Just cannot do rack rate.

I'm a 'book it, before I know it' person too when booking airfare. Book before you look? DD and I got back from WDW 5/22. On 5/29, I booked us for November! The price was cheaper than I've EVER seen from Denver except for last minute fares. What was I supposed to do???

Then couple of days ago was just looking at rental car rates. Meant to hit the 'get quote' and hit 'reserve'. Oh well at least that can be cancelled.

I need to stay off travel web sites. Will come to the lounge were it's safe.

Happy Weekend for everyone....Sharon

 

[dreamflight99]

LA DOLCE VITA!!~Today I was officially CONFIRMED in the same Grand Villa Butler Bayview SUITE we always enjoy at the Universal Studios Flagship resort property...The PORTOFINO BAY HOTEL~!! It's always somewhat of a challenge to BLOCK a particular suite at any resort...especially when I make my reservations about a year in advance. So...Today I received the call I've been waiting for...confirming our reservation in the exact suite we requested!! I am SOOOO happy~! I just LOVE this place. We also have Concierge/CL...and I made special requests to stock beverages in the suite, and other food items, etc., prior to our arrival. There is always Vino, champagne, crackers and cheese, and some choc covered fruit. awaiting us when we arrive. But, I added some "surprises" for DH & DD!
It's such a JOY when plans "seemingly" fall into place. I got "chills" while on the phone, as I looked upward and silently gave thanks to the higher powers that BE.

The grand lobby...check~in to the right, seating to the left...with a beautiful verandah (Piazza in Boston) overlooking the plaza and Bay...

Our Sweet SUITE! (Top floor Three covered arches & the two balconies to the right)....Home,SUITE home!!

The interior of a Grand Villa suite, Dining room/table in the background through the pillared archway...

A Bedroom in the suite...w/very HEAVENLY beds~!!

{{{HUGS TO ALL My FELLOW LIZARDS!!}}}

TTFN...DF99

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Debbie - LOL! Yes, that sign thing would be helpful! And, when people who have lived somewhere all their life give directions, they kinda forget that it's no longer called "so-and-so blvd." and is now called "whatcha-ma-callit highway!" Very hard to follow! And, yes, thanks, the weather has been beautiful this week, hopefully our worst is over for awhile, but I'm not holding my breath.

Oh, you poor baby, your chick has already left the nest!!! Mine is due to leave in 2 mos. and I'm starting to get verklempt. I don't know how you're able to manage - I'm sure I'll be a blubbering mess!

BT - You made me snort!! So ladylike! You're right, those fridge's are probably in the storeroom with the Poly hairdryers!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

DF - Oh, Goody, Goody, Gumdrops!! So happy for you!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom
DF - Oh, Goody, Goody, Gumdrops!! So happy for you!

You posted the SAME time....

TGIF...Have a FUN weekend!! I'm FLOATING over here!! :space: :thewave:

 

[ead79]

DF, WOW! That is a BEAUTIFUL suite! It looks wonderfully relaxing and luxurious! Do tell about the surprises you have planned for your family (unless they read the boards of course, LOL!).

 

[k&a&c'smom]

DF - Yes, we seem to do that a lot, don't we?!!

 

[BambiTamby]

I'm THERE at that SUITE as SOON as I CAN GET THERE!!!!!!

WHOA! I love it,I love it,I love it, I love it,I love it,I love it dreamflight!!!!


Ya'll...I'm really considering this suite for our Sept trip!
Besides...DH and I NEED to go to US/IOA for our 10th anniversary...right?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Tamby - Absolutely, you must, it's a moral imperative!!!!

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom
BT - You made me snort!! So ladylike! You're right, those fridge's are probably in the storeroom with the Poly hairdryers!!

you snort, too!

also....

Tamby - Absolutely, you must, it's a moral imperative!!!!

I LOVE the way you think, girlfriend!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BT - Right back atcha, sister!!

 

[eclipseSD]

The greatness of the Grand Floridian's IPO need not be disputed now. For my July 20-27 deluxe vacation at the GF's Sugar Loaf, I decided to go for a "best of" line up as far as room requests and PS's go.

After only sending a simple e-mail last night, I was sent an e-mail/itinerary by the IPO today with all my requests including:

Lodge Tower Room @ Sugar Loaf Room Request
PS's: Cinderella's Royal Table for Lunch
Liberty Tree Tavern Character Dinner
Le Cellier Dinner
Sci-Fi Dine In Dinner
California Grill 9:30 Dinner for Fireworks
Cinderella Chocolate Mousse via Room Service

Considering I am traveling in Late July, I am very satisfied at the level of service and immediacy the Concierge is providing me even before I arrive. CRT, Sci-Fi, and California Grill have always been too crowded or booked up whenever my family wanted to eat in July, but now with a simple e-mail it is all taken care of and waiting for our enjoyment. Much better than dealing with the hotline for 30-60mins only to get 1 out of 5 PS's and finding out your room request was never noted.

If anyone asks why I stay concierge now, this is a big part of the reason.

 

[steveanddonna]

A big THANK YOU for the prayers & PD. It's been a very upsetting week and it doesn't look like things will be resolved in a positive way, but I will keep hoping and praying and trusting God.

I have to start focusing on our upcoming August trip (still can't believe I'm going) and all the good things that summer will bring. I haven't even contacted IPO yet and for a compulsive planner like me that's practically a sacrilege!

k&a&csmom having been recently thrust into KC & suburban KC (stood up to my friend's wedding) with only my DH and a rental car, I feel your pain! I think we were lost more than we were on track!

BT - if you haven't already done those Fathers Day ressies, my vote is for Narcoossee's. The men in our family tend to favor that one and Artist's Point for their atmosphere and simple, good food. AP is beautiful, excellent wine list, best salmon I've ever had, and, oh, that cobbler! - but it isn't on the monorail.

DF your DDs party sounds fab, and she and her friends sound like the kind of teens we all wish there were more of! BTW, you just made me want to go to US/IOA just to stay at PFB - those pix are beautiful!

Good trip vibes going out to everyone leaving or already in the magic - wish I were there already!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

eclipseSD - ITA, we were sold on CL before we even got there, the food offerings were just the icing on the cake!!

steveanddonna - LOL!! Getting off track isn't hard, in KC! I always shake my head when the COC in KC makes statements like "visitors to KC find it very easy to get around." I don't know what they're talking about, downtown KC is a maze of old streets, warehouses, criss-crossing highways (old cattle-town.) Very confusing! I mostly go to the Plaza, and Independance to shop. Glad you survived your trip!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

WeLuvWDWx5 - I got a response from BWI IPO - Annalisa said that there are mini-bars in the room, but no fridge. They can "place one in the room complimentary, if requested." So, they must be doing that instead of putting in a fridge permanently?! At any rate, that is good news, huh?!!!

 

[VAgal76]

- Howdy, lizards!

Debbie - I really did have to take a test . Not my favorite thing to do. I WISH it was on packing - LOL! I would've ace it in a heartbeat. I won't know how I actually did on it for about a month. I'm glad it's over with though. Plus, I'm right around the corner to vacation time! I'm not going to worry about that exam grade until it actually arrives. I have good stuff in the works to keep me busy .

EDITED TO ADD - I JUST GOT THE E-MAIL ON MY GRADE & I PASSED! THANK YOU FOR THE PRAYERS & PD ON THIS!

Woodysroundup & Steveanddonna - cont'd prayers & hugs for the both of you!

DF - that suite is beautiful! Congrats!!!

 

[PSherman37]

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom
- I got a response from BWI IPO - Annalisa said that there are mini-bars in the room, but no fridge. They can "place one in the room complimentary, if requested." So, they must be doing that instead of putting in a fridge permanently?! At any rate, that is good news, huh

Just a note, worked with Annalisa on our trip to YC and she is WONDERFUL!! She was beyond helpful to us!!

Psherman37

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PSherman37 - Hey! Glad to hear nice things about her, this is the first interaction we've had. My PS's were made by Lauren. Their emails are swift and to-the-point, not terribly chatty, but cordial.

 

[WeLuvWDWx5]

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom
WeLuvWDWx5 - I got a response from BWI IPO - Annalisa said that there are mini-bars in the room, but no fridge. They can "place one in the room complimentary, if requested." So, they must be doing that instead of putting in a fridge permanently?! At any rate, that is good news, huh?!!!

This is good news. We did not have a mini bar in March, so they must have added this in the last couple of months. At least a fridge can be requested and is considered complimentary now. When you pay extra for concierge, these "little" complimentary additions are a nice touch.

By the way, has anyone experienced a anniversary dinner at Narcoossee's? We are arriving on the day of our anniversary (7/15), and the GF RPC IPO's have set up our dinner there. I asked if they have a special dessert (like cake or something) that I could pre-order as a surprise for my family. I haven't heard back yet but wondered if anyone else has done something special there. We have never eaten here, so I am not familiar with what may be available. I am so excited to try this restuarant!

Thanks.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I have not celebrated any special occasion there, but love their food!! My favorites are the Butternut Sqash/Crab soup, the Seared Scallops, and the Key Lime creme brulee. Last visit, I tried the pan-seared flounder (I think that was the fish) and it was delicious, with a wonderful mushroom risotto!MMMMMM! And they have a very nice selection of wines. I especially like the ambiance of this restaurant, upscale yet Florida seaside. Very nice, right on the water. Now, I'm talking myself out of Citrico's and into Narcoossee's!!

Edited to add: I agree with you about the little extras, I really wish they would get another supplier for the individual bottled water. It's not a big thing, if I can afford concierge, I can certainly buy some water, but it's just a nice extra. And, I do not drink pop at all, so water drinkers are a little left out!