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

[steveanddonna]

Good Morning lounge lizards & Happy Father's Day to all the daddies out there!

Just leaving out fruit and Kona coffee to keep this thread on the first page!

 

[MermaidsMom]

I am setting out some glasses of mango juice from the Poly for everyone! Please have some pineapple slices before you head to the pool!!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom
DF - Hey, girlfriend!! Hope you're not working yourself too hard - you'll need a little energy left over to climb into the plane!

LOL...Or just "collapse~into" the seat, as I tend to do! That's funny you mentioned "climb" into the plane. When I flew to NY to visit my folks...I flew Northwest Airlines, First Class. Big mistake. I'll never do that again! Well, there was no FC available on the little "puddle-jumper" connection-leg through Detroit. In fact, I literally "walked onto the tarmac and CLIMBED the steep aluminum stairs of the tiny craft" (LIKE the PREZ on Airforce ONE!). I had to restrain myself from slowly turning to WAVE to the persons on the ground, once I reached the top!! (LOL). I could hardly believe it! They also expected me to carry (er...DRAG) my bag up the stairs myself--in heels!! Actually, the nice Pilot came down the stairs and carried it for me. It's been a long time since I've been on such a small commercial transport (nearly a white knuckle ride, but it lacked the props!). I've been on private charters (jets), which are completely different (other than the tarmac part!!). The flight attendant actually asked me if I wanted to "check" my carry-on? Yeah...right. Like THAT was an option.

In three weeks....we leave out of good ole LAX. We just pull to the curb about 60 minutes prior to take-off, check-in right there (if it's not too busy) or at the separate FC counter inside. Once inside...we make it to the gate area, and we hit the DELTA lounge. We are called first...so we have only moments in the lounge to sit on a cushion & toss back an OJ before jumping up to board! Even in FC, the "luggage" situation is competitive! I used to believe the bin over my seat was "reserved" for my use...NOT!!! People sill seem to bring MORE than they are supposed to, and take up MUCHO space. Thank goodness we do not bring that much (onboard).

But, once we're finally seated onboard...it's LA DOLCE VITA! We are immediately offered a beverage, (MIMOSA~!) some fresh-baked croissants (etc.), and reading material. We settle in, are greeted by the host/hostess and peruse the menu in preparation for the onboard dining. Breakfast usually consists of the following:

*Fresh fruit, assorted breakfast breads offered with butter, cream cheese and smuckers preserves. A selection of fresh fruit juices, coffee, and tea.

Entree selections are typically as follows:

*Tomato, swiss and provolone cheese omelet presented with roasted baby red potatoes, peppers and onions and Aidells sweet chicken apple sausage.

*Yogurt (Or chocolate chip) pancakes served with fresh pineapple raisen compote, chocolate, maple or blueberry syrup and a large grilled pork sausage patty.

*assorted kellogg's cereal served with a banana and dannon yogurt (your choice of flavors).

It's part of the entire CONCIERGE experience...from the beginning to end! (lol). My vacation BEGINS the moment I depart from my home, until I return. Therefore...everything is REST & RELAXATION!!

HERE'S WISHING all the DAD's out there a WONDERFUL DAY!!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[#1hockeymom]

Happy Father's Day to all of our dads out there! *adding African smoothies to the drink area*

DF>> You had to stop at Metro after that fiasco! I am SO SORRY! It is better since they added the new terminal, but it has always been on my most hated list! For regular trips I can take our nice one terminal Bishop, but I still have to slug it to DTW for international trips. When we went on our Ford cruise we ended up on NWA with a stop in Detroit. DH said to the air attendant, "Can't we just stay in the plane and go wherever it is going next?" As it turns out, we got to visit the new terminal. Much more nice than the old terminals!

It is Father's Day, and DH lost all of his kids! DS at hockey camp in Traverse City and DD in her own apartment. He's happily taking a nap in the quiet, although I am trying to keep the puppy from going up there and demanding to be pet and cuddled!

Plane tickets are bought for the final two in our party, and DD keeps on pushing on the park hopper tickets being bought. I am considering buying her an AP so she has somewhere to go on vacation over the next year as a break between her college classes.

I have Poly mickey/minnie beanies bought for bed gifts during our trip. Any ideas for graduation/disney type things? I am thinking about doing a spa trip with DD and I, or maybe getting the number to the person ducklite uses for manicures/pedicures. I can't think of anything nicer than having a pedicure mid-trip! I know a meal at CRT is definitely on the list and she's requested PTcafe as that is her favorite restaurant *PBJ shakes, a family tradition!* Please throw those ideas out, lounge lizards!

Happy Father's Day!
Debbie

 

[ead79]

Hello everyone!

I've got a quick question for your CR concierge experts. Does anyone know what room view the 3 regular concierge rooms on the 14th floor have? Are they all MK view, all Bay Lake view, or mixed? Thanks a bunch!

 

[WoodysRoundup]

Hi Elisabeth... Well I, unfortunately, do not have an answer for you about CR 14th floor rooms. However, you know who would.....BambiTambi, of course!!! If you don't want to wait for her to return, maybe try calling the concierge office at CR and ask? Just a thought! And if you find out, I'd love to know the answer too! I'm also curious if those rooms have bathtubs - anyone know???

Small dilemma for our Sept. trip...We've booked the GF/SL. However, we REALLY want a Tower Room. I just found out that out of the 93 rooms in that bldg., only 3 are Tower Rooms. We REALLY want CL (mostly for the breakfast items) but we also REALLY want the Tower Room for the xtra space. We've stayed in this room type before. With two little ones and a pregnant me , we feel it would make our trip that much better. The problem is, you cannot book a Tower room in SL. It is only a request. We'd be happy to pay for it if we could but it's not allowed. You CAN book a Tower Room in any of the other lodges. This is where I need the help of my fine lizard friends....Should we skip CL in order to get the xtra space we feel we need for a week-long trip? Thanks for all your thoughts!!!! I need some help deciding!!! I suppose we could rent a fridge and have juice and milk for the kids in the morn. and go to Gasparillas for breakfast??? I just don't know!!!!! UGH!!

 

[#1hockeymom]

*waving to Woody and Elizabeth* Please let the room know when anyone finds out the answer to the 14th floor reg room views!

Woody>> Good to hear from you! I know your story about going concierge being pregnant. I can't imagine you not going concierge for this next trip! Perhaps a well worded request to concierge will help get this room reserved for you? You have the backing of a whole lounge of lizards! I hope you're feeling better now!

Nighty- night lizards!
Debbie

 

[WoodysRoundup]

Oooops Debbie....That reminds me!!!! I forgot to mention that I also think you made the right decision about DD and DBF (for what it's worth). I remember my parents being willing to try new strategies with me when I was a teenager. However, my dad was VERY strict and I always abided by every rule. He always said "As long as you're under my roof, you'll follow my rules". Believe it or not, I respected the logic. I know DD is not "under your roof" anymore, but if you're supplementing her living arrangement and/or paying for her trip (And DBF), you might try that logic with her?? Sounds like it will be a great trip for all but make sure you enjoy it the way you want to - 100%!! Remember....you're the MOM!!!!

FYI....I already wrote a syrupy sweet request to concierge with my request. They replied with one curt sentence which said "there are 93 rooms in Suagrloaf and only 3 tower rooms. We will request it for you but there are no guarantees". I was kind of surprised that that was all they wrote back!!! I wonder if there's someone else I can talk to? I'd be more than willing to pay more $$ for that room type.

Good night Debbie and Elisabeth (and ALL the lizards out there)!!

 

[annamonte]

GOOD MORNING LOUNGE LIZARDS!!

Hope everyone had a better weekend than me! As you know, DS was pretty sick for a few days, well, he got better! Great news! But, my throat started hurting, or at least I thought it was my throat. It was my mouth.... Impacted wisdom teeth and I have a massive infection! I didn't eat any solids all weekend (maybe lost a few pounds...? )

Anyway, I am on painkillers and antibiotics... could you spare a few prayers and pixie dust for me? I am scheduled to have them removed on Friday! I am soooo.... nervous!

Take care everyone... I am off to get some coffee!!!

 

[luckywife]

annamonte OUCH! I know the pain of those wisdom teeth. Had 3 of mine cut out last year. It was well worth it though because I didn't have that pain anymore once everything was healed. Good thoughts for you that the procedure goes well.

Hi Woody! Hope you're feeling GREAT and that the kids are better after being sick.

 

[Tess]

Not that it's a good thing! The vacation was FANTASTIC! Only a couple of minor glitches here and there.

Goodferry My husband had occasion to deal with your "palm pilot" CM--we know him WELL and have experienced his lackluster service in years past. He is always less than helpful and, in fact, does everything he can to avoid working! My husband was very insistent with him one afternoon when palm pilot guy tried to fluff him off onto Kathy (he wanted my husband to wait until the next a.m. to handle the shipment of some items we purchased rather than do it himself). My husband decided that he wasn't putting up with this guy's lack of assistance and politely and firmly requested that he (and we know his name but won't belittle him here) handle it himself NOW, not pass the buck to Kathy. He did it, grudgingly. We didn't get the opportunity to see you while at the Polynesian. . .


Lisa It was nice to meet you during your visit to the Polynesian. I'm happy you really liked AKL and glad the balance of your vacation went well. AKL isn't our cup of tea, but it is a beautiful resort. I felt "closed in" when we visited. Obviously, being enclosed is a necessity with the animals, but I guess we just prefer the wide open spaces and ability to roam them. We enjoyed visiting with you and found your children well mannered (unlike some of the unruly ones in the lounge) and charming.

We did not run into BT during our stay. I'm not sure why we didn't cross paths since we spent loads of time around the resort and in the lounge. We're just on different schedules I guess. If she's blessed with the same GORGEOUS weather we had--her trip will be as wonderful as ours!

Our family did come across another DIS family--the husband was wearing a DIS lanyard and Texas Longhorns attire--we tried to engage them in conversation, but he/she wouldn't oblige. If anyone here was on the MGM bus from Contemporary/Polynesian on Wednesday and you fit the description, I assure you we are harmless!

It's back to reality for another year-- --wish I could say I'm glad to be home. I'm in the midst of the endless laundry, etc.--I'll give more information as I'm able. . .

You were all very, very busy around here while I was going--I spent the first hour just catching up! Great News Woody! Hope everyone is having a pleasant Monday! Boy, do I miss the espresso in the morning (and someone preparing it for me )!

 

[#1hockeymom]

It is my first official day of summer vacation. I worked at sleeping in, then I talked with the puppy for about an hour on the deck about gevalia coffee flavors. (He seemed to understand) LOL My oldest has her own apartment now and my youngest is at hockey camp. IT IS QUIET! Too quiet; someone should warn people about this!

Hi Tess! Glad to hear you had a wonderful time! In an hour or two my laundry room will be free and we can add your stuff in so it will get done more quickly!

Anamonte>> P and PD for you and your teeth! Like others have said, you'll feel so much better afterwards so don't worry about the actual procedure! I hope you feel much better, soon!

To all of those wondering>> DD doesn't have a problem at all with her and I sharing a bed, and DS and DBF sharing the other (or at the poly I get my own, dd/ds share and dbf gets the day bed!) Now, for a switch in reality, DBF is so totally excited it has been him and me on the computer pouring over sites, and not DD! *we call ds the expert, plus he was at hockeycamp* We ended up out to dinner with them last night and that was all he could talk about!
QUESTION:He found his old parkhopper from when he was a child,with one day left on it. Anyone know if he can exchange that for a one day adult park hopper?

I left fruit and pastries out on the sideboard. Help yourself! Iced tea and juices are on the other table, per usual!

Debbie

 

[Tess]

#1hockeymom--Thanks for the offer of shared washer space! I've nearly got it done though--no thanks to help from my family! Geez--I have to pack it all you think they could at least lend a hand with returning it to their own rooms!

I agree with you too about Bishop over Metro! I'm not sure the completion of McNamara has made any great differences in Metro's ability to provide a service to its passengers! Our outbound flight was on time and we had no issues. Coming home it was late (weather delays in FL). The baggage handling, however, is a nightmare. ONE HOUR to get luggage to our carousel AND our luggage (and about 25-30 of our fellow passengers' luggage as well) was no where to be found! After about an additional 1/2 hour, an announcement was made that the balance of the luggage would be up shortly. That batch comes and we receive 2 of our 3 checked pieces!

Back to baggage claim only to be told the office was closed. We finally cajoled our way in the door only to be told that our luggage was in Detroit and they'd just have to find it and ship it to us. The poor guy ahead of us had his luggage lost on the outbound and the inbound PLUS NWA charged him extra for the weight of his ONE bag! Really, what difference does it make if you pack one bag or two lighter ones???? Anyway, we grudgingly started to leave Metro when I asked Ron (husband) to go back and check the other carousels. Needless to say, there was our lost luggage on carousel 5 and our luggage was to have been delivered to 7.

I, frankly, couldn't believe all of the luggage simply left on carousels--each and every carousel had luggage that had not been collected and taken to the baggage claims office--what if they were security risks? I kid you not, all of the carousels had luggage just abandoned on them. Most likely they were bags placed on the wrong carousel as was ours! Did I mention, I really now remember why we dislike Metro so much. I'd much rather fly from Toledo and make a connection in Atlanta than fly out of Metro again!

That was one of the big glitches in our otherwise perfect vacation--flight arrives in Detroit at 8:30 p.m.; we aren't out of the airport until 11:00 p.m. Incredible! BTW, baggage handling at MCO on NWA was slower than molasses in January too--not as bad as DTW though.

BTW, what the heck is up with our weather! I left here and it was 90º; I return and it's only 68º! I'm shivering here! We opened the pool why?

 

[lovesdumbo]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
Woody>> Good to hear from you! I know your story about going concierge being pregnant. I can't imagine you not going concierge for this next trip! Perhaps a well worded request to concierge will help get this room reserved for you? You have the backing of a whole lounge of lizards! I hope you're feeling better now!

Woody-having been to Disney 6 months pregnant I too can't imagine doing it without the CL! Have you thought about trying the Poly? The rooms are large-in fact we didn't feel too crowded in Jan with 3 kids, 3 adults, a full size crib, a single stroller and a double stroller. Of course the lounge really helps in that regard. The nice thing about the Poly is the ability to walk to TTC for the direct monorail to Epcot. One of the hardest things for me to do while pregnant was to walk up & down those monorail ramps-I had a sciatica problem and carried that baby very low.


Debbie-That's wonderful that DBF is getting into this trip-Disney magic already. I think I may have read that he can use the pass as is??? Or maybe I read that they'd give him a day on a new pass? But generally when you trade in a pass they give you the portion of that pass (if its a 4 day pass they'll give him 25% of the original price of that pass-how much can that be $20???) toward the purchase of a new pass. Hope you enjoy your time off! My oldest is finished with preschool and 3 weeks of nature camp but the public schools don't get out until Thursday. She gets to go to move up day and see her new school, room, meet new teacher and see her classmates. I am very happy that 2 of friends will be in her class. She's still a bit shy and she will do well to have some friends with her. Any advice on preparing her for school? She's more than ready academically (knows and writes all upper & lower case letters, counts to 1,000+, not reading yet but she likes to copy sentences from her books, and she loves art-she's been making stories with sequential photos and asks us how to spell the words. She did a real cute Pooh book-it's snowing and Pooh and Piglet make a snowman but then it rains and the snowman melts.) but she still seems a bit nervous about the new school. She says she'll be ready when she's 7. We stopped at the new school yesterday so she could play in the playground and we'll be sure to bring her back so she's comfortable there. I thought I'd bring a camera with me Thursday to take photos of the room and teacher. My DH is a real worrier and she seems to have his personality. Her preschool had a bus run and when I asked her if she liked the bus she said "Yes and the bus didn't crash and we didn't get killed." She keeps asking me why the bus doesn't have seat belts.

annamonte-best of luck Friday!

Tess-welcome back. Glad to hear you had a great trip and great weather.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Oh I am sorry about your DTW troubles! I don't know what side of Detroit you are on (to the room: no one actually lives in Detroit, we just say we're from there), but if you can make the drive to Bishop, it is a one terminal quickie airport! I always laugh that I can see where I parked my car from the front entrance, and I park in the economy long term lot! Airtran always has great rates and we like the non stop first out in the morning/last back in the evening flight they have straight to MCO. Baggage handling doesn't seem to be the quickest, but it seems all of the carriers have slowed down baggage handling, both inbound and outbound. If you want to stay the night near by, stay in the 23/75 (Grand Blanc) corridor area and you're no where near Flint but real close to the airport. (I can give you exact places if you need them)

Why did we all open our pools? Because there wasn't ICE on them! That is about all I can say about that!

Nice to have you back!

Debbie

 

[#1hockeymom]

LovesDumbo>> We posted at the same time! Oh it seems like just yesterday when we were doing those preschool things around here! Take the pictures, enjoy the moments and give lots of hugs for they really do go fast! From what you have shared, she is more than prepared academically. The reading will come, don't worry! They read when they can read. If she can write her name, share with others and not be afraid of leaving mom/dad she's ready! (and I am not talking about not being afraid the first week! That is different!) Visit as much as you can with her so she feels at ease there. The story about Pooh sounds just precious! SAVE IT! I just recently ran into DD's preschool rendition of "tree with a scary monster in it" and broke into tears!

He was hoping to get a day park hopper from his pass. Do you think that is possible? I have showed them some of the ticket sites that I deem safe and the five day hoppers seem to be the best deals right now, although we'll be there six days so the one day would come in handy.

OK, the laundry can't wait even for us non vacationers! Have a great day!
Debbie

 

[Tess]

. . .because there wasn't ice on them. . . I guess that's true. . .

We aren't from Detroit (even though no one really is). We actually live about 90 minutes away and have flown from DTW often until we moved here (from the Golf Mecca up north). Actually, we are within 40 minutes of Toledo and have utilized that airport nearly exclusively for the last 5-6 years. Unfortunately, the price of flights from TOL this year were ridiculous--around $300 and up (other than TMA--and we were timid about using them). I currently hold vouchers for NWA which I would like to use, so we may fly from DTW next summer too if the price is still better than TOL. I hear ya' though--these small one terminal airports are wonderful--TOL is the same as Bishop with the long term parking lot--it's also easy in and easy out.

BTW, my husband is originally from Flint--where people actually do live (as opposed to Detroit). We still have family in the vicinity--some right near Grand Blanc. Thanks for the offer of help though--it's truly great to know so many people willing to share information!

I'd call WDW and ask about that old park hopper. I believe they will permit entry on it provided there are days. IF you exchange it or try to add it to another ticket I think it's only worth what was paid for it at the time of purchase???? Does anyone else remember this as being correct information? I'd certainly give the 1-800# a call and check.

 

[cajunfan]

Good afternoon Lounge Lizards!

It seems to be a little on the quiet side without our fearless leader BT! ...I hope her an VAgal had a wonderful safari and Father's Day Cruise.

I am leaving out dinner selections for everyone's enjoyment.

(Had to get this back on the first page)

 

[steveanddonna]

WoodysRU I was going to suggest the same as lovesdumbo - if you can forgo GF this trip, the Poly might be more convenient.

annamonte glad to know I'm not the only one who made it through adolescence with my wisdom teeth intact! Had them taken care of 2 years ago and it was NOT bad at all - didn't even use general anesthesia, just a local, as only one was partially impacted. It was nothing compared to all the horror stories people love to share! Prayers & PD that yours will be a piece of cake, too!

Why did we all open our pools? Because there wasn't ICE on them

LOL, Debbie! Sounds like you Michiganders are sharing our weather. Our pool is heated, but it makes for some strange sights. We had a Father's Day bbq yesterday evening, temps only made it to 68 or so. While all the "real grownups" (in the words of our soon-to-be 7 niece) sat by the outdoor fireplace on the deck in their jackets, DH & I were swimming with the two nieces. Water temp is 84, but it sure is chilly when you get out!

As for DBF's pass, I believe Tess is correct. I think you can turn it in at Guest Relations in any park for a single day ticket. If he buys the 5-day and they won't give him a single day ticket at GR, they would definitely be able to upgrade him to a 6-day for the difference. I imagine they would apply the value of his old pass to that. We have a leftover day on a parkhopper from '91, and haven't really been able to put it to use because we have APs. They did offer to let us exchange it for a one-day extension on our AP expiration date - oh boy!

Thanks for the treats, cajunfan!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Thanks to everyone, especially Tess, SteveandDonna, and lovesdumbo for all of the information on the old one day left park hopper! I think we will buy a five day hopper for him and see what happens with his ticket. We can either add it to the price difference on a six day, or just use it. I will be getting DD a six day hopper or an AP. DS and I both have APs which I think we have used very well this year!

Steveanddonna>> Oh I can just feel the shivers listening to your swimming story! I just ran out on the rainy deck to throw the pool rover in and about froze! We have those solar heaters which we plumbed back to the roof of our polebarn/garage in the backyard. We think this year we might go buy the gas heater and not have to rely on the sun that doesn't seem to come, quite so often! I have yet to swim this year, although DS has been in every day since opening. I am sure he's glad he's at camp right now or he'd be forcing himself to swim as to not break his daily record!

I found amarula in my little town of 5k! WOOO HOOO! We went to the store yesterday for the usual VSOP father's day present when I inquired about them being able to order amarula. First, I had to explain what it was, which of course went into this giant description of AKL and how wonderful it was, etc etc. They did find it on their ordering list and were going to order it. The owner suddenly remembered seeing a strange decorative can on one of his shelves. BINGO its AMARULA! He's ordered three more bottles for me and told me that anytime I need it to give them a call and it can be there in a week! Guess what I had in my coffee after dinner?
Thanks for the goodies, cajunfan! Have a wonderful night, everyone!
Debbie