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

[GoofyJoofy]

Originally posted by storybookmum
I'm in the AKL lounge, ladies!

My nerves....please pass some chocolate, and pray as I break the news to DH, or, um, maybe don't....

Yipes!

Kris

storybookmum - Contratulations!

And welcome to our Lounge. Let it be a surprise

 

[TammiMcMan]

Minniesota, I had Becky when we were at the GF last January. She was very helpful. Is this the e-mail address you are using WDWGFPlanning@disney.com ? If so, I'd just mark Attn: Becky in the subject line of your e-mail.

I thought that the pre-planners at the GF were okay, they just didn't seem to go out of their way to make suggestions or anything. I was really trying to do something special for our 20th anniversary and other than the obvious ones, they didn't come up with any idea's. Luckily, we have the boards though and there's plenty of information to be found here. Plus, I sort of forgot about everything when we arrived at the resort. What they lacked in pre-planning, well they went way above and beyond once we got there. We had been upgraded to a 5th floor honeymoon suite that was out of this world and we got a few surprises during our stay.

Hope that helps,
Tammi

 

[minniesota]

Thanks, Tammi! I'm going to send an e-mail today and I will definitely reference Becky's name. It's nice to at least have a personal contact. I just heard from a DVC member that MS is only taking calls from people who have reservations in the next 7 days, so I'm sure things are a bit wild with everyone in reservations/planning areas. I'll be patient

I know what you mean about getting great ideas from the boards - and it sounds like that's what I should plan on. Going to IPO with some plans and letting them arrange what they can. My parents are very easy to please - they will be blown away by staying at GF and then throw in the suite and concierge - well, if nothing else happens, they will be "over the moon" as they say! I'd still like to add some magic like flowers, balloons, tuxedo strawberries, etc. And maybe a Wishes cruise. Most of all, I want them to be able to sit on those beautiful balconies and watch the lagoon so hope for some pixie dust there. We have always stayed LV so we are hoping for that location with our suite!

If anyone has other ideas for me, I'd love to hear. Mom and Dad both turning 75 -just 1 year younger than Mickey! Something to celebrate...

 

[Angel16]

We will be leaving 5 weeks from tomorrow. I have not receive any "large package" from AKL. However, we have had wonderful service from AKL Concierge both through e-mail and my phone calls to them. They have been excellent in scheduleing our ps's, Sunset Safari, and our Exquisite Evening Dinner during Food and Wine Festival.

I just called Andrea at AKL concierge and requested my pre-planner. I explained that I would like the maps and resort information. She was very nice and said it would be in the mail today.

We are so excited!

Angel

 

[dreamflight99]

Just popping in to say HELLO to you all, and wish you a wonderful Holiday weekend! This wraps~up our two+ months vacation here in Florida, making me wish I could go back to that early July morning we all arrived. No matter HOW much time I plan each summer...at the end of the road, it always seems to have passed too quickly. We have enjoyed a MAGICAL stay, at each location.

Yesterday...we drove by the Portofino Bay Hotel resort (right up to the valet check-in area). We all sat silent for a moment or two, and gave our thanks to the powers that be for a blessed and wonderful vacation together. The memories we share are worth a king's ransome (or MORE)...absolutely PRICELESS. We easily recalled the excitement we shared as we arrived at this location in July, eager to check-into our suite and begin using our new AP's in the parks (with FOTLA!). If only I could STOP time...or in the least, SLOW it down a bit. But, such is not to be. We all hugged, and reminded each other we would return in 10 months time, to renew/refresh the feelings and begin making NEW MEMORIES!

We then systematically DROVE to all the other resorts we have stayed in over the years, and viewed the grounds...check-in area, and places we recall with distinct fondness. I wonder if WE are the only people whom trapse down memory lane together in such a fashion? We have done this for years, recalling the moderates (CBR & POR), as well as all the Deluxe's (GF, Poly, CR, WL, BC/YC & BW) we enjoyed as we passed the old depots along the bus route through the resorts. We even went to Old Key West where we lodged in a studio for 3 wild storm-filled eves in 1994~! We have 14 "consecutive" years of summer memories tucked~away for safe-keeping in the enveloping arms of this loving/gentle World which is Disney. Since DD just marked her 17th year of living, we have spent nearly every one of her summers in the MAGIC. What a WAY to LIVE! It has proven to be the best manner to BOND...amid the FREE & CHILDLIKE atmosphere of Walt's vision. His Dream...is now our reality. We thank him, again and again...for all he has done in the name of FAMILY. XO
(BOY!! Am I ever WAXING SENTIMENTAL?!! Sorry....)

*SUMMER...is NEVER, EVER, LONG ENOUGH.

I've MISSED you all...and have thought of you SO MANY TIMES!!

I'll be back to posting on a "regular" basis soon...and will have some fun & interesting pics to share.


LOVE~{{{{HUGS}}}~And KISSES to you ALL!!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[TammiMcMan]

Minniesota,

Did you ask for a suite in the main building? I think that they would all be overlooking the pool/courtyard area, but at that angle you might be able to see the castle. I saw some pictures of the suite in Sago Cay and I loved that huge patio you get with the lounge chairs. That would be a great building as it's close to the main building and it's a nice quiet area. If you do end up in that building, there's a little alcove to the left of Gasparilla's grille. Inside is an elevator that will take you up to the concierge floor. It will definitely save you some steps. Conch Key is private also. It's right next to Sugar Loaf for their concierge service and a little further walk to the main building. Whatever you get, I hope it's great.

The Disney florist can help you out with balloons and flowers. I received the most beautiful roses from them last year. They have a website also http://www.disneyflorist.com/ . I saw this on Deb Willis's site regarding private dining Entertaining in Your Suite...From an intimate dinner for 4 to a lavish cocktail party for 40, our Private Dining team can provide it all. Choose from our selection of hospitality menus, or allow our Chefs to create a personalized menu for you. Here is the number for private dining 407-824-2578. If you can't get a wishes cruise (this could have been booked at 90 days), you might want to consider having private dining set up something on the Grand I.

Have fun with your planning.
Tammi

 

[minniesota]

Tammi,
I didn't request the main building since I have a BQ suite and am limited to 4 lodge buildings which is fine since I'd really like lagoon view. Do you think I can request a specific building or should I just stick with "lagoon view"? Thanks for the link - they have some beautiful things! And the Grand One might be something to consider. I know the Wishes cruises are 90 days out but we just switched from LV to suite a couple weeks ago, so not sure if they all book up. I think I'll look into that first - maybe dessert on the cruise - or pehaps the Grand one. Decisions. I know my parents will be so amazed by the GF and the concierge lounge - they will probably want to just hang out and listen to the orchestra and people-watch. I can't wait to surprise them!

 

[Alice42]

Greetings!
This is my first post in the LL. I am excited to say that my DH and I are returning to WDW next May 2005 and staying at Poly GV concierge and a BWI garden suite. I can't wait to be pampered and feel like a

I will be posting again soon!

 

[ead79]

Hello Dreamflight! It's so wonderful to see you again in the lounge. It's always so hard when vacation ends (especially a nice, long vacation), but we'll be glad to see your happy face here in the lizard lounge again.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Hello all new lizards! Good to see you back home safe and sound, DF! I thought of you today! Had to call up my mom for that stressful, "where are Grandma and Grandpa right now" phone call since I had them still living off A1A on hutchinson Island. They're in Vero again! They will be staying last I heard, but they're inland, and NOT off of A1A. I swear I just went though this days ago with my mother! I hope everyone here, and their friends/family stays safe and sound during this hurricane.

storybookmum and angel16>> You're both going to love AKL! I have never received the IPO information in snail mail from them, but I have always contacted them via email and they are very quick to get back. (though I would hold off for a few days I miss the lounge and CMs so much! They truly know how to make a vacation perfectly stress free!

Big wave to EVERYONE! Off to hockey!
Debbie

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I wanted to send somthing on ahead to Don at AKL. Anyone know how to address this correctly so he gets it? Thanks in advance! Lauren

 

[twinmomplus2new]

Everytime I see your tag with SAUGUS on it. I die first for a Santoros sub. ANd then A Russos Chocolate Ice cream soda!!!!

My cousins live on Howard st, Lake Damn rd and Holland AVE. Anyone near you?

And sorry Stevens ST...as well.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi Twinmom, actually Santoro's is owned by friends of my husbands sister, so we are there quite often. Russo's is closed for a while until they finish re-locating. Krispy Kreme went into their spot on route 1. I'm very familiar with the area that you mentioned, but we're on the other side of town. Not that Saugus is very big anyway, so maybe all of 3 miles away from them. Any chance your cousins have kids in soccer? I might know them through that or the schools.

It's always fun to meet people that are familiar with our little town.

Tammi

 

[twinmomplus2new]

All of the kids are in Soccer. aged 14, 8, 10 and 10. my cousin Jenn has been coaching for about 7 years. Your little one looks about the right age. 10? Her kids are at Oaklandville school.

Glad to hear Russo's will be opening soon, It wouldn't be Christmas without the kids Barley toy pops in thier stockings!

 

[samnbilly]

#1hockeymom,
My GM lives in Vero Beach and evacuated this am. She lives in a mobile home. Hope everyone is okay. Where are the grandparents?

 

[TammiMcMan]

Twinmom, I'm pretty sure I know who she is. All my kids are either in soccer or were at one time. I'm actually the equipment director and website director for the league. Small world.

I'm sort of glad that Russo's moved. It will be much more convenient to get there now, without having to go out on the highway. I hope that they continue the ice cream also in their new spot.

Tammi

 

[Tess]

My MIL, BIL, SIL, aunt & uncle are still reeling from Charley. I'm not so sure now that MIL was all that lucky to have roof damage, window loss, and her laundry room blown away. The insurance adjuster still hasn't been to view the damage and so her home is open to the elements. Every time it rains, she has more damage from the water. Frances certainly won't be a good thing for her. If there is a bright side to my aunt & uncle's total loss it is that there's nothing left to damage! It's certainly not a good year for our friends and family living in The Sunshine State!

Welcome back dreamflight--looking forward to your pix!

 

[#1hockeymom]

On my grandparents>> I haven't been to their last place, which is one of those resort/retirement places. I know they have a two bedroom condo there, and my great aunt is down the hallway in a studio. From my mother I know the building is new, boarded up, and they're staying. They are inland now so I feel better. Their last two houses/condos were right on the ocean. I had thought that this place was on A1A, but it isn't. (YES!) I guess this is a great time to be glad you don't have a view anymore, right? I can 't believe I didn't know they moved to Vero! I had them further south! What a bad Grandkid I am! My BIL used to live in Palm Bay, where they are doing all of the weather channel feeds from. He is now in west Michigan and is very grateful! My mom and Aunt are fine on the west side of the state. Literally a mile from my mom is where the destruction is still there from Charley. Florida doesn't need this on the heels of the last hurricane. I am hoping and praying they come through this with at least people doing ok.

Tess>>I really hope this isn't adding fuel to the fire for your relatives. You're right, the sunshine state doesn't seem to be so great to live in anymore. I think I'll be happy with my first few blizzards this year!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey, everybody!

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted, I've been having trouble getting on the boards, the server has been busy every time I try.

#1hockeymom - Forgot to wish your family good luck with the upcoming hurricane when I sent you a pm. Hopefully, it will lessen in strength before coming ashore, right?! So many people are still in a mess from Charley. Glad to hear your grandparents are set for the storm.

Tess - Good luck to your family, as well. It's hard to believe they're getting it again, so soon.

DF - so good to hear from you, I'm glad you had a wonderful summer! I wanted to try to meet up with you when we were at the BWI, but I didn't think I'd get very far if I went up to the front desk at the Dolphin and said "I'd like to speak with Lisa, please!"

Big room wave to all my dear friends, and hello to all the new lizards!:thewave:

 

[dreamflight99]

Still here...and stressing a bit. MCO=closed today, so hopefully we'll be able to leave on Sunday as scheduled!. DB just called me from MELBOURNE BEACH...where he and DW reside with their two Skipperkes (sp?)!! They are busy as I type closing shutters, boarding over some and also chainsawing/trimming trees & palms! HE'S STAYING!! I'm so upset...and PRAY to GOD nothing happens to him. He said he called, so I know he's staying "in case anything happens to them" we'll know where they are! I asked him about "shelters" and he said they were quite a ways from their beach home. He also said they stayed during "Andrew" and were fine. He spent another $400 on supplies for the house (preparing for the storm), and DH begged him (and he's NOT one to beg) to drive the beeline to Orlando, where we could share our suite or pay for a room for them! He graciously thanked him...but declined. I think they are worried about "looters" more than the storm. Please, say a little prayer for them. Thank you all, for your kind words and thoughts. You are ALWAYS on my mind...every step I take here in the MAGIC! Someday...we'll walk this place together...hand in hand. (SKIPPING!).

k&a&c'smom~Wish you would have told me...I would have given you my cell # and you could have called!!! NEXT time...for SURE!!

Tess... Hi Sweetie!! Thanks...I'm looking forward to POSTING them for you!!

ead79~ My face is HAPPY to see your big SMILE! I read this thread more often than I was able to post. So, I was always WITH YOU in thought. Thanks again, for the warm welcome home.

I'll update you all later, as I call DB @ Midnight this eve, after he has "hunkered~down" with the doggies and wife. At least my MIL may have a reprieve in Punta Gorda! She was SLAMMED by Charley, and still has no power. I'll write details of that a bit later as well.

Love, HUGS and kisses to you all...always,

TTFN...DF99