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

[johnsonet]

floridafam I think it was "meant to be" that you got BWI It's amazing
We had a standard concierge room. We were 2 women in our thirties and 2 girls ages 6 and 7. There was no problem with room size. But Deluxe couldn't hurt
I think any room would be great in CL but we did enjoy being next to the lounge
We walked past the Steeplechase Suite one afternoon and the door was opened and I just about drooled! This suite will be mine one day! Maybe for my birthday but I find it hard to break away from my beloved AKL
Request Boardwalk view for a fab view of the Epcot resorts and a lively atmosphere - garden view if you want more serenity and, perhaps, a view of some of IllumiNations...of course, you can always enjoy it from the Lounge

 

[ead79]

floridafam, I stayed in a garden suite at the BWI for part of my honeymoon. They are not close to the lounge since they are entered via outside entrances with little courtyards. Actually, the funny thing is that you are very close to the lounge--our suite was just under it and to the right. But, unless they start letting you shimmy up the gutters or something, it is a bit of a walk to the lounge. To get to the lounge from the suite, you take a short walk up to the staircase that leads to the lobby level, then you take the elevators to the concierge floor and walk down the hallway to the lounge.

I will say that in our opinion the quaint charm of the garden suite definitely outweighed the distance to the lounge. We loved the room, and we can hardly wait to return. The setup is very nice, making the suite quite spacious. Plus, there's just nothing as nice as having two bathrooms (one is a half bath).

Here is a link to my pictures, if it helps you decide:

BWI Garden Suite Pictures

 

[TammiMcMan]

That would have been a great arrival idea (boat rental certificates) and I should have saved that, BUT I have already mentioned that we'd get them the unlimited package. They are dying to try out the new boats. (It's been 2 years since we've stayed in the GF.)

You might want to check with the GF on the new boat policy. I believe that they have the faster speed boats and because of this, they require someone with a drivers license to be in the boat.

Tammi

 

[floridafam]

johnsonet and ead79,

Thanks.

There is a garden suite available but I am a little concerned with a 5 yr old and an 8 yr old-and I'll be 6 months pregnant then. I'll probably need the exercise.

I also notice there is a 2 br suite available at the BWI-this is different than the Sonora or Steeplechase Suites. Does anyone know anything about this suite?

Thanks again!!!

 

[DisneyNotes]

Yes, you are right. 16 or over with a valid license in the boat, but 12 or over can drive. That's what the GF marina number had on the recording and I also pressed 0 to talk to a real person and they confirmed this. That new policy will work for my teenagers and DH can drive for my youngest. He likes the boats as much as the kids. I can hit the spa! One more thing, they did mention that the driver for the pontoon boat had to be at least 18. Thought that might be of interest.

 

[samnbilly]

johnsonet-would you mind if I asked what type of in room gifts you got for your kids? I was thinking of doing this for my kids they are 5 and 8.
Boy, all of this talk of suites is making me feel like I haven't lived! Maybe I should join you LL for the meet.
I am so excited to try something new-BC here we come. Now, when those AP's are burning a hole in my pocket-where should I stay-AKL,BWI,WL,YC-oh decision, decisions. Can you squeeze a little Bailey's out of that bottle for me?
I feel like I've been slacking with my planning. With both of my kids finally in school, I've been doing things I haven't really been able to do-lunch with friends,shopping, etc. I need to e-mail Alana TODAY! I'm still trying to think of something special to do with my DH for his b-day on Halloween. We'll be at the BC. Any suggestions?

 

[minniesota]

Good afternoon, LLs!

samnbilly - What happened to your GF plans? I see you are at BC in October. We will be at BCV and then a GF suite just before your arrival (16-23). I am still tweaking plans for mom and dad's 75th birthdays and can't wait to show them my favorite resort (GF)! Have fun celebrating with your family!

floridafam - I am also looking at BWI for my Dec. trip with DH (celebrating our 15th). I have a garden suite reserved but am wondering about deluxe concierge because of the view and proximity to the lounge.

Update for all of you: DH (non-Disney lover) who said "Just book whatever you want, honey, but maybe get that concierge thingie" now suddenly has an opinion. I told him I was thinking about splitting our stay between BC CL and AKL CL. "But honey," he says. "can't we just stay at one resort and get a suite or something with more room?" Soooooo...

On the phone with CRO this a.m. and have a BWI garden suite reserved and am also looking at the BW deluxe CL room. (I love a balcony!) The deluxe room looks like it has a separate sitting area which he likes and it would be closer to the lounge. BUT it is our anniversary so maybe the garden suite would be more romantic. Any opinions?

 

[samnbilly]

minniesota-I'm still going to GF-I just shortened my stay there. We will be at the GF from 10/23-10/28. Maybe I'll pass you in the lobby. I wanted to try something new (see how you DIS people have corrupted me) So we will be at the BC from 10/28-11/1. What kind of suite will you be in? What is going on at the GF on Oct.23? It is booked. I can't switch my first night. I have LV booked but we will be in SL from 10/24-10/28. I'm hoping someone will cancel before I get there and I can pay to upgrade.
Have you ever stayed at BWI before? I came SO close this time to booking it. I'm already thinking where I'm staying next and I haven't even left yet.

 

[johnsonet]

Originally posted by samnbilly
johnsonet-would you mind if I asked what type of in room gifts you got for your kids? I was thinking of doing this for my kids they are 5 and 8.

samnbilly The first time I did this was at AKL in October 2003 - our first CL stay and it was at AKL Lion King was being released on DVD for the first time the week before we arrived and so I sort of made this my "theme" (especially since we were at AKL)
Don, Alana (then at AKL IPO) and Andrea helped me with the gifts: The DVD, a Safari Minnie, and girlie stuff: they had a Princess coloring book, cool twist crayons, an AKL pin, a twirly Tink light toy (the one DD always wants and I never buy!), chocolate coins...they also added a signed photo of Safari Minnie on the Arusha Savanna Overlook and a few other goodies...it was awesome! They also had special things waiting for my parents...
This July, at BWI CL, Alana again helped me. The day we checked in was DNiece's 6th birthday. I knew she wanted to get the Cinderella costume during our trip and I knew DD(7) wanted the Snow White costume and wig. So when we walked into our room they had a magical surprise! The costumes for the girls- with wigs and accessories, BWI pins for each, chocolate princess coins for each; A Birthday cake with balloons, party hats, candles and matches (!!) and signed photos for the girls from Mickey and Minnie - were all waiting! It was really one of the highlights of our trip! Definitely for DN and DD! Now I'm addicted to arranging in-room gifts!!
It's so much fun

 

[samnbilly]

Thanks johnsonet-did you get the gifts through a florist or how did Alana help you get them,pick them out,etc. I need to e-mail her again, but today was one of our big gymnastics days. I kind of feel like I should be #1gymnastic diva mom instead of samnbilly. Those gifts sound so cool. I feel like i'm more excited than them. Have you stayed at GF before? I must say the BC IPO has blown GF IPO right out of the water.

 

[samnbilly]

Duh-just saw your signature-you've stayed there a lot. Where did you stay there?

 

[minniesota]

samnbilly - We are staying in a 2-bedroom suite (I hope with a lagoon view for my mom and dad!) I don't know what is going on the 23rd - maybe the golf tourney folks? - we check out on the 23rd. Maybe you'd like our suite?

No, we have not been to BWI and I'm a little nervous. I really want to convince DH that Disney is a fabulous place to vacation with or without the kids. He likes GF and I could only get LV there so I'm hoping that concierge will convert him!

Anybody have any input on the garden suites vs. deluxe CL?

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

Liz, sounds great! What kinds of things did she find for your parents? Am looking for ideas there.

(am also looking for the terrific debbart if anyone sees her!)

Pass the squeezable Baileys please.

 

[johnsonet]

I have stayed at GF many times but never RPC and only once Lodge Concierge. that was before I "got it" (We usually stay in Lagoon view and I request Boca Chica).
The first time I did the gifts, I knew to ask about it b/c of this board And I knew it was pretty commonplace. Plus, AKL IPO was receptive and ran with it. They did it all! Disney Florist was not involved. I told Don the very first time I spoke w/ him on the phone that I was interested in having some gifts waiting in the room for my DD and my parents. All they needed was ideas and a CC#
It is so much fun and definitely a lot of fun for me
For my December trip I am thinking of getting the Mouseketree Christmas tree and Debbie gave me the awesome idea of having one/some of the African drums from Zawadi Marketplace waiting...can't tell you what a perfect gift this will be for DD
Have fun planning and I am happy to answer any questions. Are your children boys, girls or both ?

CaliforniaDreamer : I had a gift certificate for a massage at the AKL Fitness Center waiting for my mom; and I had pre-booked the date and time so she just had to show up For my dad, the shopaholic, I had Disney Dollars and also an AKL T-shirt. They loved it!

 

[VAgal76]

minniesota - IMO, the garden suites are definitely more romantic than the deluxe rooms at BWI. Your king size bed is up in the loft where a master bath with a whirpool tub awaits you. There is a TV armoire upstairs if you really need it. Downstairs is a sitting area with pull out sofa and another TV Armoire. These suites are beautifully decorated and just plum relaxing. There are some pictures linked on this board somewhere...I'm really sorry, but I haven't done a search to point you in the right direction. It has been a while since I've been on, but I do know the photos exists!!!! From the other posters, the stroll to the lounge is definitely worth it. The garden suite is on my list to of to do's, but it's not in the cards for this trip with MIL & SIL.

DF - Thanks for the insight on GF suites! I'm definitely scheduling spa treatments! I'm taking one full day at GF to simply hang out and relax - no parks, no to do's. Relax meaning massage, treats, nap and shop. Hmmmm, in suite treatments.....you've got my attention. My MIL loves manicures, but I haven't gotten her to take her shoes off for pedicure. She is funny about her feet! At her request, I've explained to her about 10 times what they do for a massage. I'm a little modest, but you take me times 400 and then you get my MIL in the modesty department. There is a glimer of hope as she has not completely rejected the spa treatment idea. I'm wondering if I arranged an in suite treatment if it would persuade her a little more to give it a try. She just has no idea what she's missing. I took her for her first manicure and she loved it. I think that's why she's seriously contemplating the idea. I didn't let her down on the manicure so why not trust me on this? She needs pampering more than any of us. She simply deserves it. I know I can fall back on a facial and manicure for her if she bails on me at the last minute. I've got time to work on her so I'll just keep thinking good thoughts. Maybe I'll try to take her to a local day spa in hopes to get her "hooked."

Floridafam- Boy, I have been gone a while - Congrats on your soon to be new addition ! We need a stork for occassions such as this. A new little cutie - aaawww!

LL's - Fear no more, I've arrived and I've brought a few bottles of Bailey's with me. You will not have to squeeze the Bailey's tonight...However, tomorrow may be a different story - LOL!

 

[samnbilly]

I have a 5 y.o DD and an 8 y.o. son. I think my DD will be a little easier because she likes a lot of girlie things, but my son seems to live for Pokemon. Its totally beyond me. I don't even understand it. They are both very excited, they ask me everyday to look at our Counter! I have never stayed LV before but I'm hoping that if I can't upgrade at check-in I can at least get a MK view. That would be wonderful. That's the one thing I will miss about the main bldg-we had the most perfect MK view of the castle from our room. It was breathtaking. I put the kids to bed and just sat out on the balcony-with my Bailey's of course-and just took in the sounds and the view of the MK. I just didn't want to splurge this time on the Main bldg. Its a hard thing once you go concierge-I can't go back! I even have my DH hooked. I've changed my ressie's so many times. Then you hear all of these wonderful things about the other resorts and it makes me want to see them too.-Stacey

 

[johnsonet]

One thing that is absolutely SO CUTE is the Alice in Wonderland costume We saw it on our July trip for the very first time. The only place we saw it was in Sandy Cove at the GF...it must be strategically positioned for all the girls who do the Wonderland Tea Party... Anyway, DD and DN went nuts for it - too bad I'd already arranged for some different costumes Anyway, samnbilly your DD would probably be in Heaven with that - especially if she is also going to the Tea party(we haven't done it...)
Not having a boy, it is hard for me to give advice on boy stuff at Disney...hopefully someone else can. Your trip sounds awesome! I wouldn't worry too much about your view, although I DO understand. But one of our favorite rooms was a "garden view" of the Main Building and "Quiet" pool. It was especially beautiful at night!

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

Liz maybe they've got some Africa earplugs too?
Seriously, it all sounds wonderful. VAGAL - my problem is like yours. My MIL has refused massages and facials at other spas before. I think it's much more common for women to do this now than in her day. When I think of all the old movies with men getting massages at their clubs but rarely women (except for Kate Hepburn in Pat and Mike but then she was pro tennis player).

I've seen some pics of the Zawadi Marketplace but would like to see more of their inventory. Any links?

 

[Steffy]

room wave!!!


VaGal So good to see your typeface around here! Plan away!

DF I can't wait to see the rest of your blackmail photos! Riding the ankole! Oh my!!!

Floridafam BWI good choice!! I have some friends who are coming just for Christmas who will be staying there.... so I'll get to look around!!

BTW, thanks for the Baileys in bottles VaGal!! But I am so tired, I'm just going to get a squeeze and go to bed....

But I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to get my Liberty Tree Tavern ps either......

 

[ead79]

minniesota, I posted a link to my pictures of a BWI garden suite on page 146 of this thread. I have never done deluxe concierge there, but I will say that we thought the garden suite was extremely romantic. Honestly, we just loved it.