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

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DutchsMommy We let our planner make our transportation arrangements. Jim and I have a town car and Jimmy with everyone else will have a limo. I figured if the IPO reccommends them they must be good. It is Trio Trans Limo service. They are aslo ver reasonable.
 
AKL concierge experts:

We leave in 4 days for our first-ever concierge stay. We will be at AKL and are wondering if you have any "don't miss" advice for the lodge in general or concierge. We do have reservations for dinner at Jikos our first night and the Sunrise Safari on Tuesday.

Thank you for any and all replies! We are SOOO EXCITED!!!

:hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:
 
:( Dh informed me last night his Christmas work schedule is different than expected.

We have to move our AKL Cl trip to January. He has the weekend and Monday of the MLK holiday off. This trip would fall during our daughter's birthday.

So, no Christmas Day safari. He said to go without him. No way!

Is WDW usually busy the weekend of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday? He happens to get that day off.

Now I get to go call Andrea and tell her to cancel our Mouseketree. :(
 
Floridafam - I'm so sorry! What a bummer! :worried: :sad:

KerryCM- You have a wonderful time on your trip & Happy Anniversary!

Steveanddonna - You have a great trip, too!

Who else am I missing? Don't be shy, speak up! Have a fab-u-lous time at WDW!!!!

LA Tigger - First, Welcome to the Lounge! Your request would be the first I've heard. I'm not sure if IPO would take care of that? They may refer you to mousekeeping and they may just note it on your reservation. The other LLs would have to speak up on that one.

akghutton - Welcome to the Lounge, too! I'm not an "expert," but do not miss. I repeat, do not miss: 1) Breakfast at Boma's (we're going to have dinner there are next trip, but I'm sure its wonderful, too) and 2) Night vision goggles view of the animals after dark at the Arusha Rock.

Don't you worry your pretty little head about knowing where to go for these things, they give you a map of the resort and all you have to do is go straight out the back of the lobby to get to the Arusha Rock. To find the restaurants...just follow your nose...mmmm, mmmm.

They also have neat nook and cranny type porches with rocking chairs that you can just sit outside sipping on a drink and people/animal watch. I had a great view from my balcony so during nap times, I'd hang out on it until it was time to wake the boys up.

Have a terrific time at AKL! :wave2:
 

DutchsMommy - We've always used Tiffany Towncar, and have had great service from them. Their phone-answering skills aren't upbeat and warm, but they are professional and we've never waited for our driver at MCO or the resorts. Very satisfied with their service.

akghutton - We looooove AKL, and I second everything VAgal mentioned. I'd like to add, don't miss the Storytelling at the Arusha Firepit, the Cultural Safari was very interesting, Boma at dinner is about the best buffet on property. You're gonna love this resort, it has such a warm and inviting atmosphere, and it's so far out of the norm. If you have younger kids (mine are all teens!) they have quite a selection of activities for them - just check the board in the lobby! Ohhh, just talking about it makes me want to head down there right now!!:teeth::wave:

floridafam - How disappointing for you, it's really hard to postpone a trip you've made so many plans for. I'm not sure how crowded it is during MLK's birthday weekend, but I'm sure it's not as crowded as Christmas!:eek: I hope you and your family have a wonderful time, anyway!!:hug: BTW, how's that baby doing?!
 
Me, me , me - over here (raising hand frantically)! I'm leaving Saturday and have not packed a thing. Yikes!! My mom and dad arrive here tomorrow (mom is getting her hair "done") and then we are off to the world Saturday. We are staying at the Poly just the first night (great rate!) so we can have dinner at Ohana and watch Wishes from the beach.

KerryCM , I'll be thinking about you at Spectro! Happy Annie and enjoy all the magical surprises!

We move to BCV on Sunday and will be at MNSSHP Sunday night, too. I'll look for you and lindseypol! Thursday, we move to the 2-bedroom suite at GF! Can't wait. And watching my dad as the veteran of the day at the flag ceremony just might me the highlight of our trip!

steveanddonna , have a great time too! The weather looks good and it's turing cold here so I can't wait to get on that plane. But first I guess I'd better start packing!!! Wish me luck. If only the rest of my family could figure out how to pack a suitcase!
 
Originally posted by #1hockeymom

Just to reiterate, yes, Breathless is the chriscraft boat that you may rent for illuminations! It is a beautiful boat! My great grandpa had one of those out on one of the finger lakes *have no idea which one as I didn't "read" back then! :) I do remember the boat, though!


My DF HAS this Runabout (same one...only an ORIGINAL as opposed to a replica)! He's had it since I was about 7, and he also took it for runs on the Upstate NY Fingerlakes!! Seneca was our favorite, and we would "open her up" as we came into the clear on this massive lake! But we cruised Keuka, Canandaigua and Cayuga too. What a thrill...I even took the wheel quite a few times as a teen. We also took her out on Lake Michigan, and Torch Lake when we visited family in the summer. ;) Upstate NY is where my parents reside, and call home. Pure...God's country. ::yes:: I used to hike Watkin's Glen in the summers, and learned so much about the Iroquois nation and all the Indian tribes which inhabited the region. Which lake did you play on with your GP?

So...each summer when I see "Breathless" cutting across the lake outside my suite...I immediately think of my DF & DM. They LOVE this woodie, aptly named after my DM (nickname). What a sweet toy to have!! I guess I never truly knew just HOW special it was, until I was older. :cool: DH & I would love to have one, to spin around Lake Tahoe with in the summer. Perhaps...we will! ;)

Today is GIRLS DAY OUT!!! DD has no school, so we are scheduled to arrive at the DAY SPA in two hours, for LOADS of fun...including massages, hair coloring for DD (to highlight and even tones), pedicures/manicures, facials, lunch...and a special "treatment" (part of the surprise!). Ahhh...the perks of being a lady. I'm having my hair washed, trimmed and styled...but STILL washed it in the shower this am! I also scrubbed my feet and heels, even though I'm scheduled for a pedi! LOL...why is it I feel the need to do such things? Does anyone else do this? I removed all my old polish too... :p Just can't stop myself. It's part of the same reason I MAKE MY BED in my suite each am, and clean the room...placing the used towels neatly in a pile in the bathtub before leaving. On the plane, as the flight attendant hands me the hot wash cloth prior to dining, I always "fold" it neatly before handing it back to her (she takes it with tongs...LOL). I watched DD do the same thing this summer! I'm RUBBING-OFF on her. :rolleyes:

Enjoy the day LL's...and all the PLANNING going into the fabulous upcoming trips!!

TTFN...DF99 :wave2:
 
k&a&c'smom,

The baby is fine. I have terrible headaches all the time but I am hoping that goes away soon. I had an ultrasound last week and saw arms and legs and a head. It was wonderful.

I can't complain too much about having to change our trip. DH is working a lot of overtime right now and I sure like that when pay day comes around.

Plus, we just put an offer in on a house so we may have our home by Christmas.

Thanks. I'm going to try and get everything switched around right now. :D
 
Minniesota - You just have a Magical time at WDW!!!!! princess: I can feel your excitement. Can't stop that ear to ear grin can you?

k&a&c'smom - Oooohhhh - I missed storytelling during our first visit. We are coming in on Friday and have made it nothing but a "resort" day. I've been trying to get DH to let me book the early am flight just so I can have more time in the lodge. :teeth:

DF - I know what you need....another daughter to dote on princess: . You know, I'm sure all of us ladies are available - LOL! A day at the spa sounds so inviting. I'm waiting for December for our ladies day at the spa here for our Christmas party. :hyper: It's a formal affair and we typically stay overnight and make a total evening out of it. By the way, yes, I wash my hair before going to the hairdresser, I do pull over the covers on the bed but do not completely make it up and I do put used towels in a neat pile for housekeeping. I don't want them to think I'm pig pen when they come into the room. :earseek: You got me on the folding the wash cloth thing, but I don't think it's overboard.

I hope the Breathless is done by next summer....I have plans for it. ::yes::
 
Hi, I am a lounge lizard too...We stayed at AKL in a 1 br suite in Feb. 2003 w/ 3 young boys and I thought CL was the best w/ kids for quick meals/snacks!

I am dying to stay RPC GF next Nov. Anyone have reports from their stays there? I have read a lot of posts but can't read anymore now!!;)

I haven't read much of anything on the GF.

Thanks!!
 
We are spending 5 nights in GF RPC in mid November. After that, I should be able to answer at least some of your questions. For now I can tell you that I've been pleased with the concierge staff so far.
 
Thanks for the well wishes everyone. It is not my anniversary though! That won't happen until Feb. 18th. Then it will be 33 wonderful years!!!!
I will make sure I bring back a very detailed report about everything. I am looking forward to the Food and Wine fest and the Halloween party with Madyson. I ordered Carri's mother a chocolate slipper for her birthday. that will be served at tea on Friday. I have decided on private dining for Jim and me on our balcony one evening. These last minute plans are fun.
 
KerryCM-Have a great trip. Can't wait to hear your surprise.
FloridaFam-sorry you had to change your dates for AKL. I know how that goes. I had to do that last year with our trip. Doesn't work know how important Disney is?:mad:
Well, its another crazy day here. My DD still has the crud-yuck. I need to start packing soon. Why I am always last minute? I'm sure I won't pack until a few days before just to make my life crazy...
 
Thanks Disneynotes,

I will anxiously be awaiting your report. I hope you have a grand time! Wish I was going this November to GF. Although we are going to Saratoga Springs Resort right before x-mas this year, so I guess I can't complain.
 
Hello to all the lizards. I am new to this thread and I am hoping all you nice folks can help me.

I am staying at the WL CL and YC CL in about 4 weeks. I have read a lot about what is offered in the lounge at the YC, but what does the WL offer? Do they have the nightly desserts and cordials? Any help would be great.

I am eagerly awaiting our trip and the opportunity to become an official "lizard".

::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo pirate: pirate: pirate:
 
Welcome to the lounge, Mickey Fliers! :wave:

The WL is full concierge, but they really don't have a 'lounge' like other deluxes have. Yes, they have desserts and cordials at the WL. I'm not sure how their offerings compare to other lounges, I've only experienced WL and AKL CL. Someone else will have to help in the department of food as I don't take good notes. I just know we didn't have anything bad while we were there. Although, WL had some delicious sugar cookies. I believe they may even made be better than my DH's....but don't tell him that. :eek:

We'd like to hear about your experience when you get back so please post at least a mini-review when you return. There's been a few uh-oh's at the WL and we'd like to be kept posted to see if they've improved.

The WL resort is nice but the rooms are showing some age. You'll find the rooms at the WL are smaller than the YC so be prepared for that. The WL restaurants are wonderful and I really did enjoy the boat ride to MK. The pool is nicely themed and we thought the lodge and grounds were beautiful. We did take a LONG stroll to the campground and even saw some deer on the way. Of course we took the boat ride back to the WL from the campground since there was a storm approaching. ;) At least I got a chance to walk off that big dinner we had at AP. :p

Stick around for the 411 on the concierge lounges around the world. We have a friendly group on this thread that are just a wealth of information. ::yes:: :wave2:

Oh, boy, do I really have that LONG to go before returning? :confused: :( :earseek: I don't know if I'll be able to stand it. :o
 
I was thinking about your headaches and I just wanted to let you know that when I was pg I got alot too, and realized it was because I wasn't drinking enough water and was dehydrated (just a bit), so once I increased my water intake I was OK. I just wanted to mention it to you, just in case, although you have probably already thought of this.

Take care,

Sarah
 
queenof4hearts, here is a re-post of my review from my stay at the GF main bldg. concierge from last December--hope it helps!

"Grand Floridian Honeymoon Turret Room #4330—

We checked in to our room in the morning around 11:00 and were pleasantly surprised to find that our room was ready. We were actually moving from a different honeymoon room at the Grand Floridian, so we could go directly to the concierge desks to check in. My DH handled checking in while I got some of my stuff together to move rooms, but he said it went very smoothly. Our room was so pretty! The turret honeymoon rooms are really unique, and I love the layout of the room. The room has a sitting area with a couch, chair, coffee table, entertainment center, and table with two chairs. On another wall of the room there is a desk and chair. The opposite wall from the desk has a wet bar area with a stocked minibar. The bed is king-sized and has a very pretty floral bedspread. The room is decorated in pastel blues, yellows, greens, and pinks that all come together very nicely. The vanity area has a marble countertop and two sinks, as well as a makeup mirror and a speaker so you can hear the TV from the vanity area. The toilet and shower are in a room of their own. French doors lead from the vanity area to the HUGE walk-in closet. I have never seen a closet that large in a resort room! There are also several drawers and a large safe in the closest. Our turret room was located towards the front side of the Grand Floridian. Our views were of the Grand Floridian itself, the monorail, and the Polynesian Resort and Wedding Pavilion. It was a very pleasant view. Since the turret rooms have windows on several sides of the hexagonal room, there are no balconies.

The concierge lounge is located on the 4th floor of the main building, and it’s very spacious. There is a beverage service area, a children’s food area, and the regular food service area on one end of the lounge area. There is a television with a sitting area surrounding it, and there are many sitting areas scattered across part of the 4th floor. There are also chairs and tables around the main lobby area, which are great places to sit during the evening and listen to the orchestra perform. The only food service times we were there for were midday snacks, evening appetizers, and evening desserts and cordials. The food offerings are relatively “upscale” and might not be ideal for picky eaters. Also, there are not as many choices as I have seen at some of the other concierge lounges. Midday snacks consisted of cookies and beverages. Bottled water and soft drinks are available, but you must ask the concierge lounge attendant to get them for you, as they are not out on the beverage area. Evening appetizers consisted of a vegetable tray, a fruit tray, crackers and cheese, and one hot appetizer. We are very picky eaters, so we found the evening appetizers that we cared for to be a little bit sparse. On the other hand, the evening desserts were outstanding! There was a large variety of miniature desserts, and they were delicious. They had pumpkin pie squares, éclairs, chocolate mousse squares, and chocolate covered strawberries. Unfortunately, they did not put out enough chocolate covered strawberries, and some guests were a bit selfish. They only put out about 10 at a time, and I saw one guest take 6 for herself alone. Oh well, I tried one, so I was happy.

The concierge staff sits at desks on the third floor. They were wonderfully friendly and helpful during our visit. They often greeted us by name, and they were always ready to assist us. I had heard some negative reports about GF main building concierge, but we certainly did not experience that at all. They seemed happy to have us staying with them.

As far as the Grand Floridian resort in general goes, we love the convenience and amenities of this resort. The monorail is terrific, providing quick access to the Magic Kingdom and to Epcot. We got refillable mugs at Gasparilla Grill and Games, and found them to be worth their weight in gold. Since the refill location is convenient, we definitely got our money’s worth from the mugs. Plus, they make nice souvenirs. The lobby is gorgeous, especially at Christmas time. It was decorated exquisitely, and it looked gorgeous. The only thing we weren’t prepared for were the crowds at the GF in the evening. At the holidays, this resort really draws a crowd. In the evenings there were tons of people touring the lobby and seeing the huge gingerbread house and the gigantic tree. We were very glad to have a place to sit and listen to the orchestra in the concierge lounge, because we definitely could not have found a spot in the lobby sitting areas.
My overall impression of the Grand Floridian is very favorable. I felt truly pampered to be staying here, and we had a wonderful visit. Our room was exactly what we had hoped for, and the concierge staff was extremely friendly. I would stay there again without hesitation."

GF Pictures
 
Originally posted by floridafam
:( Dh informed me last night his Christmas work schedule is different than expected.

We have to move our AKL Cl trip to January. He has the weekend and Monday of the MLK holiday off. This trip would fall during our daughter's birthday.

So, no Christmas Day safari. He said to go without him. No way!

Is WDW usually busy the weekend of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday? He happens to get that day off.

Now I get to go call Andrea and tell her to cancel our Mouseketree. :(

I'm so sorry! I know how disappointing this must be.
 
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