How many of ya'll been "bitten" by the Concierge "bug"!

[VAgal76]

Hi, Keriannhoward & MaryKatesMom!

I've learned one thing, don't take all the reviews to heart or might miss out on a great time! You might have an "oops" here or there, but overall it seems people are extremely happy with their experiences. Like Bambi said, YC lost her room but they still accommodated her.

k&a&c'smom- yeah, what is with the tidbit on the "smell" of the Poly - LOL? I plan to make another trip and do Poly/GF CL split trip or Poly/BWI CL split trip. I'm hoping I can pull through for an mini October trip, but it's only being bounced around right now. I need to get DH there so it'll be hook, line and sinker!

Mom_Rules - Scorpion? Hmmmm, maybe he snuck in to experience WDW? Sorry, couldn't resist! That must've scared the jeepers out of them. I think I'd rather see a roach than a scorpion. Although, roaches in Texas can be just as scary! I don't think I've read where anyone on CL at any of the resorts have experienced any bug problems. Maybe it was just a fluke thing?

Well, you folks make it a great one today!

 

[mom_rules]

We hope it was a fluke-not that our kids will ever stay in an AllStar again. The only problem was that there were WDW Pest Management Control trucks in the parking lot the whole 10 days we were there. Kinda makes you think?!?!?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Are scorpions native to FL? Or was it a hitchhiker, do you think?!

VAgal76 - That trip you're bouncin' around sounds great - DD and I want to make another trip over the summer, but with DS getting married in July, it may have to be a "budget" trip. Will I lose my lizard status, do you think?!

 

[mom_rules]

I did some checking on the internet and there are a few breeds of scorpions native to Florida. Thankfully most are not the deadly kind - more like a bee sting type kind (didn't know this at the time though). If you have a reaction to bee stings-you may have a reaction to this type of scorpion sting.

 

[VAgal76]

Well thank goodness the scorpions aren't deadly!

k&a&c'smom - Wedding or trip to WDW - CL...Wedding or trip to WDW - CL? One must ponder. Just joshin' you. I know your DS's wedding is far more important. However, maybe if you play your cards right you won't loose that lizard status and have your cake and eat it too so to speak.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Sarha-I went to Poly for the first time in Oct 2002 while I was pregnant with baby #3. I was nervous before the trip because I had read lots of mixed reviews but I did not notice any smell and I was VERY sensitive at the time. I loved it so much that I went back in Jan and am trying to figure out how I can convince DH to go this Nov along with our already planned Oct 05 trip.....You will love the large rooms and the CL.

Keriannhoward-its probably a 5 minute (or less) walk to the from the CL to the MK monorail and a 10-15 minute walk to the Epcot monorail. I would think you'd also like the zero entry pool at the Poly for your 2 year old. The weather can be fickle in the winter but I've been in Dec 3 times and it was warm enough to swim all 3 times. I have also read that you don't always need to fold your stroller for the boat from MK to WL.

WoodysRoundup-congrats on your new trip. How exciting! I haven't figured out how to tell my DH that I want to go this year. I figure if he gives me a hard time about it I'll tell him I'ld like to go without him-he'd NEVER let me take his kids on a plane without him! He's such a worrier. He's a stay at home Dad and doesn't think I can handle the kids! You, your Mom, and kids will have a blast "researching" for your December trip! Your new graphic looks great!

Mamatinks-what a great story!

Mom_rules-what fun for your DS. My DS celebrated his 3rd birthday at Disney. He was afraid of the candles on his 2nd birthday cake but this year he really enjoyed both cakes-party at Crystal Palace and surprise in the room at Poly-the noise makers were a huge hit!

#1hockeymom-so glad you got to visit your Ankole family!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

VAgal76 - you made me LOL!! I'm waiting for those codes to come out for late summer. DD is starting HS this fall, I didn't mind her missing out on Middle School classes (she gets mostly A's anyway,) but her HS GPA will affect her college entry. Also, in our school district, the MS alternates days of classes (4 classes per day, every other day) so if they have a 3-day weekend, and we take an extra 2 days, she's only missed one day of classes, see what I mean? But, they are changing for next year, and they will go back to the 7-class/day schedule, so that will make it harder to catch up on homework. Soooo, it would be easier to go during the summer, I just have to figure out how to do it, and when. DS's wedding is in July, and they move to college in Aug.

If we get a code for value season, that CL will probably call my name, know what I'm sayin'?!! We'll see!

 

[lovesdumbo]

k&a&c'smom-I know just what your saying....I'm trying to figure out just how to hint to DH that I want to go this year TOO. My DD starts Kindergarten in Sept and I went to a parent orientation last week and they said that by the end of Kindergarten children will be able to identify a books title, author, illustrator, a fiction/nonfiction/biography/animation....and I'm thinking "hey why do they need to understand animation? If she finds out its just a bunch of drawn pictures she won't believe that Pooh is really Pooh and then how long before Cinderella....." SO....we've just got to go this year while she still believes....

It really is a slippery slope planning these trips. I just had to go in Oct 02 with her while pregnant with baby #3 because I figured we wouldn't go with all 3 til at least 2006 but then I had to go in Jan before DS turned 3 (so he'd be free) and we already have a trip planned for 2005......and I had to go in 2001 without them because I couldn't wait til 2006 and I had to go pregnant in 1998 because......

I'm hoping I can convince DH how much easier it will be this year-only 1 in diapers, only 1 needs sippy cup, no bottles, no baby food, bring just the single stroller, only 1 car seat on the plane.....and DH already knows the layout of the Poly......OH please let him feel the magic.....

 

[VAgal76]

I'm in the same boat trying to schedule around DS. That school 4 class alternating schedule sounds pretty darn good to me. It's shame they are changing it . Why mess with something that works ? DS doesn't tend to miss a lot of school, but has a weird medical condition called cyclitic vomiting syndrome. It only happens about late October until the beginning of January. He gets sick in the morning just for a few hours and then is perfectly fine after a nap. It can come from being excited or stress, but it ONLY happens during those months. It wasn't too bad this past year with only a few episodes and he should be growing completely out of it in the next couple of years. Year after year it gets notably better! Hence, it's debatable on whether we would be able to take a trip. Sprinkle some of that PD my way!!!!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Welcome all new lounge lizards! Welcome to one of the two best threads on the DIS!

YES! My ankole family was there, and baby has grown so big and strong! I am very proud of him!

The Poly is definitely on our list now that we've visited while going to Ohana's! We were humming the Brady Bunch song while walking around the longhouses, but the lobby is just gorgeous! Had it not been so late I would have asked if we could have a tour of one of the rooms. DS wanted to know if the pool had a waterfall ala the Swan/Dolphin's Grotto pool.

Note to everyone>> Please remember getting a taxi is always an option! Town car and a few taxi rides is still cheaper than a little tiny baby car for the week! We went to Winter/Summerland for a round of minigolf before watching Fantasmic one of the nights there. Turns out you can't get to MGM from minigolf! We just called a cab, and ended up "adopting" a lady from England and her son who were heading to the same place.

PD moment (one of many)>> Going to Ohana's... We decided that the first bus to come, either EPCOT or MK would have us on it, and we would monorail on over. EPCOT came first and just us and two boys were on the bus. THe driver ended up driving us right up to the POLY! We tried tipping... we tried tipping THREE times! Finally DH literally threw the money in the drivers lap and hopped off the bus as quick as he could! I forgot to catch the driver's name, but I do know he was originally from Haiti as we were talking with him the entire ride.

Still doing laundry, down one kid as DS is off to camp. Have a wonderful night, everyone!
Debbie

 

[k&a&c'smom]

lovesdumbo - you are sooo right!! Last March, I told DH that DD and I wanted to go during Spring Break, when the weather was beautiful - first time not during the heat. Then, I said we needed to go during the Christmas season, so we could see the decorations. Then, we needed to go in April, DD's school did not have Spring Break this year, and we wanted to go before school was out, weather, etc., etc.! Now, I'm not sure how to say "Well, we went during the beautiful weather, but now we want to go in the summer, too!" I think he's given up on us!! BTW, I had to laugh at your description of your DH, not thinking you could manage your own kids!! My DH is the same way, he's not a stay-at-home Dad, but he owns his own business and so has been the one to take the kids to school, etc. as I worked out of town.

VAgal76 - Yeah, that school schedule was really great!! The HS did a variation of it, the first 1/2 the year they did 4 classes, second 1/2 the other 4, so they got 8 classes/year instead of 7. And, they got 90 minutes classtime per class each day. We're about the only district in MO that does it this way, I don't know about other states. But, budget cuts means fewer teachers, means cutting out classes.

Debbie - Sounds like you need to plan a trip to the Poly CL! The concierge staff there is awesome, almost as good as AKL!! What a great story about the bus driver, especially after a few posts about surly drivers!!

 

[steveanddonna]

Originally posted by keriannhoward
OK-here's my question. I'm currently planning on just a quick 3 night trip for MVMCP this December 2nd-5th. It will be myself, DH, DD 13 and DS 2 at the time. DH wants to stay at Poly for the monorail access and I want to stay at WL for the ambiance.....Which would be the best for us out of either resort?

I'm with your DH - can't beat that monorail when you have toddlers along. Since MVMCP is at MK and ends fairly late in the evening, I think I'd opt for the Poly and the monorail. The decorations aren't as traditional as at WL, but you could always do dinner there and take a quick tour of the Lodge.

moldy Poly - I never understood that whole mold thing either. I'm sure some people have had a problem, but where in central Florida is absolutely free from mold? I'm allergic to 3 things - cigarette smoke, tree pollen & mold and I have never in all our stays experienced a problem with any of them at Poly CL. The worst thing we have ever had in our room was a palmetto bug, which freaked DH out more than me, 'cuz I grew up spending vacations in South Carolina and knew it wasn't a cockroach on steroids. We had a gregarious duck once, too pecking on our patio door when we had a first floor room, but he was pretty cute.

 

[hunnypotmama]

I just booked 7 nights (the 7 for 4 deal) at BC concierge!! For this October!!!! I'm so thrilled.

I checked with DH to make sure he could take time off from work for that week, but besides the fact that we're going *somewhere,* he knows NOTHING!!! He will be so shocked! We stayed at BCV once before and he absolutely loves that location. My kids (DD8 and DS4) will also be thrilled! They love Stormalong Bay...

Just had to share with the people I know would appreciate it!!

 

[goodferry]

hunnypotmama--how exciting for you! I would love to go in October, not so crowded from what I heard. Good luck keeping your secret.
We got a card from Goofy today and I can't share it with the kids you guys I almost broke down and told them, but then, our 8 year old ds has plans to visit a friend's house on Sat, and asked me 8 times today about when he was going and what he would be doing, and I thought, how much worse would this be if he knew we were going to WDW??
So I kept my mouth shut. It's so much fun to read about everyone's great trips, keep the stories and advice coming! I never even thought about taking a cab, what a great idea. We will not be renting a car this time, I will keep that in mind! Are there any cabs that accomodate 6?

 

[WoodysRoundup]

Originally posted by Majestic
Guru eh? Heh.

Well, I would have to say that all cortyard views are good regardless of location on the 7th floor. By courtyard there are actually two types. One is the main courtyard view which shows the main pool and the stream and waterfall. The other is the villas courtyard view which shows the quiet pool and the villas. I prefer the main view as you can see Bay Lake and the electric water pagent at night plus I love to hear the water running below.

If I remember correctly, the lower the last digits of the room number the further away you are from the lounge area. Example: If you were in 7037 you would be further away than if you were in 7067. Follow me? This is something I would ask the IPO about to make sure. (Tell them I said hi!)

I know that some rooms have bunks but not sure of numbers. Again, something the IPO could help you with.

If you want to check out room views, I have some posted at my website for WL pics. There is a balcony view area for you to check rooms on the 7th floor. (All start with a 7) 71xx is south wing closest to the villas and 70xx is the north wing closest to the MK. If you want a view of MK and Fireworks, you will need a 70xx room that is a Woodsview. Of course you gain and lose with this as you cannot see the lake or main pool area from a woodsview room. Some people prefer woodsview though too so it's hard to say.

Yes, all rooms on the 7th floor are non-smoking. No exceptions.

As for requests for the CL staff, I have said it before and will say it again here, my experiences with the EXCELLENT staff at WL CL is they will do anything within reason for you. I don't see a problem with them helping you get a Mother's Day gift in the room for your Mom.

To close, all of the staff on the floor there are wonderfull. They will take good care of you and your family. I stand behind that 100% and you can print that.

Fred

Fred, You are awesome. Thanks for all the tips! I'm so impressed...just made the ressies yesterday and IPO called me TODAY. You're right...they sound fabulous.

Any thoughts on whether or not you think the bunk beds would be comfortable for an adult? I want my Mom to have her own bed and my son sleeps on a twin. I DON'T want him to get used to needing me next to him to sleep since he just started in his "big boy bed" this week. That leaves the other bunk bed for me (daughter is still in crib). I was just wondering if the mattresses were uncomfortable for an adult in the bunks.

lovesdumbo... Thanks for all the sweet comments! I hope you convince your DH that you "need" a trip this year. I'm the worry wart in this family so I would never be able to see my DH and 2 kids get on a plane w/o me. DH always sees the positive in any given situation and doesn't think about the bad. He is glad we're going and wishes us a really great time. We'll miss him but will have a really special time with my Mom!

Our trip is TWO WEEKS away and some things have come up which are going to require me to be VERY busy right up until the day we leave. If anyone has suggestions about things I should include in this trip (ressies, research for our Dec. trip), I'd love to hear! If not, I'll enjoy reading about all your plans when I have the chance to log on!

Good night LIZARDS!!!!

 

[sojo33]

I have been so excited reading everyone's posts. The AKL concierge called our house this weekend because I had typed one digit wrong on the credit card and she wanted to confirm. I was really nervous that she told my husband about all the surprises that I have booked for the family, but he was totally oblivious. All he knows is that I gave the wrong credit card number to "Disney". I am so excited and I needed to post to see my counter

 

[VAgal76]

Sojo33 - I know what you mean on close calls. I've had a few myself.

Why on earth is this on page 2?

Woodysroundup - I think I read somewhere that the bunkbeds would be a bit of a crunch for an adult, but Fred can give a more definite answer. I guess it depends on how how tall and so forth.

All you lizards have a great day!!!

 

[Majestic]

You're making me blush. Glad that I can help. I gotta make use of all my stays at WL somehow I guess. Heh!

Can't help you with bunks though. Never had them. Better shoot this one off in the WL FAQ Forum on the resorts board. They may be able to help you better.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=509975

Take note that I am "almost" positive that you can make a request for a cot or rollaway bed of some type in a regular room. Might want to ask the IPO that one too. (BTW: Did you say hello for me??? Huh huh??? Well??? )

We are getting R-E-A-L-L-Y excited that our trip is soooo close! Can't wait to be sippin a pina colada while watching wishes from either the lounge or our room. Ahhhh....



Fred

Originally posted by WoodysRoundup
Fred, You are awesome. Thanks for all the tips! I'm so impressed...just made the ressies yesterday and IPO called me TODAY. You're right...they sound fabulous.

Any thoughts on whether or not you think the bunk beds would be comfortable for an adult? I want my Mom to have her own bed and my son sleeps on a twin. I DON'T want him to get used to needing me next to him to sleep since he just started in his "big boy bed" this week. That leaves the other bunk bed for me (daughter is still in crib). I was just wondering if the mattresses were uncomfortable for an adult in the bunks.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Originally posted by Majestic
We are getting R-E-A-L-L-Y excited that our trip is soooo close! Can't wait to be sippin a pina colada while watching wishes from either the lounge or our room. Ahhhh....



Fred [/B]

or a swing or hamock from the beach?

Woody'sRoundup-I think you can take the boat from WL to Ft. Wilderness-it might be fun to visit the petting zoo and though I haven't tried it yet I've read good things about the buffet at Trails End. Good luck getting ready for your trip just remember not to stress about packing-if you forget something you will be able to get it there. I don't think I'd worry too much about the bed thing. My kids shared the beds with us and they did fine when they got home. They get so tired at Disney they will sleep anywhere and I think they sort understand that its different from home. You don't sleep in the same room as him at home....

 

[MamaTink]

My 14-year-old son, who is 5' 9", slept in one last week and his only complaint was that he and his sister had to fight over the top bunk! I think you'd be okay in that bed.