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

[GoofyJoofy]

Wow this place is hoping I miss one day and everyone posts. Great!

floridafam My thoughts are with you.

k&a&c'smom and goodferry Congrats to you and the children!

BambiTamby Wow that trip is really shaping up nicely. What a sweet daughter you are for planning around the folks.

Newbies A big hello and welcome to all the new Lizards!

We are getting so excited about our first WDW trip. Our children are a bit older, DD 13, DD 11, DS 10,

So we selected the BC to be close to Epcot, especially WS. The kids are excited about "visitng" their favorite countries.

My DW and I are also reminiscing about our first date, 30 years ago this July, so we BC fits in nicely. And of course, we all fell in love with that pool.

Well we are traveling this weekend, so everyone enjoy!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

outahere - We just stayed Poly LVC last month, what do you want to know?! The Hawaii bldg. is right next to the volcano pool, looking directly at the Castle, gorgeous view with GF on the left and CR on the right. The CL lounge has beautiful full-lenth glass windows that wrap around one side, so you get a fantastic panoramic view. The food offerings are very good, we did not do them justice, as we love to eat at the WDW restaurants. Our room # was 2502, and although the second floor does not have a balcony, it does have a sliding glass door so that you can open and get the Poly ambiance, take pictures, etc. We really enjoyed this location, as it was 2 doors away from the lounge, which is also on the second floor. A short walk to the GCH, great access to both pools, it's a perfect location!

HTH!

Edited for sp.

 

[floridafam]

Thanks everyone for the good thoughts.

Hopefully, surgery will be minor. Don't know when it is yet. Shortly after we return from WDW.

BambiTamby,

I think you made a good choice. We have decided to stay at a monorail resort in the Fall. It is just so convenient!


I'm sure we'll have a grea time at WL. I hope we do because we can't move to another resort.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

GoofyJoofy - You've made a good choice, those kids are gonna loooove SAB!! I wish I had booked BC while all my kids still wanted to go to WDW - I know my boys would have loved it! And, Epcot is such a great park, I don't understand why so many people think it's boring. One tip, we didn't really explore the countries that did not have an "attraction," like Japan, until years after our first visit. My kids got so much out of just browsing all the goods on display at the Japan and China pavilion stores, we now spend quite a lot of time there. My boys are very into Japanese art and culture, so even though they don't go to WDW anymore, I always have a list of items to bring back for them!!

 

[outahere]

k&a&c'smom -- thanks for the info. I do have a few more questions......

Do the first floor rooms also have sliding doors (to a patio maybe)? I am a smoker (no flames please) and prefer not to smoke in a hotel room (I don't even smoke inside my own home), so easy access to the outside would be ideal.

How is the view of the MK fireworks? Obviously you can't see anything that is low, but is the view generally good from the Poly grounds? After a day of running around, we may just want to hang out at the hotel at night.

Any other tidbits or Poly secrets would be great!! Thanks.

 

[lovesdumbo]

outahere-Poly is my favorite resort and you can't get any better than LVC! The first floor rooms do have patios and the 3rd floor rooms (most smoking) have balconies. Like k&a&c'smom we chose the 2nd floor to be closer to the lounge but we have 3 small children. The 3rd floor also has lounge for relaxing-food is on the 2nd and concierge staff/checkin is on the 1st.

We really enjoyed the fireworks from the beach-my oldest DD was afraid of the loud noise inside the parks so this was a great option for us. You can't hear the music/narration from outside but its still quite beautiful! There are swings and hammocks on the beach as well. And the nightly Electric Water Parade is fun. It's also a nice walk to the GF from the Poly-especially relaxing at night. And the music and tiki torches just add to the magic feel of the place. One thing we didn't get a chance to do that I hope to next time is to catch the torch lighting ceremony. And I think our new tradition will be 1st night dinner at Ohana's-the food was great.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

outahere - What lovesdumbo said! The view of MK is quite breathtaking. Many people come to the Poly to watch the fireworks, so you can tell it must be good! Have you been to Tikiman's website? It is the website for Poly info!! It's tikiman2001.homestead.com, and even the Poly cm's are familiar with it!

Ohana's is so much fun, and the food is delicious! We love Kona as well, very good food there. And, another little tip, we have found the best way to go to and from MK, from Hawaii, is the boat dock near the volcano pool. The boat stops at MK first, then GF, and then back to the Poly. This is a great way to get to GF for PS at Narcoossee's, as it is on the pier where the boat docks. Or, we like to take the monorail over to MK, and the boat back. Best of both worlds!

p.s. You won't find any flames on this thread, you are a welcomed guest!

 

[mom_rules]

Good morning Lounge Lizards.
Has anyone had any luck booking concierge 7 for 5 specials?

If so, do you mind posting when, where, who (adults/children) and how much?

I'm having trouble getting anything for October at a reasonable $.

 

[outahere]

Staying at Poly LVC is starting to sound like it's one of the best ideas we've had!!

We have never stayed on property (usually stay at Marriott's Cypress Harbour or Grande Vista), so this will be an adventure for us!

p.s. You won't find any flames on this thread, you are a welcomed guest!

Thanks........... if you're ever over on the cruise forum, I'll make sure you're all well taken care of.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Originally posted by outahere
Staying at Poly LVC is starting to sound like it's one of the best ideas we've had!!

We have never stayed on property (usually stay at Marriott's Cypress Harbour or Grande Vista), so this will be an adventure for us!

Yes, the Poly has some very loyal repeat customers!! For your very first stay on property, you are gonna fall in love! This is such a wonderful, laid-back, island-y, charming resort, I can't say enough good things about it! It's one of our very favorite resorts! And the cm's there are some of the best at WDW, IMO!

And, thanks for the invite over on the cruise board. I've never gone on a cruise, but I'm sure someday I'll take the plunge! Ha, Ha, get it, "take the plunge,".....oh, never mind!!

 

[BambiTamby]

WOW! Everyone's up and chipper this beautiful morning!

<font size=4>WELCOME to the LIZARD LOUNGE,<font color=red> outahere!</font></font>

I'm glad you all thinkI made the right decision!
Funny how everything falls into place....a month ago, I couldn't get those POLY LVC rooms at even rack rate!
That's why it's so important to keep calling to get what you want!

All the "hints" from my mother were there....

"Tamby, have you booked a dinner at O'hana's?
It wouldn't be a vacation without eating there the first night...they have such wonderful food....do you think we could go over to the Poly one morning and get that wonderful tonga toast like we had when you took me last April ?......I really do LOVE the Poly's pool and all that outdoor music.....maybe we can go shopping there on day and go on the monorail and shop at all our favorite shops at the GF, CR, and Poly.....
oh! that CL food at the Poly and the AKL are my favorites!
Are you sure we can't get a room at the Poly?, even just a gardenview?"
(I'm sure I've left out a few!)

outahere....here's a wonderful site for pics and Poly info....
Tikiman's Poly site is great !
The smoking optional rooms are on the third floor on the far half of the building.
And you won't get flames from me because I used to smoke.
Outside of my home and car and NEVER in the hotel room or restaurant. (I'm convinced it is a stress thing!)
Before DH quit, he would smoke out on the patios or balconies and just be considerate of other neighbors.
Sometimes a next door guest would be out there on their own balcony smoking ! So, don't worry about it! They have smoking rooms and on tikiman's site, you'll see where they are located on the map!

kacsmom....you're so right...the Poly/AKL split is the best of both worlds!
I am so happy that we're going back "HOME" to the Poly and AKL CLs !!!!!!


mom_rules...yes! I've seen some folks around here get the 5/7 deal on concierge, even Kimberle scored on her 14th floor CR room! WOW! I'm impressed!
So, they're out there.....
just keep calling, calling, calling.......
<marquee>

</marquee>

GoofyJoofy...we enjoyed our stay at the BC CL and our 12yo DS and his buddy loved SAB, the arcade, and being near Epcot...mostly for MissionSpace and Test Track, their favorites!
It is in the middle of the action, no doubt about that!
A great choice for families with pre-teens and teens!

floridafam...you'll have a wonderful time at WL and watch your sweetie cross that finish line! We'll keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers!

goodferry...a big CONGRATS for your DD, too!

A BIG WAVE:thewave: and {{{HUGS}}} to everyone and I'm off to work for this show!

 

[inthemood]

We booked WL CL for Sept@ $3071.28

This is for 2 adults and 2 children ages 4&5.
With the prince and princess add on
and insurance

I think this is fantastic!!!!!

Hope this helps!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

outahere - Bambi brought up a good point, I had forgotten the smoking rooms in Hawaii are all on the third floor, now. The opposite end of the bldg. from the lounge. But, on the bright side, most people prefer the third floor to 1st or 2nd.

Bambi - yes, now that you posted your mom's little "hints," I'm even more sure that Poly/AKL is the best thing!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Originally posted by mom_rules
Good morning Lounge Lizards.
Has anyone had any luck booking concierge 7 for 5 specials?

If so, do you mind posting when, where, who (adults/children) and how much?

I'm having trouble getting anything for October at a reasonable $.

I'm still trying to work out dates with my friend. I tried a few days ago to get Poly CL with 7 for 5 deal for week before Thanksgiving(11/13 to 20) and could only get GV non concierge room. That package for 1 room - 3 adults, 2 kids, 1 infant was $3,293.67. I called back today and tried to change dates to 11/14 to 21 and still no concierge rooms. I tried lots of others dates around that and Veterans Day week and still no concierge. So I tried 10/23 to 10/30 and did get LVC for $4,553.67. And hope we'd also stay an 8th night. That 1 night at rack would be 613.25 so 8 nights would be nearly $5,200. I just don't know what to do. Now I'm thinking I should call and book the thing at rack. I really want to do AP's. I need to pay this Oct package by 9/8/04. If they do fall AP's at just $85 off rather than a % discounts 8 nights and purchase of AP's would be about $6,100 but then we'd have the AP's for next year.

Now I've got all these $$$ floating around my head. The difference between 8 nights value and regular season is about $450. The LV vs GV is $758 regular season/$714 value season. I know that $750 is a lot of money but I'm just afraid I would HATE not having a LV. The kids will likely go to bed early and I really enjoy the magic of the view. If the AP's are the $85 off that would be $758 for 8 nights. SO I just need my friend to firm up dates with her DH and then I'm thinking I'm gonna book at rack and keep a close watch on the boards for AP discounts to pay for my LV.

Am I wrong to think that perhaps Oct will be less busy since it was easier to get the deal? Oct does have its advantages-MNSSHP, Food & Wine Fest, not as close to holiday rush, virtually no chance of snow delays with flights and ITS CLOSER!

 

[Tess]

What Gives????? Congrats to you anyway. . .

Called and was able (for the first time) to get two LVC rooms with AP discount for all the nights we wanted.

I have been trying almost daily since the release of APs to have our DVisa res switched to an AP rate! You call and are given 2 rooms at the AP???? As you can see from my countdown, we are there at the same time--you just a few days later! I'll say you were lucky. . .don't know how you snuck in ahead of our request for an AP rate--first the shut-out at 7:20 a.m. on the release date and now this. . .I have always gotten an AP rate for our visits in the past--not in the cards this time though. Well, at least it's someone who hasn't been so fortunate in the past.

The DV rate is a mere $5 more p/night (pre-tax), but it's the principle of the thing. . .I have an AP I want the AP discount.

 

[floridafam]

BambiTamby,

Yes, I've found that no matter how many times I change my reservations, resorts, etc. things just seem to fall into place about a month before our trip.

Our last 2 trips, we've switched our reservations multiple times and we always new we made the right decision when we showed up to check-in.

It just all works out. I think we are going to switch our Fall trip from AKL to the GF.

I also wanted to encourage all of you lounge lizards to give Vero Beach a try sometime, too. It is wonderful. I spoke with the Chef last week and arranged a special dessert for my DH. All of the CM's there are top notch. They don't have concierge there but they don't need it.

I'll take many pictures on our upcoming trip so all of you can check it out.

 

[outahere]

Thanks to all for the warm welcome on this thread!!!

I just looked at tikiman's site and it is fantastic!! I skimmed most of the pages, but I'll try to spend some time reading them in detail this weekend. Great info..............

k&a&c'smom -- if you "take the plunge" off of the Magic or the Wonder, be prepared......... it's a LONG way to the water


Have a great weekend everyone

 

[lovesdumbo]

WOO HOO. I think I've got my dates! Seems like October will be better for all of us and it seems like it will be more fun with MNSSHP and Food & Wine fest for DH.

AND I called and canceled the 7 for 5 deal and got AAA for all 8 nights. A discount of $52.50/night so that's nearly as good as current AP's.

Now I've just got to get DH to buy into this whole thing. He won't stay anywhere but concierge so its not the price its that he's such a worrier and he's so worried something else bad will happen in the US(he thinks Disney is a target) or on another plane. I just can't let that worry rule my life and let the bad guys win. And while he agrees in theory he still can't help but worry about the costs of loosing.

SO...now the big question is how far out do you book air tickets? The price for tickets today for the exact times we want is $228-around what we paid last year. He won't want to book because he says Delta is going to go bankrupt. We booked about 100 days out last year.

BT-your Mom helped convince me. I knew that I wanted LVC at Poly and I now I'm not afraid to admit to myself that while we'd have a great trip anywhere on site I know I just wouldn't be as happy anywhere else. Now I can't wait to go with kids, have 1st night dinner at Ohana's, bring their costumes(well mail them), do the rehitching ceremony at the Ice Cream Social (we are arriving exactly 1 month after our 20th anniversary), send DH on a garden tour at Epcot, DD wants to play mini-golf, stroll around the Poly at night with music and tiki torches......I'm so excited!

 

[annamonte]

lovesdumbo-- congrats on booking your trip!

 

[teentoddlermom]

lovesdumbo:
Regarding airfare:
I was concerned about gas prices and booked our nonrefundable airfare for August about a month ago, $79 each way with Song out of Boston. I did not think it would get any better than that, but the next day Southwest had $49 each way out of Providence, and Song's had gone up to $99!

However, I'm glad I got the $79 on Song. They have assigned seating. I would book your airfare as soon as possible. Gas is still going up. Then you can pay for your airfare early and not worry about it anymore.