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

[goodferry]

Someone called today from IPO about an opening at CRT, but I wasn't home so I missed the reservation. Does the IPO usually have success getting most of your PS requests, or should I abandon any hope of CRT since I missed this one chance? I did email them with other numbers to reach me at during the day in case something does open. Send me some PD guys, my dd wants to have b-fast with Cindy in the castle.

 

[ead79]

Goodferry, I will send some pixie dust your way for CRT.

I think that IPO often has success with CRT reservations, so I wouldn't give up hope.

 

[ValerieK]

Goodferry,

The IPO called me yesterday telling me they got my ressies for CRT. They left it on my voice mail. Lauren left a message that said that she got them on the date that wanted and if I needed anything else to call. Maybe they did hold them for you, just give them a call tomorrow. Good luck. I hope you get them.

 

[Disbug]

Can't hang out here too long! I'll be tempted to only go First Class! LOL!

Room wave to Bambi Tamby, #1 Hockeymom, and Majestic!

PS: I have a question that I'll try to keep on topic...
If I had a photograph that someone wanted a copy of (and of course it was of the Lizard Lounge or one of the CL accomodations! wink wink) How would I go about putting my name on it first, but in the background so as not to mess up the image?

Stopping by to wave! Hope to hear from you soon!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Disbug
Can't hang out here too long! I'll be tempted to only go First Class! LOL!

HEY!!~What's wrong with THAT?!? (LOL). It's the only way to go! Well...at least it's the only way "I" go!
There's always room in my cabin, suites, etc. for you.

Room wave to: BAMBITAMBY...MAGESTIC....#1HOCKEYMOM (& ankole family) ...STEVEANDDONNA...k&a&c'smom....and anyone else I'm forgetting~!

*Thanks for the post about the endearing bus driver, Deb. We too, have had some wonderful ones over the years...with many a late-night solo-trip chatting away. It has made for some "special" memories. Especially one in particular. It was a late eve, after the closing of the MK park. We were staying at the old DL resort, Oak Manor. We needed a ride to the EAST depot. We were all alone on the bus, on a beautiful star-filled eve. DD was wide-awake and all of 5 or 6 years young. As DH & I chatted, she would interject with little quips of her "take" on things. As he stopped to let us off at the East Depot, he was "crying" (truly). DD & I exited first...and DH lingered to shake his hand, etc. When DH got off, we all thanked him again...as he drove off smiling through tears. Later, DH told me the driver had been "overwhelmed" by sentiments, and apologized for crying, etc. He too, had only one child...a DD too. He was transported back to the time he and his own wife, had spent vacations at WDW when she was younger. Now, she was grown...and lived in another state with a family of her own. He moved to Orlando, to work at WDW after retiring from a Police force. He could literally SEE himself and his family...in us. That's the MAGIC of Disney. He reminded DH to "treasure and cherish" every moment together while DD is young, and us too. Life passes all too quickly...and there is NO going back. I am crying just recalling the entire incident. Just one more reason we return...year after year. We never saw that driver again. I hope everything is well with him and his family...and God and the Angels continue to bless him for his kind & generous spirit and insight.

TTFN...DF99

 

[BambiTamby]

dreamflight....that was soooo beautiful!

Sniff! Sniff!I have an only child, too, so now I'm fighting back the tears!

Just came by to touch base and see what's up.

BTW.....first class IS the only way to go!
(DF and I were separated at birth! LOL!)

Disbug...are you referring to a watermark on a photo?
Or you could simply put your initials in the corner like others do.
I know I should do that with my original animation, but I haven't registered yet. It's like a copyright.

The initial thingie would work and if you don't have a paintshop or something like that, I'll do it.

I wonder WHO IT IS?

Also....got my first call from Denny at IPO for CR CL.
He was so sweet and got all my requests lined up!
I also got in some requests for our GF RPC stay in Sept.

Use these IPO planners! That is a big part of what you're paying the BIG bucks!
Those CRT ressies can be had!!!!!
PD to goodferry!~"*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



BTW...have I told ya'll how much I LOVE ya'll?????
Lounge Lizards!!!! What a bunch we are! LOL!
I LOVE IT!

 

[WoodysRoundup]

One of the tots is STILL up! Thank God for daddys who will "take over". Just a quick post and off to bed!

FRED.....Should I just tell WL CL that "Fred" says "hi"?
BTW, the girl at IPO I spoke with said no cots or roll away beds. I decided to take lovesdumbo's advice and share the queen bed with DS. Let's hope we get some sleep! THANKS! Also, FRED, can't wait to hear about your opinions of Poly CL! Not long for you either!

dreamflight... LOVED your story!

BambiTamby... How are you??? I just have to ask...Having NEVER used the services of IPO before, what should I utilize them for before we arrive? I'm referring to your comment about using those IPO planners! Just not sure what to use them for!

Sweet dreams lizards!!!! (I'm tired....hope this message is coherent enough!)

 

[Steffy]

Must peek in on my favorite thread....

Room wave.

Nitey, nitey lizards.......

I told my friend that she should stay Poly LVC for her honeymoon. It is almost 60 days out and she still hasn't heard from IPO. Should we worry????

I'm sure you noticed the "we"....

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Steffy - I wouldn't be worried, but I would contact IPO myself, if I were your friend. In fact, that's what I did, I emailed IPO a few days after I made the res. They will get back, usually within 24 hours. Sometimes they don't get the info on the res. from CRO right away.

DF - I know exactly how that driver feels, there are times when we are leaving the parks, and there are families with young children on the bus, and something causes a wave of nostalgia to wash over me. My kids are growing up, it feels like a lifetime ago, and yet a moment, that they were so young. My DH has never been big on vacation, or spending money, but there are times that even he has mentioned how sweet the memories are of our kids on a family vacation. At WDW, you get the luxury of spending time that you would otherwise have to spend driving, reading the map, navigating your way to your destination. Every moment with your children is so precious, so fleeting, it's great to be able to capture those moments, and save them for when they are grown.

Bambi - right back at 'ya, girlfriend!

 

[keriannhoward]

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom

DF - I know exactly how that driver feels, there are times when we are leaving the parks, and there are families with young children on the bus, and something causes a wave of nostalgia to wash over me. My kids are growing up, it feels like a lifetime ago, and yet a moment, that they were so young. My DH has never been big on vacation, or spending money, but there are times that even he has mentioned how sweet the memories are of our kids on a family vacation. At WDW, you get the luxury of spending time that you would otherwise have to spend driving, reading the map, navigating your way to your destination. Every moment with your children is so precious, so fleeting, it's great to be able to capture those moments, and save them for when they are grown.

]

DH and I felt soooo jealous this past weekend of all the families that had their children with them-and my kids are still living at home!! We decided that we can't go back without Jason (the baby) anymore since we took him for the first time in February. The older kids aren't interested in going anywhere with us anymore (teenagers!).

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Wow this thread is awesome!!

BambiTamby - What else do you use IPO's for besides PS? I really could have used their help when the EMH changed. Had to redo quite a few PS's. I'm can't wait to see you BC CL pictures.

Mamatink - What a fabulous story. I just wanted you to know that after reading your thread it popped into my head the my parents anniversary is Aug 21 when we'll be at BC CL so I called and put it on my reservation. I was thinking California Grill (my father doesn't like seafood).

Keep the great stories coming!

 

[#1hockeymom]

DF I love your story! I find myself watching parents with smaller children, and thinking back to when my kids were that small. Oh how I wish we had more money when DD was little so a REAL princess dress and CRT ressies could have been hers! We do have many wonderful memories, money or not! In fact, I passed a few of our must does onto a family with two young girls while on the bus during our last trip to MK on Monday. It is time spent together that counts!

Huge piles of PD for those reservations! Call them back as I am almost certain they probably booked them for you and you now have them!

On IPO not contacting you. Please contact them! I have had great luck through emails during our past two trips. I started the ball rolling in my end first, for both trips.

I need to get to work! Have a wonderful Disney day, everyone!
Debbie

P.S. HI DISBUG! I saved you a place on the couch over here!

 

[steveanddonna]

So many things to say, but mostly...
You guys are the BEST!!!!
Have to go to work, but reading all these warm & fuzzy posts is definitely the way I like to start my day!
Donna

 

[goodferry]

Thanks for all your posts! I will call IPO, but from her message it sounded like she would keep trying, because the ressie was not for my whole party, there are six of us and the ressie was for four, which would have been fine. Maybe I need to call them and let them know that would be fine, in case there is another similar opening.
Have a great day everyone, I am off to work so I can pay for this trip

 

[lovesdumbo]

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom
DF - I know exactly how that driver feels, there are times when we are leaving the parks, and there are families with young children on the bus, and something causes a wave of nostalgia to wash over me. My kids are growing up, it feels like a lifetime ago, and yet a moment, that they were so young. My DH has never been big on vacation, or spending money, but there are times that even he has mentioned how sweet the memories are of our kids on a family vacation. At WDW, you get the luxury of spending time that you would otherwise have to spend driving, reading the map, navigating your way to your destination. Every moment with your children is so precious, so fleeting, it's great to be able to capture those moments, and save them for when they are grown.

This is EXACTLY why I MUST go to Disney this year!!! I do keep having conflicting thoughts-shouldn't I be saving more for college or other more important things but then I think about how fast they are growing (I can't believe my baby is already 15 months) and I just want so badly to share this magic with my DD(5 in May) before she no longer believes that Pooh is Pooh and Cinderella is Cinderalla. That won't last long once she's in Kindergarten and I think she's already starting to question-Mom where does Pooh live? The Hundred Acre Wood. Is the Hundred Acre Wood at Disney? Can we see it? Why don't we see Christopher Robin????? And if we do go this year I'm bringing her Cinderella dress. I just couldn't manage it last year with a double stroller, 3 car seats, and cranky DH. I'll mail it down or buy one there!

Well, I'm off the Disney Store at lunch to buy Disney Dollars. I've been rewarding myself $10 for every pound lost. I've lost 33 pounds so far-nearly enough for 1 annual pass!

#1hockeymom-do share some of those must does. Maybe I've been missing out on something special....

 

[Steffy]

OT I know, but my intern just returned from a trip to Disney... she knows I love Mickey.... she brought me back the cutest coffee mug.. is says "BIG CHEESE".

Had to share....

 

[BambiTamby]

lovesdumbo.....33 lbs!!!! CONGRATS goes to you!!!!!!!

And, what a ingenious way to REWARD yourself!!!!
Disney dollars for every pound lost!
WOW! KUDOS to you girlfriend!

And as for the money for WDW.....somehow it comes.
Memories can NOT be taken away.

I still remember DS, when he was 5, on our first WDW trip.
Mom and Dad paid for an awsome week at the Poly.
Mom and I love to reminence about our little boy skipping up the monorail platform.
We were behind him, watching his head with his little mouse ears on,
swaying back and forth, as he sang, "Yo-ho yo-ho, a pirate's life for me!"

Where's the tissue! AGAIN!

LOL!


IPO Planning goes beyond the PS's, gang.
They can do those little "things"....like what MamaTink and Debbie described.
Tell them what you're celebrating.
Example...yesterday, I told Denny that we would be arriving late, and that my mom has had hip replacement surgery, and a kidney transplant, etc.
I told him WHY and HOW important is was that we (or at least they) get a CR Tower Club room with the MK view!
I do NOT know how much longer I will have my mother, so this trip, and EVERY DAY I have her in my life, is SPECIAL!

We discussed celebrating her Kidney's "birthday", which her kidney is 4 years old! They'll have balloons, cake, etc on night when we return to the room.
Told Denny that this was a first trip for my 6yo niece, and he suggested a goodie backpack (like we discussed before) and that she'll have an autograph and other CL goodies for her, waiting one night.
As for the MK view, he couldn't come out and say that it's guaranteed, but I know that they will accomodate us.

Little things....told him I needed the complimentary fridge already stocked with bottled water for mom.
(Room servie will charge us for those plastic water bottles, but it's one less thing I have to worry about.)

As for the Yosemite Suite, I've requested a "butler's pantry" list, so I can pre-order waters, snacks (like microwave popcorn) and they are there, at late night, after room service ends.
(Mom has to eat whenever she takes certain meds.)
Another thing I no longer have to worry about.

IOW....tell them what you're wanting from this vacation!
You'd be suprised at how these CL CMs can come up with creative and convenient things for a wonderful concierge experience.

Blowing kisses to all in the lounge!

 

[KerryCM]

I have to agree with BT about the IPO doing more than PS. Last Oct. my husband and I went with my son, daughter-in-law and 11 month old grandaughter. My son is in management for Pepsi and will not touch any Coke products!! Stephanie, our planner was awesome. She had a fridge stocked with Pepsi products for him that she went out on her own time to buy offsite.
She also had gifts in the room commemorating Madyson's first trip to WDW and a beautiful 1st birthday cake too. My son was diagnosed with diabetes 2 weeks before we left and Stephanie made sure there were snacks available for him in the lounge. Jackie also arranged to have the chocolate covered strawberries for him, sugar free of course.
I am a little disappointed Stephanie is no longer working the IPO, but she is back at the BWI Innkeeper's Club so I do get to see her.
I am looking forward to planning our return trip in Oct.

 

[floridafam]

Just agreeing with everyone who says the IPO staff goes above and beyond.

The offered to have a fridge stocked with Gatorade for my DH during our trip in May (needs to stay hydrated for his triathlon.)

WDW only has Powerade and DH won't drink that. I only mentioned that I needed to know the closest place to find Gatorade because we didn't want to haul a bunch down from MI.

 

[VAgal76]

What wonderful stories you guys!

BT - - Sending you some tissues, encouragement & hugs .

Goodferry - Sprinkling that PD all around you double time for those CRT ressies .

Somehow, DH had forgotten that he agreed on stay CL at AKL so he could do the safari :confused2 and started getting hyper that he wouldn't be doing the safari at all! After re-confirming to him that we are staying CL and have booked the safari, he is on cloud nine and feeling good :thewave:. I couldn't stop giggling since he stated that people that stay on CL get treated like royalty and he's even more excited about going. He's been doing some checking on CL at AKL and started telling me what they had to offer - as if I didn't know. He must not know where I've been on these boards lately, LOL! It looks like we definitely have a lounge lizard in the making?!

Seeing your stories this morning just makes me even more keyed up to go. What a wonderful tip to have them stock the fridge with water and snacks! One less worry and hassle when I get there. You guys are a wealth of information!

To CL Kings & Queens - & a big THANKS for all the insider tips!