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

[lovesdumbo]

I think it was Kathy#1 who helped me mail all the stuff home that I couldn't fit in the suitcase. Very helpful indeed.

fam4jc-so sorry to hear about your FIL-prayers & PD for your family. You will LOVE the Poly and concierge with your DH & girls! The lounge has lots of things for the girls-chocolate milk, regular milk, juice, fruit, cookies, PB&J's, candies....The girls will love the pool. What my DD loved about our first visit there was walking around at night with the tiki torches and piped in music-very magical! Its a nice walk to the GF. I am hoping to see a torch lighting ceremony on this trip. Wishes is wonderful from the beach. The EWP at the beach or from the lounge is lots of fun too. I loved Ohana's for dinner but had to order a kids meal for my picky DD. DS loved both his sister's dinner and the "adult" food. The baby loved the pineapple bread. I can't wait to see what she thinks of it this year. I went to Ohana's for breakfast in 02 and while it was nice I didn't feel I "had" to do it last year. I'm thinking we might do it on our last day this year. My kids also enjoyed a ride in the front of the monorail. You'll have a great trip!

I just put a hold on air tickets! Now I've got til midnight Sat to convince DH. I got 2 tickets at $235 and 3 at $255 and infant at $136. I think prices will just continue to go up and up. Last year I did this and he told me at 11:45PM I could buy the tickets....UGH! My tickets are for Sat 10/23 to 10/30 so if we go with these I'll be canceling my LVC room at AAA discount for 10/22. Maybe you could use that Steveanddonna. I decided DH would have a fit if I told him I had a reservation for 8 nights. Now I can just say a week AND it would be too difficult to get to airport on a Friday-no traffic on Sat. AND I am taking a friend so I can't keep her away from her family for too long.

Blowinbubbles-if I were you I'd make the reservation. You just pay a 1 night deposit within 14 days and then you've got til 5 days out to change your mind-find a better rate. I think I paid $299 for LVC in Oct 02-I'm not positive because I was pregnant and have since lost my mind. I got a really great room only discount (45%) but park attendence was still down then. I think attendence is back up now and the rates most recently released reflect that 7 for 5 vs 7 for 4 and AP's just $85 off rather than a %. That would put LVC for this Oct at $440-OUCH! But that's better than the $472.50 (+tax+$25extra person) I've got now. Here's hoping they go back to % on next round of AP's! Even just 25% would be around $399.

I went to the Disney Store today to purchase my Disney$ rewards and they had some really cute Hawaii Mickey & Minnie girl's sundresses on sale 50% off. I bought them for DD's-perfect for Ohanas! Last year I purchased DS a shirt from Hawaii with Mickey & Donald icecream treat wrappers and it was too COLD in January for him to wear it. I'm sure it still fits. I also bought myself Hawaii Mickey PJ's. Maybe next week I'll buy myself the Hawaian shirt to match the girls dresses.

BT-I haven't seen that "Luxury" book-saw it on the card catalog at the library-it was checked out-I'll have to put a hold on it. Your review seems to be what folks were saying on Amazon as well. I bet we could come up with a doozy-but then we'd never get our reservations!

 

[blowinbubbles]

Originally posted by BambiTamby
Cheapest CL rate was 2001...AKL CL for $229.

ooh, $229, I can live with that! Thanks!!

QUOTE]Originally posted by lovesdumbo

Blowinbubbles-if I were you I'd make the reservation. You just pay a 1 night deposit within 14 days and then you've got til 5 days out to change your mind-find a better rate. I think I paid $299 for LVC in Oct 02-I'm not positive because I was pregnant and have since lost my mind. I got a really great room only discount (45%) but park attendence was still down then. I think attendence is back up now and the rates most recently released reflect that 7 for 5 vs 7 for 4 and AP's just $85 off rather than a %. That would put LVC for this Oct at $440-OUCH! But that's better than the $472.50 (+tax+$25extra person) I've got now. Here's hoping they go back to % on next round of AP's! Even just 25% would be around $399.
[/QUOTE]

You are right, I should just go ahead and do it! I know that Florida Residents get *great* discounts. .I just got a rate at AKL Standard for $135/night, and that sounds pretty decent to me! But I'll bet that the discounts aren't so deep for Concierge. Either way, I can always change it if need be. . .

Still wavering on the trip two weeks from now. . . and that is why I have Dory for my Avatar!!!! hehe. . .she is my long lost twin!

 

[steveanddonna]

do you think it's worth the trip for a 3-nighter?

blowinbubbles - if it gets us to WDW it's worth it! But then, it's a 2 hour flight for us, no big deal. Our last 3 trips have been 3-night stays, as it's difficult for us to leave our businesse for very long. We always do at least a week in the fall, which is heaven to me! Good luck with your plans to upgrade or not. I can tell you, we get our money's worth our of our annual passes!

 

[GoofyJoofy]

I FAXed my PS requests to BC IPO yesterday morning and had an email waiting for me when I got home.

Alana made several suggestions of activities and character meals, based on my kids ages. Didn't take us long to start making changes, which I emailed to IPO tonight.

Monday is the big day (90 day mark) that IPO will start booking our ressies.

There is a website to go with the book "Luxury Guide to WDW" it is: Luxury Guide to WDW
Check it out before you buy the book. We found, based on the web site, that it did not meet our expectations.

blowinbubbles - book a trip now to lock in your room and work on the discounts later. Remember, in the end, it was Dory who pushed Marlin to NOT give up!

Welcome to all the new Lizards. Come in, sit down, relax and get something to drink or nibble. Its the Lounge after all.

All the talk about Disney in Dec has me trying to convince DW that we should book another trip. And we haven't even done our First trip yet!

Big :thewave: to the lizards in the lounge - Have a wonderful weekend, where every you spend it!

l8tr lizards

 

[luckywife]

Hey all! Hope everyone is having a nice evening.
I got an email from Melissa today about the mini fridge in the CL rooms. She assured me that they would be cold enough for DS's meds. She also said she would note on our reservation that we needed a non-smoking room for medical reasons. She has been a HUGE help, always so friendly and willing to answer my *many* questions.
Our trip is just right around the corner!! DH and I went shopping earlier and got some stuff to take with us. I was in desperate need of a new swim suit (the size I had to buy really depressed me! )
lovesdumbo - I think it's GREAT the way you're rewarding yourself! GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

 

[fam4jc]

Hi. I can't believe we are going concierge Soon, I'll be able to post our experiences, not just questions!

Lovesdumbo, thank you so much for the prayers, we covet them! I tried to find out more info about the torch lighting, that sounds great!


Does anyone have an email address for Poly concierge? Since my ressie was changed so close to travel, I don't think they'll have time to get me anything in the snailmail. Do I make room requests to them? I would like a balcony or patio room so dh and I can sit and talk after the girls go to sleep. Also, should I tell concierge that this is DD5's birthday trip and about DH dad and we need extra pixie dust and truck loads of fun??

I can't wait to get there!

Thanks to all of you for being willing to share your wisdom

 

[catnik]

fam4jc:

Email for Poly IPO: WDW.Polynesian.Island.Planning.Office@disney.com

Phone#: 407-824-8466
Fax #: 407-824-3162

Definitely let them know about any special occasions (son's b-day, DH's father, room requests, etc). While they can not "guarantee" any room requests, I think they try very hard to meet requests. For our trip, I have worked with Marilyn re setting up a special "welcome surprise" for my son and she has been very accomodating! Hope you have a terrific trip

 

[GoofyJoofy]

fam4jc - I emailed my room requests to concierge planners (Itinerary Planning Office - IPO) and they emailed me back that they passed them along to the room assigner for the resort. They said they would try their best. Keeping my fingers crossed.

catnik - sounds like concierge has really come through for you. Mind if I ask what kind of "surprise" you might have in store?
Just whisper in my ear

I really enjoy hearing all the stories of how the CMs in concierge spread some extra pixie dust and made people's trips extra magical.

 

[goodferry]

LovesDumbo--I bought those dresses for my two girls, aren't they adorable? I have a feeling they will wrinkle easily, though. Ironing, yuck
Fam4jc--we are about to embark on our first Poly cl trip too, have fun planning!
Look at my counter guys, guess where I will be in two weeks?

 

[GoofyJoofy]

Oh Goodferry - I hope you enjoy Poly CL

Ooh I don't know how I will last till the end of August

nitty nite all

 

[blowinbubbles]

Originally posted by steveanddonna
blowinbubbles - if it gets us to WDW it's worth it! But then, it's a 2 hour flight for us, no big deal. Our last 3 trips have been 3-night stays, as it's difficult for us to leave our businesse for very long. We always do at least a week in the fall, which is heaven to me! Good luck with your plans to upgrade or not. I can tell you, we get our money's worth our of our annual passes!

I would *love* to fly. . we did last trip and it's only a 1.25 hour flight from Pensacola! It was *soooo* awesome, much better than our drive to Orlando last year!

I think I must be crazy to drive 7.5 hours with my kids--I'm sure they'll be fighting within the hour! But I keep thinking of all the money I'll save by bringing our own food and drinks, so I guess I'll be driving!

My h is in the same boat as you, with his business. He said he'd definitely not be going next trip, as he'll have several houses finishing up at that time, and ours will be in the middle of construction.

Hehe, I actually feel kind of guilty for scheduling this trip without him. . . . . but he'll probably welcome the few days of peace and quiet!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Ann - Wow, you're soooo lucky, only 7.5 hours away! Of course, I'm sure you don't see it that way, but it takes us about 22.5 hours to drive - which we have done many times!! Three kids, sometimes in a minivan, but a couple times in a little Sunfire! Can you believe, we took our three kids from Missouri, through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and ended up in San Diego, in that little car?! Believe me, the words "he's touching me!" are burned into my brain!!!

 

[fam4jc]

Catnik - thanks I emailed them last night with a couple questions and a request for a balcony. I asked for suggestions about making the trip awesom for my DH. I expect they are the experts on disney magic

Is the beach only for sun bathing and playing in the sand? My DD7 loves the beach so keeping her out of the water may proove difficult

I want to give you all an example of how much you people have me. The first time onsite we stayed at Wilderness Cabins for four nights. I bought single day tickets for each of us at the gates What did I know Now I would rather hang out at the resort than buy a single day ticket The proof of the need for these boards.

Thank you very much

14 Days to the Poly

 

[annamonte]

'Morning all Loung Lizards!!

Does anyone have an email address for Contemporary Concierge?

Thanks!

Hope everyone will have a great weekend... I know I will ... DH is not working this weekend finally!!! Yippeee!!!

 

[goodferry]

fam4jc--sounds like we will be at the Poly cl at the same time! We are arriving around noon on the 4th.
The beach at the Poly is only for sunning, they don't allow you in the lagoon, although some have indicated that cms allow you to wade, but I believe there is a posted sign requesting you not go in the lagoon.

 

[blowinbubbles]

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom
Ann - Wow, you're soooo lucky, only 7.5 hours away! Of course, I'm sure you don't see it that way, but it takes us about 22.5 hours to drive - which we have done many times!! Three kids, sometimes in a minivan, but a couple times in a little Sunfire! Can you believe, we took our three kids from Missouri, through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and ended up in San Diego, in that little car?! Believe me, the words "he's touching me!" are burned into my brain!!!

*Well,* I guess I *do* have it good! 22 hours is a loooong time to be in the car with kids! LOL, on the "He's touching me" being burned in your brain. . .I can sooo relate~ My kids can get *very* mean with each other, they do some serious hitting.

Last time we drove, we took our 7 y/o grandson, too, and things were much better. They only complained a little bit.

I figured that if they *really* started fighting badly, I'd just pull over, sit there and not say a word. Hmph, the trip should probably take about 16 hours. . . .

 

[fam4jc]

goodferry - Thanks for the beach info. I don't know how to prepare her for the "no swimming beach" since the entire Poly stay is a surprise! Do they have sand toys you can borrow or should I bring up our bag of them from the St. Augustine portion of our trip?
I am so excited. I've started packing already (which will mean I'll put that iron to use!). My DH & I both have busy weeks ahead at work and I get cranky when overstressed. Packing is definately stressful for me.
I hope to see you at the Poly. Are you staying concierge? we are there the 6th through the 11th.

 

[goodferry]

fam4jc--yup, we are staying concierge. You can't miss me, towing four kids around plus being a red-head-I am hard to miss! I don't know about the sand toys, this being our first stay at the Poly, I know that when we stayed at the CBR we ran to Walmart and grabbed some toys for the sand and the pool.

 

[goodferry]

I just got email from Melissa in IPO, SHE GOT US CRT!!!
I missed my reservation window back in March because I was in the hospital, but she was able to get us in, a table of 6 no less!

 

[steveanddonna]

Hurray! for goodferry! Isn't concierge wonderful?!!

fam4jc - your DD will receive a plastic beach pail and shovel with coloring book, crayons, etc. upon check-in at Poly CL, but I can't think of any beach toys available for borrowing. Of course, there are always places to buy some...but if you already have them with you from the beach portion of your trip, bring them along.