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

[steveanddonna]

Good Morning all - left some coffee, orange-guava juice and yummy pineapple danish in the lounge. Enjoy!

Thought I'd wake up this AM with "buyer's remorse," but other than a little concern about August crowds & DH's impatience, I'm ready to go!

Can't wait to hear from floridafam - wonder how her DH did in the half triathlon?

P.S. I don't have that really sad feeling like I have when we leave Wilderness Lodge. The Polynesian was nice but it wasn't "Home" for me.

Majestic - totally understand! We're always afraid that's how we'll feel if we stay somewhere else. We even felt this a bit staying Poly non-concierge in March - it just wasn't the same. Glad you enjoyed the trip anyways!

Happy birthday to DF99's DD - hope her party is fabulous!

 

[luckywife]

goodferry- we're staying at the Poly and yes, we'll be there on the 4th! Sadly though, we'll be checking out the next day. Boo hoo! Maybe we'll run into each other that day? What time are you arriving? I haven't even started packing yet. Since DS is feeling better, I'll probably start doing some of it today.

Anyone know when floridafam is due back? Wondering how the trip went and how her DH did in the half triathlon.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey, Lizards!! Got my baby boy graduated yesterday, and his fiance, had a nice after-party with all our families. Now, we have to go full-steam-ahead to that wedding!

luckywife - I've never sent it ahead, but I have given the front desk cash to put on my account, and they just added it to my room key. I think if your dad pays on your account, they will ask at check-in if you want to charge to your room, and then add your credit on. HTH!

Fred - Welcome home!! Glad you had a nice time, I know how you feel, though, when DD and I stayed at the BC, we really liked it and the location was fantastic, but it wasn't the AKL, we really missed AKL (and the Poly, our second favorite.) Now, we're splitting between BWI and WL, and I'm hoping we won't be feeling that way again!

 

[tammy]

Good Morning Lizards,

So, I left a message for the IPO on Wednesday and didn't hear back so I emailed them on Thursday. On Friday, I got a call from Kathy. This morning I get an email from Melissa. Should I ignore the email from Melissa since I have already spoken to Kathy.

Remember, I didn't feel any love from Kathy and have heard from you experts that Melissa is really sweet.

What should I do? Did I mention how excited I am?

 

[luckywife]

I think the whole thing with my dad paying ahead on our reservation so we can use it on our room key is a lost cause! I can't get a straight answer from anyone, no matter how many times I call. I figured I'd call CRO this morning to find out about it and no one acted like they could help me at all. Finally someone put me through to the Poly front desk. First lady I talked to said my dad needed to call 2 days prior to our arrival. She then told me to hold on and connected me to someone else. The guy I talked to said my dad could NOT do this until we arrive and then he would have to fax his credit card and picture ID to the resort before they could do anything. I'm usually not the type of person to lose my patience quickly, but I was getting a bit irritated this morning after making all of these calls and not being able to find out anything. I think I will just call my dad later today to tell him that I appreciate what he was trying to do but it just doesn't seem like it will work out. It was a very thoughtful thing for him to want to do and that's what counts-the thought!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Originally posted by 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

Goodferry-I folded babie's dress into a little ball and put it in a very tiny bag to show a friend in my office. When I got home I hung it up and NO WRINKLES! So there is hope!

Originally posted by VAgal76
Good afternoon, Lizards!

It's been a crazy weekend for my family. My DS is officially 8 years old now!

VAgal-My oldest turned 5 this weekend (22nd). Sounds like it birthday season in the lounge. LOVE your new clippie! Boo reminded me so much of my now 5 year old when Monsters came out.

Originally posted by luckywife
goodferry - thanks for the advice. Now if my dad does that, will they automatically add the extra money to our room card?

Luckywife-last year I had a Disney Rewards card from my Visa card. I had a package so my room was paid in full when I arrived. I had them put the money from the rewards card on my account. So I just charged everything to my room card and when I checked out I paid the balance (the excess of what I charged to room card over reward dollars) with my Visa card. Very easy! Have a great trip and don't stress about packing. So glad DS is feeling better!

Just read your update. I don't think I'd give up yet. I would ask CL what they think since you'll only be dealing with them not the front desk. I doesn't sound like a hard thing for them to do.

Steveanddonna-cograts on you Aug trip. Have you set dates for Oct/Nov yet?

Well, DH wouldn't say yes to purchasing plane tickets yet. I asked him if he thought I deserved a vacation and he said yes (didn't ask him if he deserved one because I think he'd say no). So I asked him where he wanted to go with the kids and he couldn't think of any place. I explained that I want to go while DD(5) still believes that the characters are real. I told him I'd go without him but I know he'd never let me take the kids without him and I do want him there. So, I'm going to work on him again tonight-we really don't get much chance to talk without the kids-and when we do its late and he's too tired to think. I really want to purchase those tickets before prices go up and I know with 3 small kids and "Grumpy" we've got to fly at convenient times non-stop. Wish me luck and try to sprinkle a little PD on him!

 

[Uncle Scar]

I'm going to miss being in the Polynesian Concierage this year.

I made our reservations on the day the 5/2 discount was announced and within 2 hours the Hawaii was full. But it looks like we'll be in the Tahiti, Lagoon view.

But hey, as long as I'm at Disney I'll be a happy camper.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Originally posted by Uncle Scar
I'm going to miss being in the Polynesian Concierage this year.

I made our reservations on the day the 5/2 discount was announced and within 2 hours the Hawaii was full. But it looks like we'll be in the Tahiti, Lagoon view.

But hey, as long as I'm at Disney I'll be a happy camper.

Have you tried calling back? Its worth the call!

 

[Steffy]

Hi All,

luckywife I bought those dresses too! One for me, my DD and DGD. We're going to look so cute at the Poly. I put them away and will give them on Christmas Day.

lovesdumbo The dresses were packed in my suitcase and when I got home, they were fine. No wrinkles!

I put up a counter for my counter.

Had a great weekend. I had my "Disney" moment when I called the Hyatt and asked for the "room assigner". I had a view of the Empire State Building so the lady took pity upon my poor mixed-up soul!

And taking nothing away from the NYC skyline, it wasn't the Castle.

And although it seemed her entire crew was staying there, I had no Oprah sighting at the hotel

The show was great, Oprah looked wonderful and I have really bad sunburn!!

Now the countdown to Disney can begin in earnest!!!

 

[Steffy]

I'VE GOT COUNTER ENVY

 

[steveanddonna]

Tammy - the CMs switch off between IPO and the concierge desks that are actually located at the resorts, so I would reply to the e-mail explaining that you spoke to Kathy on Fri. but wanted to be sure everything was in place. This way there won't be any confusion as to who is handling your itinerary. I'm really sorry Kathy wasn't particularly warm & friendly via phone I hope it was just due to a busy/bad day, as she's one of our favorite CMs at the Poly. Kathy #2, Marilyn & Melissa are all great, too.

lovesdumbo - thanks! I still can't believe I agreed to go in Aug. For our fall trip we were aiming for 7-8 days straddling 10/21, which is my birthday, but there was no Poly CL availability when we checked, then my MIL said she wanted to go too. Now we're waiting on my MIL to find out when she can/can't get off of work to book. We have our dates (tentatively) for the 1st week of Dec. and then we become part-time Floridians the second week of January 2005!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Uncle Scar - I would start a calling campaign to CRO, you will probably snag that PolyCL room! And, if you don't get it before you leave, ask at check-in, that's how I got AKL CL at Easter! Never give up!

lovesdumbo - Your DH sounds just like mine! We take a family vacation, and he has a wonderful time, but by the time we get home, all he remembers is the money that was spent! So, when I start talking about another trip, we have to have several conversations about whether we "need" to spend the money! And, his reasons for not wanting to go change - first, it was the money thing, then it was that our dogs don't do well in the kennel, then it was that he doesn't really like to travel! Now, DD and I go without DH and the boys, as he says he doesn't really like WDW, and he does nothing but worry about us going alone! I can't win! Each time DD and I decide it's time for another WDW fix, I have to reason out why we think we should go - never been at Christmas-time, want to go in April for the beautiful weather, we need to go while DD is out of school this July!

steveanddonn - Glad to hear we're not the only ones that can't get back before we plan another trip! And, how did the "part-time Floridians" thing come about? Did I miss a post?!

 

[goodferry]

steveanddonna--what gives, are you moving part-time to Florida?

lovesdumbo--lots of pixie dust on your dh, guilt always works well for me, especially with 4 kids

By the way...I am on my way to finally getting to do the single digit dance

 

[TINKERBECK]

not to be nosey but how do you guys afford the deluxe and conceirge? Do most of you have less than 6 to accomodate? I don't want you to tell me all of your business-just if you get great rates or have some secrets! We are speending 7 nights a Pop Century-obviously we need adjoining room and are spending $2000! I would love to stay at some of the deluxe resort I just don't know how!

thanks

Sarah

 

[ead79]

I'm back again, LOL! I had a trade show in Chicago this past weekend, and I am so glad to be home. Chicago is a really neat city, but I am so tired and ready for my own bed. I also will be getting about a month's break before my next show, thankfully.

I can't wait for this long weekend! I'm going to try to run some numbers to firm up our plans for our December trip.

I asked this on the theme parks board, but I thought I would also get your opinions. With Christmas being on a Saturday this year, when do you think the crowds will start being bad? We didn't notice any bad crowds last December (we left the 21st), but I'm wondering if people will come down earlier since Christmas is on Saturday. Any thoughts?

 

[BambiTamby]

hey! Looks like I was like ead79.....I went out-of-town to LA for a trade show, too! Very last minute decision, but now....
to get caught up on everything here!

WOW! Ya'll have been busy!

steveanddonna...Going again in August! That is fabulous!
See.....those APs DO burn a hole in your pocket!

Uncle Scar...WELCOME to the LIZARD LOUNGE!!!!
kacsmom is right on the money! If you keep calling, you WILL get those AP CL rooms!
Sit back, enjoy a latte and a pineapple danish, and have fun here!

luckymom...how about a prepaid Visa or AX card from your dad? Or an AX "Be my Guest" gift certificates?
Just thinking of something to help you out here!

Majestic...Welcome back "home to the DIS' Lizard Lounge"!!!! Glad to see you liked Poly CL> I know whole-heartedly about having a "home" CL!

Big wave :thewave: to everyone in the lounge!

 

[luckywife]

Well...I decided to call CRO again today about the pre pay thingy my dad is wanting to do for us. The lady I spoke to was VERY helpful and said, after speaking to a supervisor, that this can be done. She noted on our reservation that my dad would be calling to set this up. He called earlier today and as far as we know, everything should be taken care of. They told him to have us call back in a few days to make sure everything is the way it should be. I'm hoping it is because my dad tried so hard to do something nice for us. If not, I won't be upset and told my dad not to worry about it. He is so overwhelmed since my mom passed away, not knowing exactly how to take care of things that she always did in their 42 year marriage.

Ok.....we're getting CLOSE to our vacation. I'm so excited! How can I send a few thank you gifts to the ladies in IPO who have been so helpful to us? BambiTamby....maybe you can help me out here? I'd really like to show my appreciation to them, they've worked so hard for us and have done such a fantastic job!

 

[BambiTamby]

So glad things are looking up, luckywife!

I always use the Disney World Florist at (407) 827-3505.

Tell them what cha want and where you want it sent!

4 more DAYS!!!!!!

you're not just a luckywife, but a lucky GAL!!!!!

TINKERBECK...we use AP and AAA discounts. and...
Some of us save for these concierge rooms for special trips for our families.

We are so blessed to be able to afford CL, let us not forget!

Hope this helps you!

 

[MickeyMac]

Tinkerbeck - we have not been to Disney for a while, and will use a AP's when we go. It's a great way to 'do Disney' if you don't plan on doing water parks, and plan on being in the parks for 8 days or more. And yes, we only have four to accomodate. That helps!

I'm going into a minor whine... I can't wait. I've got all sorts of pics downloaded for my desktop and it changes every five seconds so it looks like a slide show. It's horrible torture, but I don't want to take them off! I wanna go nowwwww!

 

[Majestic]

Somebody had asked for info about Internet when down at Disney. I posted this in the WL FAQ so I thought I would share it here.

=================================

When I am in Orlando or traveling out of state, I use a company called MyFreeI.com for dialup internet access. They provide up to 10 hours a month of up to 56k dialup internet service for free. Each additional hour after 10 is billed at a $1 per hour with a max of $10 per month.

They work great and I have not had a problem connecting yet.

Take note that local calls at Disney are billed at the rate of 75 cents per call flat rate. There is no per minute charge AS LONG AS YOU DO NOT DIAL A LONG DISTANCE NUMBER. (This information was current up to January 2004 and may have changed since. Please check with the resort prior to your stay.) I emphasize that because I have read stories of people staying at Disney with $500 to $600 phone bills because of this!! Make sure that you ask the operator or hotel desk to confirm your dialup access number is in fact a local call FROM THE HOTEL. Local calls may or may not be different depending on where you are staying.

The number I use for them while staying at Wilderness Lodge is 407-641-4014. As of January 2004, I was not charged long distance for this number. I cannot promise you anything after that date. I also just used this same number at The Polynesian this past trip and it was a local call.

Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for any bills or long distance charges you may get simply for providing you with this helpful information. Double check your dial numbers!

Company Info from the website at http://www.myfreei.com

Access 4 Free (Myfreei.com)
Each month you get 10 hours FREE
$1 for each additional hour will apply
The maximum you may be charged per month is $10 for unlimited Internet.
Reliable & fast connection.
1 Free e-mail. POP3 and Web Mail
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Pay via Credit Card, Check or Money Order
Thousands of access numbers nationwide.
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