Our Seemingly Silly Semi-Illogical Four Day Whirlwind Trip

[TigerKat]

Another great installment, Kay!

 

[Suzflee]

love foreshadowing....bring on the next chapter soon!

cue the music... Da, da, DADA

 

[iluvsushi]

To be honest, I used to scoff at the idea of turn down service. When I first read about it on the Resorts Board, my initial impression was, “What’s the big deal? Just fold back your own bedding, you lazy slugs.”

That's exactly what I would have thought. Hmm...maybe I have some Viking blood way back there somewhere.

Thanks for another wonderfully entertaining segment! :

-Iluvsushi

 

[duncanssweetie]

Another great one Kay !!! I love the way you tell a story !!

And, OH NO !!!! Did Thor and Vidar follow you back to the WL and ruin your plans? break the elevator leaving you stuck on your floor forever?


Can't wait to find out what happens. Although, if you have the same luck I do when it comes to taking it easy sightseeing vacations..... Mother Nature always shows her ugly side. I hope that's not what happens either.

 

[Minnie_Moo]

I check the drawers to make sure the food I put away is still there. We’ll have breakfast at our own Redneck Concierge in the morning. I know exactly where and how I will set it up. And no 7th floor Club Level people are invited.

I'll have to remember to call it this next time I go to WDW!

I am still kicking myself that I didn't pay that little bit extra when we stayed at WL to get Concierge.

Great episode, Kay!!! Loved your Viking intruders.

 

[Kay7979]

Thanks for all the prompt responses so far!

The time dilation effect is definitely in effect. It took me twenty minutes to read about a 30 second experience. Woo!

celerystalker: That’s why this episode was a “twofor” and it was the second episode this week. I had meant it to be just a little "extra" segment but it ended up longer than planned!

DING DING DING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kay, I love it! I envision versions of Cavemen checking in! Especially after watching the History channel with Barbarians today.

I worked at the Lodge for 3 years, I can just imagine the CM with you all.

You are a great writer, sis!

Backstage_Gal aka my “twin:” We watched part of that Dark Ages special on the History Channel, too. Vikings, Cavemen, and all those Dark Ages and earlier Dudes really missed out on a lot. Even back in the early 1800s in our own country male travelers often checked into an Inn and had to share a bed with several strangers. They lay crosswise on the bed to make room for as many as possible. And don’t forget the old “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite,” saying. I bet they had to tighten the ropes a few times with four or five guys draped across the rope bed!

Can't wait until the next installment!

SmllWorld71: Thanks! It’s good to hear from you again.

Another great installment, Kay!

TigerKat. Thanks. I’ll try to ignore those pesky Vikings next time they threaten to invade one of my episodes, but I couldn’t resist them this time!

love foreshadowing....bring on the next chapter soon!

cue the music... Da, da, DADA

Suzflee: If you remember my penchant for dragging out suspense for several episodes, ala the Tweed Bag, you may guess that it will be longer than the next episode before you find out what goes wrong. But I hope you’ll keep reading!

That's exactly what I would have thought. Hmm...maybe I have some Viking blood way back there somewhere.

Thanks for another wonderfully entertaining segment! :

iluvsushi: You’ll need to try it out turn down service sometime and help promote the spread of civilization!

Another great one Kay !!! I love the way you tell a story !!

And, OH NO !!!! Did Thor and Vidar follow you back to the WL and ruin your plans? break the elevator leaving you stuck on your floor forever?


Can't wait to find out what happens. Although, if you have the same luck I do when it comes to taking it easy sightseeing vacations..... Mother Nature always shows her ugly side. I hope that's not what happens either.

duncanssweetie: I can say that Thor and Vidar can’t be blamed for our troubles. Aside from that I’ll just say, wait and see!

I'll have to remember to call it this next time I go to WDW!

I am still kicking myself that I didn't pay that little bit extra when we stayed at WL to get Concierge.

Great episode, Kay!!! Loved your Viking intruders.

Minnie_Moo: I thought when I looked up the various room rates that the cost of concierge was a LOT extra, but maybe it only seemed like a lot because we’re cheap, er um, I mean Value Conscious.

 

[daly7o9]

We just got back from the WL yesterday and the Disney Magic was ON during our stay. When I first planned our weekend I called to see if there were any passholder-rate rooms available at the WL 'cos my DH hadn't seen it yet. There were, so I booked for three of us...me, DH, and DD15. Later, DD15 couldn't come with us due to a softball schedule conflict so it ended up being a parents only weekend This actually worked out well because our 28th anniversary is in about two weeks.

***Fast forward to check in at the WL***

I mention all of the above to our CM Mike, who was cheking us in, and lo and behold... we get a free upgrade to concierge! Of course when we get into the elevator we can't figure out how to use the card and the button to be whisked up to the 7th floor. We tried putting in the card first then hitting the button which didn't seem to work. So we tried it the other way 'round... button first, then card. Nope. Didn't work either. We finally figured out that you don't even have to hit the button.. you just stick the card it the slot and the 7th floor button lights up automatically! (Unlike the lightbulbs over our heads). This is of course all taking place with the elevator door gaping open for everyone in the lobby to see. This fancy schmancy stuff takes some gettin' used to.

Anywhoo... later that night (actually Sunday morning) when we returned to our room (BTW- its a good thing we had already figured out the elevator earlier) our room had been transformed by the turndown fairy. It was verry magical!

 

[Kay7979]

We just got back from the WL yesterday and the Disney Magic was ON during our stay.

. . . lo and behold... we get a free upgrade to concierge! Of course when we get into the elevator we can't figure out how to use the card and the button to be whisked up to the 7th floor. We tried putting in the card first then hitting the button which didn't seem to work. So we tried it the other way 'round... button first, then card. Nope. Didn't work either. We finally figured out that you don't even have to hit the button.. you just stick the card it the slot and the 7th floor button lights up automatically! (Unlike the lightbulbs over our heads). This is of course all taking place with the elevator door gaping open for everyone in the lobby to see. This fancy schmancy stuff takes some gettin' used to.

Anywhoo... later that night (actually Sunday morning) when we returned to our room it had been transformed by the turndown fairy. It was verry magical!

This is SOOO exciting! Thanks for letting us know! I love it when one of our own DIS people gets an upgrade, because I know the recipients truly appreciate it. I would think anyone would be excited to get upgraded to concierge, but with the room view upgrades, I sometimes wonder if Joe Q. Public really understands his good fortune. That's funny about the elevator card. I would have assumed you needed to press a button. The CM who checked you in should have explained that better, or maybe they did and you were so excited it went over your head! And isn't turndown service a nice way to end the day? People say first impressions are important, but coming in at the end of the day and having a nice "last impression" of the day is great, too! I am delighted that you got some magic and pixie dust for your trip, and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY in advance!

 

[NMAmy]

To be honest, I used to scoff at the idea of turn down service. When I first read about it on the Resorts Board, my initial impression was, “What’s the big deal? Just fold back your own bedding, you lazy slugs.”

You know, I've never used turn down service for this very reason. Well, that and the fact that DH and I are usually asleep before the turn down people come around. This looks wonderful, though, so maybe we'll try to stay awake long enough to have it done at the WL this time around!

But sometimes fate has a way of throwing a few obstacles in the way of the best laid plans. Unfortunately, tomorrow evening ends somewhat differently than expected.

And it is not a welcome development.

Ooh...this does not sound good. Once again another wonderful installment. I loved the Vikings at the WL. DH and I also watched the Dark Ages yesterday so the Vikings were pretty fresh in my mind. These ones seemed much better behaved.

Can't wait to hear about your tea and I'm really hoping you made it to the Water Parade because this is something I'm hoping to catch!

 

[nicolemarie]

Count me among the Turndown Enthusiasts!!

It's a nice treat to come back from the parks with the room all nice and inviting, isn't it?

Plus, the little mints are pretty good. The kids love those!

Thanks for another cute installment. We'll be at the WL in May and I'm enjoying reading all about your experience. Now if I could just get the hook-up Daly7o9 got. Geez!! That's exciting!!

NM

 

[brandt79]

Kay - I loved your description of WL. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE turndown service. We stayed at the GF on our honeymoon, and I had just discovered the DIS, so I didn't know about turndown. Imagine my surprise when we got back to our room the first evening and saw the little chocolates, the bed turned down invitingly, the soft light on, and those lovely little nursery rhyme cards on the pillow, signed by our mousekeeper. I just thought it was the sweetest thing ever! I thought maybe it was just because we were on our honeymoon - thanks to the DIS, I know better, and I never miss an opportunity to use it!

 

[Briarmom]

The suspense is killing me!!!!

 

[MP2002]

Oh my Kay I just read your Epcot Chapter & I was rolling I have to tell you that I had a similar experience happen this trip & I felt the same way. We were coming back from MK on the monorail w/a large group & the 4 of us in one car. The 4 of us all standing. Let me preface this w/saying that we usually go the WDW 2 times a yr & are commando type people but I have been pretty ill for the last couple of years so I have not been able to go in 2 yrs. & my stamina is not what it used to be. On top of that I have had a lot of hospital treatments & home IV treatments that have caused various physical problems that I think make me look even older than my actual 41 years. So, the group on the monorail w/us are non English speaking and a family w/a few teens. They all started offering their seat to me. I kept saying thank you, shaking my head no but one of the teen girls kept insisting & then got up. For a minute the seat just stayed open w/everyone looking at me so I sat in it. I have had men offer me a sit before on a crowded bus but have never had a teen offer their seat. It was very nice but like you, in a way I thought she probably thought I looked bad & didn't want me to fall over! If it had been a man I could have told myself "what a gentleman" but since these were teens I know they were thinking "poor old lady doesn't look so good!"

Another great segment.....I have to go back & read the comments & your newest chapter but wanted to post to tell you that I too feel your pain! Isn't it amazing what a little politeness can do to us? That poor guy thought he was being nice & instead he put you through mental menopause

 

[MP2002]

OK, I am all caught up

First thing I thought when I saw the close up pic of the turned down bed was "How nice, they were thinking of Lowell when they turned down the bed" because I saw the remote tucked between the sheets.

Love your Viking characters! I actually picture them getting ready to break the TV into bits grunting away. I can't wait to hear what happens. I'm so happy there is a new mystery to ponder since the tweed bag one has been revealed. Seriously, I will spend time trying to figure out what terrible things could have befallen your itinerary. Man, do I need a life!

I'm so excited that you will be going for Tonga Toast. I love it. I know the traditional icon for Disney World is Mickey Mouse but for me it should be Tonga Toast. We have it for breakfast our first morning after we arrive always!!!!

 

[UtahMama]

Kay! I'm not exactly a Turndown Service Scoffer. It just has never occurred to me to use it! I feel awful for the poor mousekeepers who must make heads or tails of our REALLY lived-in rooms! (we tip WELL).

I think I shall try your way next time! I feel like redneck royalty!

Thank you, dear Kay, for the PERFECT bedtime story for my kids tonight!
They will love it!


P.s. I LOVE that you know the instant people reply to your TR!
You are a PRO! And I lof you dearly!

 

[NAB]

Ding, Ding!!!!

Turn down service is what they do on the cruise. Everynight. We come back and the pillows are like that and new towels. Were the chocolates mint and have a picture of the castle on the them?

Love the Vikings...

 

[jw50]

Just to feed Kay's ding addiction

 

[SunKat]

Uh-oh, it's a cliffhanger!! Well, first things first. I had a big laugh over your new sig "Fastpass my axe" in glitter no less, and think you deserve a visit from the tag fairy. That would make a great tag!! I don't know if the tag fairy resides in these parts or just over at the Community Boards. Let's start a petition!!

I am always entertained by your reports and your imagination and creativity. You're awesome, ma'am! Heh heh. Thor and Vidar bashing in the door with their axe, too funny!

So glad you enjoyed the turndown service. I miss that when we stay at the mods.

Oh, the "dial-a-bus" was a caffeine-free-coke-on-my monitor moment.

Can't wait for the next installment!

 

[Kay7979]

THANKS for all the great comments! I love hearing from you all. You give me as much entertainment as I give you!

You know, I've never used turn down service for this very reason. Well, that and the fact that DH and I are usually asleep before the turn down people come around. This looks wonderful, though, so maybe we'll try to stay awake long enough to have it done at the WL this time around!

Once again another wonderful installment. I loved the Vikings at the WL. DH and I also watched the Dark Ages yesterday so the Vikings were pretty fresh in my mind. These ones seemed much better behaved.

Can't wait to hear about your tea and I'm really hoping you made it to the Water Parade because this is something I'm hoping to catch!

NMAmy: Wow, you guys must work and play hard while you’re at the World, if you fall asleep that early! But don’t rule out turndown service. The Mouskeeper I phoned actually asked me what approximate time we wanted it done. I wasn’t expecting that question. I’m sure if you told them you wanted it done by 6:00 PM they’d accommodate you. Once you returned from dinner, everything would be fresh and ready for the evening.

The History Channel appears to be promoting the stereotype which Thor and Vidar are fighting! They are cuddly sensitive brownie-baking nice guys. They’re just a little surly at times and rough around the edges.

Stay tuned for Afternoon Tea, and the Electrical Water Parade which we do manage to fit into our schedule.

Count me among the Turndown Enthusiasts!!

It's a nice treat to come back from the parks with the room all nice and inviting, isn't it?

Plus, the little mints are pretty good. The kids love those!

Thanks for another cute installment. We'll be at the WL in May and I'm enjoying reading all about your experience. Now if I could just get the hook-up Daly7o9 got. Geez!! That's exciting!! NM

Nicolemarie: Another Turndown Enthusiast. Join the club. I actually managed to take a few mints home and did turndown service the next week with the cards and the chocolates. It was fun. Have a great time at the Lodge in May. I hope you get some major pixie dust like Daly7o9. Isn’t that something? Unlike us, she must have gotten a Cast Member who actually loves this lodge and doesn’t have a life long ambition to stay at the one at Animal Kingdom!

Kay - I loved your description of WL. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE turndown service. We stayed at the GF on our honeymoon, and I had just discovered the DIS, so I didn't know about turndown. Imagine my surprise when we got back to our room the first evening and saw the little chocolates, the bed turned down invitingly, the soft light on, and those lovely little nursery rhyme cards on the pillow, signed by our mousekeeper. I just thought it was the sweetest thing ever! I thought maybe it was just because we were on our honeymoon - thanks to the DIS, I know better, and I never miss an opportunity to use it!

brandt79: A big Lucky Fourteen welcome. Thanks for coming out of lurkdom. Your honeymoon sounds very magical. The surprise of coming back to a room specially prepared to greet you is a wonderful touch. I have many photos taken around the GF coming later, in addition to photos of our food at Afternoon Tea, so stay tuned!

The suspense is killing me!!!!

Briarmom: A new name. Welcome, and if you will pardon the play on words, Briarmom: stick around!

Oh my Kay I just read your Epcot Chapter & I was rolling I have to tell you that I had a similar experience happen this trip & I felt the same way. . . . I have had men offer me a seat before on a crowded bus but have never had a teen offer their seat. It was very nice but like you, in a way I thought she probably thought I looked bad & didn't want me to fall over! If it had been a man I could have told myself "what a gentleman" but since these were teens I know they were thinking "poor old lady doesn't look so good!"

OK, I am all caught up

Love your Viking characters! I actually picture them getting ready to break the TV into bits grunting away. I can't wait to hear what happens. I'm so happy there is a new mystery to ponder since the tweed bag one has been revealed. Seriously, I will spend time trying to figure out what terrible things could have befallen your itinerary. Man, do I need a life!

I'm so excited that you will be going for Tonga Toast. I love it. I know the traditional icon for Disney World is Mickey Mouse but for me it should be Tonga Toast. We have it for breakfast our first morning after we arrive always!!!!

MP2002: I hope you’re feeling better after your vacation, and I’m really sorry to hear about your other more serious health problems. It sounds like you have been through quite an ordeal.

It’s good to have you back reading . . .and analyzing my plot twists! I am glad to see we have another Tonga Toast fan on board. Keep that undying devotion and longing for Tonga Toast in mind as it will become a significant factor in this story.

Kay! I'm not exactly a Turndown Service Scoffer. It just has never occurred to me to use it! I feel awful for the poor mousekeepers who must make heads or tails of our REALLY lived-in rooms! (we tip WELL).

I think I shall try your way next time! I feel like redneck royalty!

Thank you, dear Kay, for the PERFECT bedtime story for my kids tonight!
They will love it!


P.s. I LOVE that you know the instant people reply to your TR!
You are a PRO! And I lof you dearly!

UtahMama: Look at it this way, we’re relatively neat and you’re relatively messy, so it all averages out for Mousekeeping. Go ahead and give turn down service a try next time you stay at one of the deluxes. If your room is as “lived in” as you say, the transformation would probably be stunning!

Thor and Vidar as a bedtime story for your kids? LOL!!! You’re killing me. I can just picture the Thor and Vidar version of Sesame Street, can’t you? “Today, children, we will learn the alphabet. A is for AXE, B is for BRUISE. . .

You’re a riot. I lof you dearly, too!

Ding, Ding!!!!

Turn down service is what they do on the cruise. Every night. We come back and the pillows are like that and new towels. Were the chocolates mint and have a picture of the castle on the them?

Love the Vikings...

NAB: The mints were a chocolate mint, and yes, I think they had the castle on the wrapper. We have never taken a cruise. We booked one in 2004 with a bunch of people from a Timeshare BB I hang out on (not much anymore thanks to too much time on the DIS) but the company I worked for folded shortly after we booked it, so I cancelled. Things straightened out job wise enough for us to take a vacation, so I moved the date up a few weeks and traded one of our timeshares for a week at Old Key West. Shortly after we returned, Lowell’s parents house burned down one night, and he spent weeks helping them paw through the rubble and salvage as much of their lives as possible. That happened right before the cruise would have started, so it was a good thing we had cancelled. Lots of drama that year!

BTW: this 2004 trip is the one I was thinking about writing as a prequel to my current trip report.

Just to feed Kay's ding addiction Last edited by jw50 : Yesterday at 09:38 PM. Reason: Your last episode wasn't too shabby either

Joe: Thanks. See how little it takes to make me happy? I am very low maintenance.

Uh-oh, it's a cliffhanger!! Well, first things first. I had a big laugh over your new sig "Fastpass my axe" in glitter no less, and think you deserve a visit from the tag fairy. That would make a great tag!! I don't know if the tag fairy resides in these parts or just over at the Community Boards. Let's start a petition!!

I am always entertained by your reports and your imagination and creativity. You're awesome, ma'am! Heh heh. Thor and Vidar bashing in the door with their axe, too funny!

So glad you enjoyed the turndown service. I miss that when we stay at the mods.

Oh, the "dial-a-bus" was a caffeine-free-coke-on-my monitor moment.

Can't wait for the next installment!

SunKat: I thought it would make a great tag, too, and a bunch of you really liked it, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I’m glad you liked this segment, Miss, ‘cause Thor and Vidar are headed to your house for the weekend. I told them you had a spare room.

You think Dial-a-Bus is funny? It’s for reals; I didn’t even make it up. And we’ve had it here for as long as I can remember so it seems kind of normal to me. I think they had Dial-a-Horse before that.

 

[MommyPoppins]

So, you didn't find the temp. of the WL pool somewhat undesirable and pee(ish)?

I felt like I was swimming in fresh urine.

In your lodge explorations I guess you never saw my hallway to hell? We weren't in the main building. We had to walk about 490,389,390 miles to our room, it was dark, it was scary. DH said it was the hotel from The Shining. The wallpaper was actually peeling from the walls and the carpet was stained. We didn't not enjoy our stay...but are willing to try it again, this time with a request. And if that doesn't work. LOTS of begging. Of course, we DID have a much better view, and for that I am very thankful!