The New Lizard Lounge

[Steph H]

Thanks for the nice welcome, everyone! And the condolences, as well. I can see already that you're all very nice folks!

Hockeymom--wow, you're a long way from me! I'd have to pack a lunch and maybe a sleeping bag to visit you! Although I used to work in the north end of Troy before I got my current job. So glad that's not the case anymore.

Tess--what's with the "former Buckeye" stuff? And here I thought I was going to like you.

You mentioned "not hearing what you wanted to" from the GF concierge. Can you be more specific? One of us here might have had a similar experience and be able to guide you.

Tammi--it's just a case of "the truth hurts", lol. I asked if there is any leeway on the age limits for GF activities like the Mouseketeers and the Adventures in Cooking (really wanted to try that one), and they sent me an email back with the following in big blue, underlined letters: "they are very strict with the age requirements due to insurance purposes." Sniff, sniff. Oh well, I'm sure we won't be lacking for things to do, but it sounded like such fun.

Other than that, so far so good. They've already made my Hoop De Doo ressies and now I just have to wait until July for the rest. I'm so jealous of those with those double digit counters.

Minniesota, I'm so into those maragaritas. Peach salsa--that sounds good. Hmm, new recipe to try next summer??

 

[steveanddonna]

Liz, What a terrific surprise for your DSIL! Hawaii is the concierge building (other than the suites in Tonga), although they did have some guests in Tahiti due to overbooking and a block of 4 rooms being closed when we were there in October. We've recently stayed in 1502 (loved this location!) and 1517, which I think has a great view. Some of the 2nd and 3rd floor views are obstructed by the tops of palm trees. I imagine some of the 1st floor views are obstructed by ground vegetation, though. I bet Tikiman's site has more info. I know he had photos of the views from several rooms somewhere.

 

[johnsonet]

Thank you steveanddonna
I am really enjoying all your posts! It's so exciting to be trying such a beloved resort for the very first time. Especially Concierge
I have requested a first-floor room.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Liz-I think you, DD, DSIL, and DN will LOVE the Poly. I think your DD will really love it at night with the tiki torches and piped in music. I've only stayed on the 2nd and 3rd floor of Hawaii. I didn't think the convenience of a first floor room would be worth my worry that one of the kids would just walk out the door. I didn't find the view from the 3rd floor much different/better than the 2nd and we didn't use the balcony as much as I had expected but I will probably request 3rd floor again. I've always asked for rooms relatively close to the lounge and have always been happy. I'm hoping I'll have the courage to book a GV room for my next trip. I keep telling myself I will but I've said that for the past 2 years and always end up in LV.

 

[samnbilly]

Stopping by for some cordials before dinner.
WELCOME Steph for joining the LL-I hope you will love the GF-It's my favorite place to be-in fact-i'm sort of there right now.(In my mind)
Glad to see you back #1 Hockeymom -
Prayers and PD for those with sad news lately.
Has anyone heard from WoodysRoundUp lately? Hope all is well.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Isn't it just about baby time around here? Sending PD for QUICK and on time deliveries! Also, sending more prayers out to Mmause and her hospital stay.

 

[steveanddonna]

Has anyone heard from WoodysRoundUp lately? Hope all is well.

WoodysRU and I were supposed to go out for coffee back in Jan., just before her baby was due. We never did and I haven't heard from her since, so I've been quite worried. I know she was having difficulty logging on here, and she couldn't post or check her messages for a while. Hopefully she is just really busy with her new little one.

 

[VAgal76]

Big hello to all you guys!

Welcome, Steph!

Glad to see some familiar faces around.

I'll keep WoodysRU in my prayers. I'd have to agree that it's pretty cool with all the new lizards due to come into the world.

Well, I guess I better go do that work thing to pay for that Disney thing. I really need to find that long, lost, rich relative of mine or play the lottery - SIGH!!!

 

[Steph H]

I really need to find that long, lost, rich relative of mine or play the lottery - SIGH!!!

Send them my way when you're done.

So those of you who've stayed in October. . .what kind of weather should I expect for early October? Hotter than you-know-what? Or worse, if last year is any indication, I guess I should bring my hurricane-preparedness kit. But hey, they're due for a quiet October this year, aren't they??

Think the crowds will be something manageable for a mommy, daddy and toddler in a stroller, or will we be lemmings in the can?

 

[Angel16]

We Have Puppies - They are sooo cute

Yes we have mini-Schnauzer puppies and one BlueBonc (for some reason the system would not let me have a bluebonc for our little boy puppy) Four girls and one boy. All are very healthy, little round tummies and pink noses. We are having so much fun.

I was going to post a picture, however I will have to get the hang of this new system. Hopefully I will have it perfected by the time my new grandson arrives.

Thank you all for good wishes for a healthy....not too big baby. The plan is to have my DD go in Monday for them to induce her. The baby changed position and is now in perfect placement. I will let everyone know as soon as possible.

Welcome Steph H It is always great to have a new member. You certainly seem to fit right in perfectly. To answer you question about October. We were in WDW last October 8th - 20th. The weather was nice. Not too hot, but not cold at all. It did seem rather humid to us, but we are from the West and not use to the tropical type of weather. It rained two whole days while we were there. After that it would rain a little in the late afternoon ,but mostly at night. As far as crowds go, well October is the Food and Wine Festival and it was crowded. Especially on the week ends. When EPCOT gets crowded you know it's crowded. We had two whole weeks to explore so it didn't really impact us much. We would just head off somewhere else. I would certainly go in October again. We had a wonderful time. How long are you going to be there Steph? Where are you staying? That can make a difference in crowds and how it affects you.

Also, last year crowds were different at times due to the hurricanes. Many people re-booked vacations after the storm season. It was thought by CM at AKL that there were more people due to that.

Floridafam - Has anyone heard from her? How is she doing. I think she is getting pretty close to her due date. I am sending PD and prayers for a healthy and easy delivery

I hope everyone has a great evening tonight. I am leaving out hot homemade apple pie with ice cold milk for tonights dessert.

Angel

 

[Steph H]

Oh, yes, pass me some of that pie! My whole kitchen is done in an apple theme and there is good reason for it--I LOVE them! Mmmmmmmm, pie. Thanks, this is delicious!

Angel--we'll be there from October 1-8 (sorry, I didn't have my ticker changed when you saw the post. Ugh, I miss the countdown SOOOO much! ).

The rain worries me, but I guess there are just some things not under our control. Do they close the parks for rain, or just some of the rides?

Thanks for the welcome!

 

[steveanddonna]

Steph H rain doesn't usually close the rides, but lightning or high winds will. We always went in October to celebrate our anniversary, but it has been getting more crowded every year. We've always had really good weather, hot, but very little rain (with the exception of one year) and the crowds are still pretty manageable. When one park got too crowded we just headed to a different one or back to the resort. Plan on taking advantage of the evening EMH, esp. at MK or getting tickets for MNSSHP if they are available when you're going.

Angel16 - congrats on the new puppies! Can't wait to see pix. Best wishes to your daughter, too - keeping her in my prayers!

Send some spare PD my way - I have sinusitis and clogged ears that just won't go away. Dr. said antibiotics won't help, may need surgery to place tubes for drainage, just like a preschooler. Yuck! Gotta get this resolved so I can fly again - I need to start planning a May trip!

 

[floridafam]

Angel16,

I'm here. 6 weeks to go.

We are awaiting a new DD and planning a trip to WL CL in May. I have no idea what it will be like to travel with a 6 week old but I guess I'll find out.

I hope everyone is doing well.

 

[mom_rules]

Congrats and well wishing PD to all!

October was a fabulous time to go-we were there 8th to 18th last year and although Epcot was insanely busy with a little planning we managed very well. It was mostly in mid to late afternoon due to the F&W festival but well worth seeing all the untypical countries represented. If you have the chance do MNSSHP-it was a blast and no wait for rides! Weather was quite warm - we had mostly high 70s low 80s. Even the evenings were warm-it got so humid the night we went to MNSSHP that we had to change out of our costumes and back into shorts and t's. Water parks were great-also warm and crowded by around noon. Do plan a bit and make those must do PS's for the places you really want to try.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Room wave to all! PD to mmausse, steveanddonna, all expectant mommies, and anyone else in need... Thanks for sharing your good news, Angel16... enjoy! And welcome, Steph H... we're an eclectic bunch that shares a common love of all things Disney with some of life's little luxuries thrown in every so often!

So is anyone else out there totally looking forward to spring??!! I'm looking at another 4-5 inches of snow this morning and they're expecting March to come in like a lion next week up here. I've reached my enough-is-enough point...

Camp schedules have finally arrived so we are in the midst of juggling who wants what and when we might eke out our family vacation time this summer. For those who were tracking an old storyline in the Goofy family saga, our DD13 (almost 14, Mom!) has chosen a private HS for next year, so now we're also juggling an anticipated summer play practice schedule (they do a big musical in early fall) plus, of course, a little budget adjustment.

As I logged onto the DIS last night for the first time in a while, I got to poking around the Swan and Dolphin links. My DD12 loved the pics of the Grotto pool and I have to say the pricing looked appealing. Anyone with advice on planning a fabulous S/D stay for a family of 5? Swan or Dolphin? One room or two or dare I say suite (there goes the budget!)? Do they have roll-aways? Any serious downsides? I may go check out the S/D thread if I have time, but time has been in short supply of late!

Happy Friday everyone!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Angel Congrats on the new puppies, they sound adorable.

GoofysMuse I hope your DD is happy with her school decision. My oldest DD went through private school and now my son is in the first year of an all boys school. It was the best choice we've ever made. DS has always been a C- student, but his first term at the new school, he made honor roll and right now, he's only 1 grade away from high honor. To say that this has done wonders for his self esteem would be an understatement. He's in the midst of rehearsals for the Mass High School Drama Festival. This is their first year participating. He did inform me that he wouldn't be trying out for the spring musical, because he basically can't sing. He also does track in the spring though, so I think he might try to help out with the technical crew if he has time.

I haven't been outside yet, but it looks like we got about 6 inches here. They're talking about another snowstorm Monday night. I told my kids that I'm in protest and refuse to wear my mittens anymore. I want Spring to get here.

I'm still waiting for the summer camp information to arrive. Hopefully it will arrive soon, so I can start making up schedules. Luckily, I work in education and have the summer off too. That makes things alittle bit easier around here. Plus oldest DD will be home from college and can help with transportation. My DS just decided to give ice dancing a try and he now has a partner. I forsee us spending quite a bit of time at the rink this summer. Youngest DD goes to a summer program through the school. She absolutely loves it and does some cheerleading camps.

At least the sun is finally starting to give us some warmth. Hopefully it will melt the snow in time for our next storm.

Enjoy the last day of school vacation,
Tammi

 

[Steph H]

Can I just share some excitement?

I just booked my plane reservations for my trip in October. And not only did I just book three tickets to Orlando, I booked three FIRST CLASS tickets to Orlando!!!

This is my first time ever flying first class, and needless to say, I'm geeked! I came into some unexpected money a few weeks ago, and I decided this was the perfect way to use it. I mean, hey, I'm staying concierge level at Disney's flagship resort, so why not get there in some style?

So woo hoo Disneyworld, here I come!!! Only seven more months. . . now the waiting begins. Oh, will it never end?!?!?

Thanks for sharing in my joy!

 

[TammiMcMan]

How cool for you Steph . Personally, I could never book first class, but that's probably because it's only a little more than 2 hour flight from where I live. Can't imagine what the difference in price would be, but I probably would have gone for a longer stay or a 2nd trip. Just me though. I hope this vacation is everything you want it to be. Enjoy!

 

[Goofy's Muse]

OK... I'll celebrate, Steph! How nice for you! Enjoy your planning... it can be such fun!!

 

[steveanddonna]

How exciting, Steph! What a great way to make your special trip even more memorable. I love flying first class when I have the chance. I regret only that I am too miserly to do it all the time!