The New Lizard Lounge

[lovesdumbo]

I have to confess to Tammy who also got hit with this snow that it might be all my fault. I've been trying to explain to DD what the expression "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" means. I think she understands the lion part now.

OK since I took blame for the lion's snow back on 3/1 do I now get to take credit for today's lamb like weather? Isn't it nice to see and feel the sun?


Seaspray-I think you'll love Poly CL. You do know know that spring water is now available only in big glass bottles.

MKLvr-one nice thing about Poly is that you can walk to TTC to get the direct Epcot monorail.

Hope all is well with all. I've got to get some work done!

 

[YCFAN]

I posted this over on the resorts thread but I'm not getting any responses. Thought maybe some of you guys might have more experience. I just called CRO and tried to book the Royal Asante Suite at AKL for July 2006. They said I would have to wait until August to call back and try to book. Have you ever heard of this? I really didn't want to wait since this suite is one of a kind and I wanted to make sure we got our dates that we wanted. Do you think I should call back and talk to someone else and is this the norm? Thanks for your help!

 

[Steph H]

Morning all! Work got busy last week and I didn't get a chance to post a thank-you to those who answered my question about resort hopping. I think I agree with those of you who have small children--resort hopping would be tough at that age. However, I do see the benefit of proximity to different parks. I hadn't thought of that! Maybe when the kid (or kids???) get a little older, we'll try it. Thanks for the advice!

I think that if you're the type of personality that lives by the saying, "if life gives you lemons, you make lemonade", then you'll always experience a good vacation.

I agree with you completely, Tammi! Sad to say, but one of my best friends is one of those people OPPOSITE of that quote--she finds fault like there's a reward for it! I say--enjoy the trip, and don't dwell on the bad things that might pop up (being Disney, I'm sure there won't be too many of them! ).

Hope everyone is enjoying nice weather for opening day--it's beautiful here in Detroit--up to 60 or so today and !

Countdown to my GF vacation: 180 days 0 hrs. 21 mins. 14 secs.

 

[Angel16]

Bump !!

HI Everyone!


Angel

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Hey to Angel16... you're traveling soon, right?!

Sorry I can't help with the AKL suite question, YCFAN... since I've never been so fortunate as to travel in that sort of style! Perhaps another AKL suite fan will pick up on this one...

Regards to all... we're finally expecting a real live spring-type day in western Mass... at long last!!!

 

[steveanddonna]

Hey everyone! Just stopping in to leave out some breakfast goodies, then it's back to work for me. I have 3 major projects to finish if I want to enjoy my May trip without guilt.

Angel, hope everything is looking more positive. Are you still planning on being at the Poly in May, if all goes well for DH?

Enjoy some pineapple bread, fresh fruit and Kona coffee while you're here. Hope to be back in the lounge soon with all my projects behind me!

 

[Angel16]

Hi Everyone ![/B]

I know I haven't been around much lately. It has been a little interesting here in my part of the world. My DH was diagnosis with cancer the first of March. Actually it was Melanoma. (Note: I am using the past tense) The lesion was above his right eyebrow.
DH had gone to the dermatologist to check the area. Long story short – the dermatologist was totally unprepared to the biopsy results. It did not look like melanoma, they thought it was a cyst and didn’t even want to remove it.

Last Tuesday DH had surgery to remove the rest of the lesion and do what they call a grand and large resection. Poor guy, he looked like a patient that had a totally face-lift. They had him bandaged from the top of his head to under his chin. He was told to take 2 weeks off work to heal. He goes in this Friday April 8th to have the 45 sutures removed and we hope they will have the results back. If they got it all then we move on to lymph node biopsies, CAT scan, PET scan, and MRI. If they didn’t get it all then they are going to set him up for additional surgery.


My DH is a very, very positive, happy person. All the doctors keep talking about him having a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. We both feel that they got it all and he will get a clean bill of health. .

We have come through aortic valve replacement, open heart surgery just a few years ago and know that it is in our future to be repeated. My DH was so young that they put in a human heart valve rather than a mechanical one. The human valve last about 10 – 12 years. The current heart valve will have to be replaced in the next 7 years, probably sooner. DH came through all of that even throwing a pulmonary embolism days post surgical. I know he will come through all of this. But, I would like to ask you for prayers, good wishes and positive thoughts.[/B]

I sent Donna a pm about all of this sometime back when she was telling me about the meet in May. Donna, thank you, you have been so very supportive. I don’t think we will be making it in May. I have just put off canceling.

If there is anyone out there that would like to try and capture our reservations for May 13th – 20th at the Poly Concierge, just PM me. I will try and coordinate my cancellation with someone picking up the reservation. I understand everything is pretty heavily booked at that time of year with the 50th anniversary celebration.

I miss all my friends on the DIS. I will try and post pictures of our puppies and our new grandson. Yes, we have a grandson. He was born March 1st 8 pounds, 10 ounces, 22 inches long. He is so cute.

Everyone have a good evening. I enjoyed the fresh fruit and Kona coffee. The pinapple bread was all gone by the time I got here.

Angel

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Angel16... Hugs, prayers and PD to you and your family... You are absolutely right that attitude is SO important! That grandson and those puppies are among the best kinds of medicine... will keep you all in my thoughts...

Speaking of thoughts... I've been thinking of mmausse and all the mommies-to-be lately, so if any of you are more connected that I am, please pass along my best wishes...

 

[SeaSpray]

steveanddonna and lovesdumbo: Thank you for that info

Angel16: Sending my best wishes for your DH, and you too. You've really been through a lot and you both have such wonderful attitudes. I agree, a person's attitude really can contribute to the healing process and overall health.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Love and prayers to your family, Angel! Disney will wait patiently while everyone heals and gets back to normal.

Debbie

 

[Steph H]

Angel: Sorry to hear about your DH's medical troubles, but he sounds like he's doing well with his positive attitude. That's so important! I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

It's Friday! Thank goodness. . .I sure have needed it. At least the weather is cooperating. Sunny and low 60s--a nice change from two weeks ago. I can see green in the grass, finally!

 

[Angel16]

Big lounge room wave.

Thank you all for your kind words, prayers and positive thoughts. DH is at the surgeon’s office right now. He is going to have the sutures removed and we hope they have the results back from the biopsy. Praying they got it all and no further surgery is needed on his face. Don’t worry…he is still a hunk, even with a Harry Potter type scar and his swollen face

Goofymuse- How are things going with you and the Goffy family? I have tried to catch up on all the posts and it looks like you are thinking of moving into a larger home. How exciting! Have you made a decision yet? When is your next WDW trip?

Steveanddonna Hope you both are doing great. How is your business going? I imagine it has been very busy. That can be a good, but tiring thing. I sure do miss seeing you on the boards more often.

SeaSpray- How is your trip planning coming along? You always seem to be planning some exciting cruise or vacations of some type. We will start our planning once we have a better idea of how soon we can get back to normal life.

Hockymom - Debbie When am I going to hear about your recent trip. Come on, you can't keep it a secret....we want to hear all the details and everything. Where you ate, what all you saw. Come on, pretty please!

Steph H - Thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts. My DH has a great attitude. When they were just about finished with the surgery, they woke him up. They were cleaning him up and bandageing his head. He told his surgical team "to look out for one of my two brain cells. It probably escaped for a vacation while you had me cut open." He went on to say, "it was wearing shorts and a hawaiian shirt." They had to stop what they were doing and "step away from the table" because they were laughing so hard. The team all told him he was going to make it through this as he has such a good attitude.

This weekend I have made a promise to myself to post pictures of our new grandson and the puppies. We have 4 females and 1 male. They are 6 weeks old now and just little balls of fur, energy and joy. They will be going to their new homes shortly.

I also need to set up for a giant garage sale. Where I live they hold community garage sales twice a year. They do all the advertising and put out signs. So you just set up your garage and sell. I have tons of stuff from my fathers estate. It is a great sale as people come from all over the valley and you don’t have to spend a penny advertising.

I also hope to join the "other place" this weekend. It is blocked at work, or I would have joined before this.

Everyone take care and remember....It's Friday! :thewave:

I will let you know what we find out from the surgeon today. Thank you all

Angel

 

[#1hockeymom]

OK.. we drove... DON'T DO IT! I swear the gates went up when we got close to Florida and they weren't letting anyone else in! We got to CS.... eight hours later, four hours behind schedule and all my worries went away. I don't know if we had an old DVC CM or what at the guard station but he found our name, smiles, and says WELCOME HOME! I looked at DH and said "That is why I come to Disney!"

Check in was quick and the CM says "You're going to love your room!" I say to DH "That is why I come to Disney!" I am sure you are seeing a pattern here.

Our room was at CS on the concierge level... wait.. I mean Cabanas, water view! We unpacked quick then walked over to Pepper Market and all ordered a meal. The food was fantastic... and HUGE portions! We easily could have ordered one dish and split it three ways; we never did learn that lesson, either! We went back to the room after a stroll around then promptly fell asleep.

Now it gets blurry.... we went to MK... we went to MGM... ok, we went to all the parks! We drank... we ate at Le Cellier, Prime Time, and Whispering Canyon. Perkins out on 192 was our breakfast of choice on many of the days, and that was the only time we went off site, for breakfast. DH got conned into Kali river with DS during late night and YES, they were the two that got soaked. My lemon slushy was just fine while watching them. We snacked whenever/where ever. We did a combination of drive/buses and everything always went fine. I tried for days to get a PS to Ohanas and never managed to get lucky. We cancelled a PS at Artist pointe due to being in the wrong area. I didn't see AKL, since I was afraid I'd create a scene and cry! *no kidding* We did late nights at both MGM and MK, with MK we got back into our rooms about 4am! Needless to say, we slept in, way in, the next morning!

We toured SSR and loved the three bedroom villa, though probably won't buy into DVC. I feel like I get a better deal doing it my way, plus we're down too many weekends when the points go up. This did give us three two time use fast passes per park. THOSE WERE GREAT! Put them in the machine... instant ON for the ride! Between those and our regular tickets we did everything we wanted to.

I'll think of more, later!

Debbie

BIGGIE ROOM WAVE! *I wanna go in May!*

 

[dreamflight99]

OK.. we drove... DON'T DO IT! I swear the gates went up when we got close to Florida and they weren't letting anyone else in! We got to CS.... eight hours later, four hours behind schedule and all my worries went away. I don't know if we had an old DVC CM or what at the guard station but he found our name, smiles, and says WELCOME HOME! I looked at DH and said "That is why I come to Disney!"

Check in was quick and the CM says "You're going to love your room!" I say to DH "That is why I come to Disney!" I am sure you are seeing a pattern here.

Our room was at CS on the concierge level... wait.. I mean Cabanas, water view! We unpacked quick then walked over to Pepper Market and all ordered a meal. The food was fantastic... and HUGE portions! We easily could have ordered one dish and split it three ways; we never did learn that lesson, either! We went back to the room after a stroll around then promptly fell asleep.

Now it gets blurry.... we went to MK... we went to MGM... ok, we went to all the parks! We drank... we ate at Le Cellier, Prime Time, and Whispering Canyon. Perkins out on 192 was our breakfast of choice on many of the days, and that was the only time we went off site, for breakfast. DH got conned into Kali river with DS during late night and YES, they were the two that got soaked. My lemon slushy was just fine while watching them. We snacked whenever/where ever. We did a combination of drive/buses and everything always went fine. I tried for days to get a PS to Ohanas and never managed to get lucky. We cancelled a PS at Artist pointe due to being in the wrong area. I didn't see AKL, since I was afraid I'd create a scene and cry! *no kidding* We did late nights at both MGM and MK, with MK we got back into our rooms about 4am! Needless to say, we slept in, way in, the next morning!

We toured SSR and loved the three bedroom villa, though probably won't buy into DVC. I feel like I get a better deal doing it my way, plus we're down too many weekends when the points go up. This did give us three two time use fast passes per park. THOSE WERE GREAT! Put them in the machine... instant ON for the ride! Between those and our regular tickets we did everything we wanted to.

I'll think of more, later!

Debbie

BIGGIE ROOM WAVE! *I wanna go in May!*

So happy to read your post Deb! You chant the SAME mantra as myself (This is why I come to Disney!). LOL.

I agree with you regarding the DVC. They just do not sell enough points for DH & I, even at the MAX...(not enough). Also, the weekends (points) are outrageous when compared with the rest of the week. BUT, that 3BR at SSR is almost enough to push you over the edge...like a miniature 2-story house. Just the cutest layout, and richly appointed as well. Yet, it's better for us to pay for the rooms as guests, than to buy into the DVC. We have gone around and around with this matter, through our CPA several times. It's not beneficial enough for us to justify. This is why we pay $ at DVB resort each summer. It's about $350 per eve, including the weekends. For what you get, I think it's a steal. We are there for two glorious weeks this summer, I can hardly wait!!

But...before that, we are aboard the DISNEY MAGIC right out of our little "Port of Los Angeles" harbor!!! Less than two months now...and we are CRUISIN' DISNEY STYLE! I am ecstatic over this upcoming trip. We are reserved in a Cat. 2 (same suite we cruised on this ship for our Western 7-eve in 2002). It offers more than enough space, and DD has her own room. The concierge service (on par with private butler service IMHO) is the BEST!
On our last visit aboard this ship (our cruise in 2003 was aboard the WONDER), our friends had the ROY suite...very, VERY nice. It was actually "gifted" to them by her DH's firm, for some work he recently completed. Talk about PENNIES FROM HEAVEN! Does NAT want to be adopted for a week and accompany us on this trip? We have GOT to plan a cruise together...pm me when you have a chance.

This marks our 6th DISNEY CRUISE!! We are becoming TRUE veterans (gaining slowly on Verandah Man). We would have booked the 14-day transitional cruise, but DD's HS graduation interfered with the first one, and college plans/travel on the return! At least we secured one of them.

Oh, I LOVE Le Cellier! Did you enjoy it? Canadian beef is tops (DD is a vegetarian, and also loves the selections offered for her at this restaurant). The desserts...maple creme brulee, etc. are amazing. Lemon slushy @ AK park brought back memories too. I can picture you grabbing a post at the AKL and refusing to leave unless DH reserved CL ASAP! LOL. Thanks again for the great post, and vivid details. Enjoy the weekend.

TTFN...DF99

A BIG WAVE to all the other LL's in the place!!

*Angel16, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your DH.

 

[TammiMcMan]

The concierge service (on par with private butler service IMHO) is the BEST!

Can I ask what you ask them to do that puts them on par with private butler service? We've done our Disney cruises on concierge level and while I thought it was very nice, from your description, it sounds like we are definitely missing out on something. I'd love to know what else is offered that we haven't taken advantage of for our next cruise.

Thanks,
Tammi

 

[steveanddonna]

:
Steveanddonna Hope you both are doing great. How is your business going? I imagine it has been very busy. That can be a good, but tiring thing. I sure do miss seeing you on the boards more often.
Angel

Thanks Angel16! It's so nice to be missed! Work has been busy and ordinary life has kept me hopping as well. Just makes me look forward to my next trip that much more. Prayers and PD for excellent test results/clean nodes for your DH. I truly believe that our brains are the most important part of our immune systems and that a positive/proactive mindset is absolutely the strongest medicine.

DF, can't wait to read about your cruise. Cruising has never appealed to us much, but the more we hear about Disney cruises, the more we're rethinking that. One of my favorite CMs regaled us with such an enthusiastic account of her Christmas cruise, we were practically ready to book then and there.

 

[dreamflight99]

Can I ask what you ask them to do that puts them on par with private butler service? We've done our Disney cruises on concierge level and while I thought it was very nice, from your description, it sounds like we are definitely missing out on something. I'd love to know what else is offered that we haven't taken advantage of for our next cruise.

Thanks,
Tammi

Tammi~within a very brief time of boarding, the head concierge and her assistant politely introduced themselves to us in our suite. She asked the "usual" (spa plans or treatments? Palos? Excursions?). Yes, we certainly took advantage of these. Yet, since we have friends whom cruise regularly on the DCL (in the Royal suites), we had some insider tips and info which we planned to experience first hand.

The Flowers and other requested items were in our suite upon our arrival, along with some other "special" requests (certain bottled water, etc). We were VERY pleased with the efficiency of the staff concerning every request. Through the impeccable personal assistance (this is where it becomes more of a butler service), we were able to arrange a private photo session with the ship's head photographer in the comfort/beauty of our suite (dressed in formal attire). We also enjoyed a private cocktail tete-a-tete with the ship's Captain (Henry) (and the ships Hotel Manager).

When we returned to our suite one eve in particular (our anniversary), we discovered incredible surprises, which included my favorite: a pair of inscribed DCL champagne glasses, and a stunning silver~framed photo of the MAGIC signed by the Concierge & ship's Captain/staff!

We even received "champagne and other treats" delivered to the adult beach at Castaway Cay!" NOTHING was beyond their capacity. Special cocktails in the suite? No Problem. Special request for a romantic bath/ingredients? No problem. Special requests for a specific HTF item? No problem. It's the precise reason we keep returning to this cruise line, and the cat 2 suites.

The only other cruise we are planning, is aboard the Q2---to visit/transport DD to/from college in England!! This ship offers the most astonishing services available on the seas...including both Concierge & butler! We truly enjoy the duplex options, but ALL the suites look fabulous.
http://www.destinationoceans.com/cruisestaterooms.asp?ShipID=130


Enjoy your next Disney Cruise!!

DF99

 

[TammiMcMan]

Thank you DF. I knew that I had to be missing something as our concierge kept stopping by our room to inquire if we needed anything. She even asked if we were sure we were having a good time, because we really hadn't asked her for anything. All I did want was to dine in Palo's each evening on the cruise we took without the kids and that was arranged without any problem. I'll have to remember all this information for next time.

Our Boston port is finally opening up to a few other cruise lines and I hope we get more of a choice then simply sailing to Canada or Bermuda. I'm very much enjoying the cruise life.

Best wishes to your DD, I've been following your reports on her. My oldest is just finishing her second year of college for marine biology and I have another two to follow. It's such an exciting time for them. Enjoy your cruise, Disney vacation and trip to Europe.

Tammi

 

[dreamflight99]

DF, can't wait to read about your cruise. Cruising has never appealed to us much, but the more we hear about Disney cruises, the more we're rethinking that. One of my favorite CMs regaled us with such an enthusiastic account of her Christmas cruise, we were practically ready to book then and there.

We used to harbor similar sentiments! Especially AFTER we tried Disney's "original" cruise line on Premier's THE BIG RED BOAT! It was so lacking in any trace of MAGIC, I felt compelled to contact corporate with a mandatory "to do" list as soon as I returned. This is when I received "soft news" regarding their OWN CRUISE LINE in the works! I was wild with anticipation and excitement, and began planning our first cruise right then and there. This was about 5 years before the MAGIC was launched, but the news of her arrival was released publicly long before this date.

I knew the service & accommodations would be stellar, as whenever DISNEY takes on a project, they are sure to dot the "i's" and cross the "t's" (ALL of them!). As I presumed, our initial cruise was heavenly. We have tried just about every itinerary the DCL offers, with exception to the special cruises and Holiday events. We are pleased to be taking the Los Angeles adventure, and I'll contact you with all the details upon returning.
As much as I LOVE the DCL...I have to try Cunard and the Q2 (did you take a peek at the suites offered, on this luxury liner?). I revel in the thought of the transatlantic crossing, on a liner reminiscent of the jewels of the past.
As much as you enjoy Concierge treatment...give one of the suites a try, even for a quick 3-4 day hop on your initial outing. I KNOW you and Steve would LOVE cruising!! We should all plan a LL cruise, with old friends from the DIS. What a fabulous time we would all have together. Maybe, an ADULT'S ONLY 3-DAY cruise? It would be a HOOT with all us LL gals taking over the SHIP!!

Tammi~When another friend recently cruised in a cat 3, (short hop) she too refrained from asking for "anything" special from concierge! The staff repeatedly stopped and asked her if there was "ANYTHING" she wished to reserve/do (other than a spa treatment and 2 ressies @ Palo's? She would always answer "no" (much to their chagrin).

Once back, I lightly admonished her for NOT enjoying the services more...and explaining the DESIRES of the concierge staffers to DO SUCH THINGS for the guests in the suites!! The head concierge even explained to me when honeymooners are onboard, many want to be left completely alone. That's to be expected---but isn't any FUN for the Concierge staff. They take tremendous PLEASURE in the planning and preparation of each guest's "unique" request(s). The more challenging, the more exciting! It's where they derive the greatest sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Therefore, they LOVED my requests, and always greatly exceed my expectations with lavish presentations and dramatic results.

As for cruising, it will be difficult to depart from the standards of DCL. I have received information from a few other lines, which have invariably "piqued" my interest. None as much as the Q2. Therefore, other than the DCL., she is the next ship we will be boarding.

Thank you for the wishes for my DD. We visited an exclusive private college campus yesterday, for admitted student's day. Mount St. Mary's college is an incredible school, atop a breathtaking mountain in Brentwood (overlooking Santa Monica and Los Angeles). Yesterday was so clear and sunny, we could see Catalina.

DD received an offer into their elite Honors program. We learned yesterday only 50 students received this distinguished offer. As much as she enjoyed the day, and all the insight, England clearly remains her top choice. The events of the day resulted in yet another step in this direction. Over dinner at Claim Jumper's, we discussed the relevant facts/issues surrounding all the schools involved in her decision. She loves Notre Dame, but not the location (Indiana). She truly ponders Berkeley, but some factors have her concerned (safety being a major one). USF and USC are great opps, but still...located SO CLOSE to home here in So. Cal (besides the fact USC is one of my Alma Maters...LOL= kiss of death!). There are a few others, one in Mass, she has been contemplating. I am pleased she is giving them all thoughtful consideration, the noble thing to do when an acceptance is received. In the end, she will accept where she is meant to attend. I'm fine with Europe, DH too. It just means we'll have to fly there more often in those VA suites! (darn).

TTFN...DF99

 

[lovesdumbo]

Angel-just want to let you know that you've been in my thought and prayers.

Things have been crazy for me. I've had this reoccuring cold for 3 or 4 weeks. Just when I think its gone it knocks me back down again. Doesn't help that kids have been sick off & on too and keeping me up at night. And my mom wasn't taking care of herself and as a result fell and has been in the hospital for the past 9 days. The doctor said she stopped taking her medicine and that is why she's as bad as she is now. Looks like she'll be there a while longer and then they think she'll have to go to rehab for a week or 2 to get her stregnth back before she can go home.

Wish I were at the Poly today! I bet resting on the beach in the warm sun would make my cold go away!

Tammy-going to the game this afternoon?