The New Lizard Lounge

[sfbank]

MinnieSummer-my prayers are with you and everyone who needs them.
lovesdumbo-Great news about you Mom!!
DH went with his brothers to see his Dad yesterday. His oldest brother went to the doctor with him today and they are starting chemo treatments Thursday. They don't think he can take any more surgery. He has had to use oxygen at night and sometimes during the day since he had his gallbladder surgery two years ago. Hopefuly the chemo will put the cancer into remission. Anyway, thanks for all of the prayers and good thoughts!!
Anyone going to be at Disney Nov 27th-Dec 4th?? Would love to meet some of you!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

O.K. Lounge Lizards I need some help:

My MIL is taking us on a Land/Sea vacation this fall and is being pretty tight lipped about the accomodations I do know that we are staying at GF so, that leads me to believe that we must be in a Cat 1,2 or 3 onboard. After going through a few more rounds of deductive reasoning I am pretty sure that we are in a Cat 2 suite on The Wonder.
Now, here is the question: Are we going to be in a standard room at the GF or could I possibly dream about that oh so lovely conciergre level?

Technically, category 1, 2 or 3 suites with the land/sea package would put you in the Grand Floridian, but a standard room (sorry not concierge). You can pay to upgrade. Don't lose heart though, those categories on board the Disney cruise come with concierge service. It's not quite the same as the GF main building, but it is very nice and very personalized. We've done the category 3 twice now and both times had a wonderful experience on board.

Tammi

 

[ead79]

lovesdumbo, I am so glad to hear that your mom is improving so much! I know she must be glad to be leaving the ICU. I hope that her rehab is successful so she can go home very soon. Also, good news on the potty training front—whew!

I totally understand your dilemma about Poly CL. It’s just my personality, but I wouldn’t want to chance it at the Poly during the rehab on the Hawaii building. I loved my stay at the GF main building, so you should definitely consider that if it’s something you think you’d like. As far as the Epcot area resorts go, it’s kind of funny. Though there is a lot of activity on the BoardWalk itself, the resorts actually seem very peaceful to me. In my opinion, the most peaceful of all the Epcot resorts was the Yacht Club, though the pool is sure to be busy. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. The BWI is not hectic when inside the resort at all (at least not the 2 times I’ve been there). Good luck with your decision!

 

[spectrum-turbo]

Goofy and Tami...

Thanks for the replies, I kinda' figured a regular room was in order but a girl's gotta dream.

As a side note here is my be CL story:
We stayed at the GF CL for our honeymoon oh so many years ago and just loved it. A couple of years later we decided to try a BC CL. Shortly after we arrived my DH husband asked (very nicely) to have us moved back to the GF as the BC CL was nice just not GF CL nice. Well, it must have been a slow week at the GF, we got moved over to a turret honeymoon room at no additional charge from the BC CL Needless to say we were the talk of the concierge staff at GF.

 

[minniesota]

Good afternoon lizards!

I promised to complete my trip report and since the next few days look a bit nuts, I figured I'd take the opportunity now!

Actually, not a lot to say about our last day. We slept in a little since our driver was picking us up at 11:30 a.m. But we did get up in time to sit on the balcony and listen to MK opening for the day. The wind was blowing in the right direction and we could hear it all very clearly.

Got the suitcases packed and walked over to the GF Cafe for breakfast. DD had a Mickey waffle and I ordered French toast. Both were delicious. We lingered over breakfast and recapped our stay. After we paid our bill, I talked DD into going over to Sago so I could get a good look at the lagoon view rooms there. They look perfect!

Back at our room, we called bells services and I swear they were there in under 3 minutes! Our driver was right on time and we headed back to the airport for our flight back to reality.

We had a wonderful time and would do it all again. DD was delightful to travel with and I think we learned a little more about each other. I highly recommend it!


And on another happy note...

My sister and I are headed to the GF and the Food and Wine Festival!!! Got an AP rate - 5 trips on one AP - not too shabby, huh??? Let the planning begin!!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Well, it must have been a slow week at the GF, we got moved over to a turret honeymoon room at no additional charge from the BC CL Needless to say we were the talk of the concierge staff at GF.

We also had the good fortune of being upgraded to one of the turret honeymoon suites for our January 2004 trip. It was amazing.

Please let us know which stateroom you'll be in for your Disney cruise. I can fill you in on how concierge is handled on board the ship if you do end up in a category 1, 2 or 3. With only 22 suites in total, it makes for a very exclusive, personalized, VIP feel. You'll love it.

Tammi

 

[ead79]

And on another happy note...

My sister and I are headed to the GF and the Food and Wine Festival!!! Got an AP rate - 5 trips on one AP - not too shabby, huh??? Let the planning begin!!!

Woo Hoo! 5 trips is not too shabby at all! Our highest total so far is 4 (and several of those were very short trips for long weekends). Enjoy the GF for the Food and Wine Festival! I’ve never been to that event, but it sounds like a lot of fun (and a lot of good food!).

 

[spectrum-turbo]

Please let us know which stateroom you'll be in for your Disney cruise. I can fill you in on how concierge is handled on board the ship if you do end up in a category 1, 2 or 3. With only 22 suites in total, it makes for a very exclusive, personalized, VIP feel. You'll love it.

Tammi,

I am 99% sure that we will be in a Cat 2 stateroom. My guess is that my MIL is going to hold out as long as possible before telling us the exact stateroom/category. I think that her goal is to keep it to herself until we board the ship.
As a consequence I am in an interesting position. I could call the TA and get the ressie number so that I can book Palo's, get the kids registered in the kids club ahead of time and make a spa appointment or two online but, then I would inevitabley know the cabin number and therefore the category. That would spoil some of her fun. Or I can do the embarkation marathon on the first day, that would spoil some of my fun. I guess I will just have to wait and see....a real problem for someone who like to plan, plan plan a vacation.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Spectrum-turbo Personally, I love surprising others, but hate to be surprised myself. Not to mention that I'm a huge overplanner. You might want to explain to your MIL about the new DCL enhancements where you can go online and get things done ahead of time. I'm sure it is fun for her to keep it all under her hat, but really not feasible if you want to make reservations for anything on board. I believe it's 105 days before your cruise, if you are a concierge guest paid in full. Because this is open to everyone at some point before the cruise, I wouldn't want to wait until after boarding. You might not get a lot of your first choice or even second choice dates and times for the spa & Palo. Hopefully she'll find a way to surprise you soon.

Is it 4 nights cruise/3 days land or 3 nights cruise/4 days land by the way? Or has she not she spilled the beans on that yet either?

Minniesota, you're my idol. You have no idea how much I'm envying you right now. Especially as I sit here writing out a $1300.00 check for 9 weeks of summer ice. Ugh

Tammi

 

[GoofyJoofy]

Minniesota, you're my idol. You have no idea how much I'm envying you right now. Especially as I sit here writing out a $1300.00 check for 9 weeks of summer ice. Ugh

Tammi

Tammi - I feel your pain and enviousness. Right there with ya girl.
I mean we did 2 trips last year, but that was really pushing it with the kids schedules. And after the December trip, everyone is spoiled and does not want to go back in the HOT weather.

 

[spectrum-turbo]

Tammi,

Here's the low down on the trip :

9/28 Arrive mid afternnon staying at Ft Wilderness cabin, seeing Hoop Dee Doo (or Whoopiti as my MIL keeps calling it )
9/29 Transfer to GF for 3 nights. We will spend time at EP, AK and MK including MNSSHP
10/2 Wonder for 4 nights
10/6 Return from cruise and we have one more night in Orlando and I get to plan the whole day/night! Not sure what to do. I am thinking about one of three things:

1. YC or BC with DS during the day and the boys (4 & 7) and I will mess around at the pool and boardwalk while the rest of the crew (DH, MIL, FIL) go to Cirque that evening.
2. Stay at the Nickelodeon Hotel with same basic day planned as above
3. Stay closer to Universal and go to Islands of Adventure as the kids want to see Dr. Suess Land! This pretty much eliminates Cirque for the big kids.

I may just make a couple of room only ressies and then we can choose right before penalties kick in for cancelations.

I have decided to re-tell my MIL about the being able to make Spa and Palo reservations online and hopefully she will give me the info so I can do it, do it herself or have my FIL make the arangements. The tricky part to all of this is that they are in Minnesota for the next 7 weeks with no phone just internet and I will have to very tactfully put this all in an email.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Spectrum-turbo, Whoopiti, I love it! I'm so glad you said the 4 night. We've done both the 3 night and 4 night and the 4 night is just so much more relaxing. Good luck with trying to decide what to do with that extra day. I would opt for staying at a Universal resort (got to love "front of the line" privelages). My kids love Disney, but they are ride junkies and just can't get their fill from Disney parks alone. Plus, there's no reason why the older "kids" can't relax poolside and then take a taxi over to the Downtown Disney area for dinner and Cirque. I always find the best way to bring up these conversations is "I was talking to someone at work and they mentioned just coming back from _________ (fill in the blank)".

Hi Mr.Goofy, I'm just jealous because I'm going through severe withdrawal. I took DS out to Panera's today for lunch (he had a 1/2 day due to finals) and he was asking all about our next Disney trip. We were so spoiled last year and it's a bit of a letdown when the money tree's been picked clean. I'll continue to live through everyone elses trip and I'm trying to be content in the knowledge that the next time we go, the Everest Expedition ride will be open. Yeah, that's it. That will keep me going.

Tammi

 

[Angel16]

Room wave to all. We are leaving Saturday early AM for our family visit to Indiana and Northern Wisconsin. Really looking forward to see everyone and playing with the little ones. We are all packed, just have to do our carry on stuff.

I called IPO GF today and booked reservations for V&A's for our anniversary. It there someone in IPO you would recomend I deal with in the future? The woman I spoke with was rather "flat". I ask if they would be sending out a welcome packet as I have never stayed at GF. She told me to "just go on the Disney website. They have pictures of GF and it would show me about the resort." Hmmmm interesting. I have already received packets welcoming us to the Poly and AKL. Maybe the "flagship resort" does not do that?

Has anyone done the Lunch/Dinner with an imagineer? DH is very interested in this and I am going to book it as a surprise. If you have done the Imagineer meal/visit, let me know what you thought of it. How long did it last and would it be intersting to all ages?

Lovesdumbo - I am so happy that your mom is doing better. You are all in our prayers

Tammi - I know your pain. Have been there, it isn't much fun, but the rewards are Hugh. Before you know it, you next trip will be here. Thank you for all the help and information on our GF stay. I will be asking for your advise as what "is not to be missed at GF". This will probably be our only visit to that resort.

Steveanddonna - Are you doing ok? Have not heard from you in some time. Also, I have need seen the LL trip report. Did I miss it somehow? I am sure you both are very busy. Just want you to know you are missed

Minniesota and EAD79 - Wow 4 and 5 trips on one AP. I was excited when we were able to get two trips off one. Now I have something to aspire to EAD79, when is your next trip?

sfbank & MinnieSummer - Prayers and PD to you and your families. I hope you know you have the love and support of the LL.

#1Hockeymom - Debbie - When are you leaving for AKL? I spoke with Don at IPO yesterday. As we were visiting he mentioned different DIS handles. I brought your name as one that really loves AKL. He does remember you. Naturally!!!! I assume they get on the boards and try to figure out who we we are. We have booked the sunrise and sunset safari's for our visit. He is also going to keep us informed about any wine dinners that Jiko has coming up. Don said Jiko does are really great wine pareing dinner once a month. I had not heard about them before. It would be fantastic if they had one during our stay.

Tess - Your down to Less than 1 day Woo Hoo

Well, everyone take care. I send prayers and pd to those in need. For all planning and leaving on their trips. Have a wonderful time and be safe.

I am praying that 2005 can be a hurricain free year for the South.

Angel

 

[TammiMcMan]

I called IPO GF today and booked reservations for V&A's for our anniversary. It there someone in IPO you would recomend I deal with in the future? The woman I spoke with was rather "flat". I ask if they would be sending out a welcome packet as I have never stayed at GF. She told me to "just go on the Disney website. They have pictures of GF and it would show me about the resort." Hmmmm interesting. I have already received packets welcoming us to the Poly and AKL. Maybe the "flagship resort" does not do that?
Angel

If there's one complaint that I have for the GF, this is it. I probably would never have noticed either, if I hadn't had the pleasure of working with the YC IPO staff. What a huge difference in departments. I've never gotten a park map from the GF let alone a whole welcome packet and yet within 4 days of speaking with Alana, I had a huge envelope stuffed with information from the YC. I thought maybe when they started combining the resort IPO's, that would mean a more uniform approach to this department, but I guess not. I wouldn't hesitate to drop an e-mail back to them and mention that you have already received some wonderful things from the Poly and AKL and question when you might receive the same from the GF. Compared to others, the GF staff is definitely more along the lines of cool & professional and not what I would call warm & fuzzy. They get the job done though.

I'm glad you got V&A's for your anniversary dinner. There's not a whole lot of options in regards to romantic dinners for 2, but another consideration is that they can help you set up a private dining affair. You could pick your own menu and they have some select area's around the resort that they could arrange for you. Janet2k posted about an amazing dessert reception that she had out on the boat dock. They added some privacy panels and foliage and timed the whole thing to coincide with the fireworks. At the theme pool, they have 3 cabana's with panels on all sides. Because that pool area closes at 8pm, I wonder if they could transform one of them into a dining area? Just what you probably don't need, more choices and more decisions .

Tammi

 

[ead79]

Angel, Here’s how we did the 4 trips thing:

--Renewed AP’s May 17th and went to the parks (actually I guess we still used our old AP’s that day since they expired that day, so I guess I really did 3 trips on 1 AP)
--Used AP’s on our December 2004 trip
--Used AP’s on my January trip to do the Half Marathon
--Used AP’s on my May 2005 trip

My next trip isn’t until this December (the 15-21) at the WL concierge and CR 14th floor (well, that’s where we’ll stay as long as we can get the AP discount on the WL half). It’s a ways away, but I’m OK with that since I’m a major weenie when it comes to the heat.

 

[minniesota]

Angel - Popping in really quick! I'm about to go up to DS's school for the last day!! Not only the last day of his school year but also the last day for our family at the elementary school. I have very mixed emotions - we have loved this school, the staff, principal, families, etc. Change is hard...

I worked with Denny at the GF and he was pleasant and efficient. After a couple of e-mails and phone calls, he seemed to really warm up. ANd he was great once we arrived - called to makae sure all was ok, etc.

steveanddonna have spoken highly of a CM who recently transferred from the Poly to the GF - his name is Marc. Donna says he's fabulous. So there are a couple of names for you. Good luck! Your trip sounds fabulous by the way.

Off to the school path (my kids have walked to school all these years!) with my camera and sunglasses. Camera to capture the smiles, sunglasses to hide my tears...

 

[#1hockeymom]

Thanks for mentioning me, Angel! I won't be able to make it a concierge trip this July, but I am going to try to pop up there and say hello! *or, have them come down and I'll say hello!* AHHH to be at my favorite spot today would be so nice!

Big wave to everyone on this super hot humid day! I would give anything for our school to have AC!

Debbie

 

[spectrum-turbo]

Tammi,

I sent my MIL an email today and among other things I asked to have the TA put in a request for the Boca Chica building at GF. Here's the response I got from my MIL:

"We've already got a room assignment at the Floridian...I think we'll be pleased..."

Well, now it's killing me not to know whats going on. But 'inquiring minds' might just be able to find out. She went on to say that I should get in touch with the TA about online pre registeration for the kids clubs on The Wonder. I am guessing that once I have the ressie number, the world will be mine ha, ha, ha.

I will let you know what, if anything I find out.

 

[sfbank]

Hello everyone! Just an update on DH's dad. He went in for surgery today to put the necessary tools in his chest for the chemotherapy. He starts treatments next Monday--so far in good spirits!! Hope everyone has a good weekend and anyone who is leaving for a trip--HAVE A BLAST!!!

 

[minniesota]

spectrum-turbo - Oh do tell...we want all the details. Your posts are tempting me to do another cruise!

tammi and Mr. Goofy - Believe me, I feel very spoiled and grateful. I am concerned that once my Oct. trip is done, I'll be done for awhile. The kids have different school schedules next year and with DD in high school and all her dance/drama activities, I don't forsee pulling her out. Then I will be living vicariously through everyone else in the lounge.

ead - I managed my 5 trips with one in October 2004 to celebrate mom and dad's 75th birthdays; a romantic Dec. trip with DH; a mom and son trip in Feb.; a mom and daughter trip in May; and the sisters do the wine festival in Oct. 2005 just before AP expires. I feel so lucky!

angel - Where in northern Wisc.? I'll be in northern Mn. this weekend! Have a great trip and keep us posted on the Disney agenda...


hockeymom - No air conditioning??? Do you get combat pay? Our last day was bittersweet. I was doing OK until I went to shake our principal's hand and he threw his arms around me with the greatest hug - tears in his eyes. DH even seemed kind of misty. All the teachers lined up along the walkway and waved as all the buses departed - many with tears in their eyes. It reminded me again how dedicated teachers are and truly what a gift they are. So thank you for all that you do!