The New Lizard Lounge

[TammiMcMan]

Not sure if anyone has noticed this before or not, but I was looking at the Wilderness Lodge concierge info on Disney.com and they mention that you can sign-up to go on the AKL Sunrise Safari as a guest of the WL concierge.

That would be nice, but unfortunately it's not the AKL Sunrise Safari. The one offered to all concierge guests is the Wildlife Discovery Excursion. It goes on during regular park operating hours and includes a ride through the safari in a special vehicle. There's a naturalist on board to answer questions and a few more photo opportunities than the regular Kilimanjaro safari. A meal is not included.

Tammi

 

[ead79]

Hello everyone! I was out of commission for a while with bronchitis, but I’m back now and much better.

minniesota, it sounds like you had a truly fabulous trip at the GF. That resort truly is special. I’m so sorry about your fall and trip to the dentist—yuck! At least you got to recuperate at the Happiest Place on Earth.

MinnieSummer, it’s so good to have you back with us. I know you’ve been through so much lately.

I will hopefully be there December 15-21 (there is some uncertainty with DH’s job situation right now). If you’ll be there that early maybe we can meet up!

As far as the BWI goes, it really is a great resort. We actually split our honeymoon between the GF and BWI because I like them both so much. There is a relaxing feel to the place, and yet some fun-filled hustle and bustle too. You are correct that there is no counter service restaurant, but there are lots of food vendors out on the BoardWalk (like hot dogs, chicken strips, crepes, etc.). There is also a very nice, large store for some good shopping out on the BW itself. Plus, the location is wonderful. I say give it a try!

Steph, welcome back! I’m off to check out your pictures now.

lovesdumbo, you’re so close! Enjoy your stay at the Poly—I can’t wait to hear about the new rooms and the new lounge! Take pics if you can.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Elisabeth: Welcome back. I missed you. You always have the nicest things to say -- the true spirit of Disney. I'm glad you are feeling better. Unfortunately, I will be arriving at BWI late on the 22nd if my parents don't come down or early on the 23rd if they do. I'll miss you but hope your trip is a magical one. If my parents don't come down I may go up there for New Years. If my dad decides to do chemo again (lower level), that would be when he starts up and I want to be there for it. We'll see.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Where is everyone? I miss my DIS family. I hope everyone is doing well.

Tammi: I have a question regarding skating. When did you know that this was your child's passion? We had some trouble at our rink and I pulled my DD out, planning to switch to one a little closer to home but then eveything happened with my Dad and I haven't started her there. At first I thought she really didn't care so I enrolled her in the after school programs at her school (Drama, Dance, Cheer, and Voice) that she wanted to take before but couldn't because of skating. But lately she has been wanting to know when she can start skating again. If we go back we'll have to go in the mornings or give up some of the afterschool stuff (which, according to her principal, she is very good at). I'm not sure that she's really committed enough to skating to go in the mornings but I'm afraid I may be denying her the one thing that could be her passion. I always knew that dance was mine and by second grade I was already taking class three times a week sometimes four. Should I give it a try or should I wait it out? I just don't know what to do with her.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi MinnieSummer, my son started skating at the age of 6. He went because his older sister wanted to learn and he has to do everything she does. We started them on one day a week in a learn to skate program. They did it together for 3 years and then DD decided she didn't want to skate anymore. DS kept at it and finally progressed to a level where he was learning to jump. His coach talked to us and said that we needed to trade in his hockey skates for figure skates. I guess he was about 10 and all of a sudden, he couldn't get enough of skating. He wanted to get to the rink early for extra practice and go to the public sessions. He asked us if he could start taking some private lessons, so we started out slow. Through middle school, he continued to run track, participate in drama and play soccer. He would skate either in the morning before school, or around dinner time, or on the weekends. He's not a morning person and I thought that having to skate at 6am was going to turn him off too, but it didn't. He'd grumble every once in a while, but he always went. Now that he's ice dancing too, he has to be at the rink by 5am. Still no complaints though. I will have to say though, that I really think he's a better student because he has so much going on. His time management skills are amazing and because he doesn't have a lot of spare time, he won't put off doing homework or getting projects done.

How old is your DD and how far along is she in skating? Does she do a learn to skate program or is she taking private lessons from someone? If she's expressed interest, I'd start with one day a week. You could probably find some ice time that doesn't interfere with after school activities. Start slow and go from there.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Tammi: She's been skating for about three years. Started when she was only 4 as a way to escape the Florida heat. She originally went to the Learn To Skate program and then they asked her to be in the Christmas Show at her rink and the rest is history. She loved being on the ice all by herself and having people applaud. We started private lessons once a week and the Learn To Skate once a week then eventually dropped the learn to skate and just did privates 2x a week. Then came the little competitions and next thing I knew we were skating 3 and 4 times a week and she was only six. But she wanted to do it. Given the choice between staying home and watching a video or skating, skating won every time. But she is still only 7 and I don't want to limit her exposure to other activities but I am worried. We have to go to a new rink, I can't go back to where we were -- it was a 45 minute drive sometimes up to 1 1/2 hour and they changed the times on us so I just couldn't get there. I guess I'll give the mornings at the new rink a try and see how it goes. She watched the competition on TV this weekend and actually cried because she's not skating right now. I felt sooooooo bad.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Sounds like you should definitely give it another shot then. Just go with whatever works into your schedule and I don't agree with limiting their choices either.

Were you comfortable with her coach, or looking for a new one? Coaches in our area teach at many of the local rinks, so if you wanted to stay with her old coach, she might already be at multiple rinks. If you're looking for someone new, don't hesitate to ask other parents or simply try out coaches on a trial basis. You really have to find the right personality mix, especially at the younger ages.

We're off to regional competitions this week for freestyle and ice dancing. After that, we'll need to make plans for Colorado the week after Thanksgiving.

 

[minniesota]

Hi to all you Lizards!

Just dashing in to say hi - I've been lurking, not posting of late. We are off to Boston/NH/Maine in the morning and as usual I have not started to pack. As organized as I am about planning, you'd think that would extend over into the packing department. On the other hand, I kind of have a system so I can pull it together pretty quickly.

Hope all is well with all of you!

Tammi - What's the weather doing out there? Forecasts talk about 58 and breezy! Wondering about outerwear! Of course DH says "just pack my shorts - I'll be fine!" I should show him! We get into Boston Wed. and get our car - heading up the coast right away. We are staying at Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle - in a 2BR suite on Little Harbor. We will head back to Boston Friday and are at the Boston Harbor Hotel. (I'm wishing now we would have reserved 2 rooms...) Oh well, we'll be cozy. Thinking of ordering the Go Boston cards because they cover the Duck Tours, Trolley Tour, Aquarium, Constitution cruise and a bunch of museums. I can order online and present a voucher at their ticket office. What do you think?

We are kind of going by the seats of our pants but that should be fine. I'm kind of tired of being the ultimate planner!

Wishing everyone a great weekend. I've put out some warm apple crisp and cider for you to enjoy after dinner!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi Minniesota,

Well, after weeks of hanging onto summer, we are finally into fall here. You are correct and temps are going to average 58 during the day. Looks like sun right through Saturday, then rain for Sunday, so I'd plan outdoor activities accordingly. If you are planning on doing the duck tours, trolley, cruise and aquarium, then the passes would be a good idea.

Unfortunately, because we haven't had much cold weather, the foliage is really off this year. By now, our area should be bursting with color, but it's just starting in most places. Hopefully with the record amount of rain last week and the cooler temperatures, we should have some lovely red, yellow and gold for you.

Have a safe trip.

 

[Steph H]

Hi, Lizards! Hope all is well. I'm such a big doofus, I put a post in the "Concierge Info" thread this morning that I meant to put here. D'oh! It's the pregnancy sapping my brain cells, I'm sure. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it! )

Anyway, I hope you've all been well. I won't say it's good to be back home ( ) but it IS good to be back with my Lizard friends. I wanted to post sooner, but I got roped into taking a class on Macromedia Flash through work, but all the coursework has to be done on my own time. Grrrrrrrrr. Don't get me started.

I DID finally get part of my trip report done--my Sugar Loaf report. If you're interested, it's here:

http://www.thehawkinsfamily.org/thf/sugar_loaf.htm

I tried to get as many pictures of as many different things as I could. Hope you enjoy!

Elizabeth: Hope you're feeling much better now. That must have been miserable. Sending healing vibes.

 

[Angel16]

Hi Everyone I am back and filled with wonderful stories about our trip. We had a super vacation with many suprises from my DH and the staff at AKL. All I need now is the time to write up a trip report and put pictures with it.

I have to get a lap top. Just don't like being away from my computer for so long. And away from all my friends on the DIS. I could have posted while I was there if we had a notebook or lap-top. Sounds like a good reason to get one doesn't it??

Does anyone have any questions about The Polynesian or AKL? I'll be happy to help.

Angel

 

[Nancyg56]

Steph: It's not even 7AM, and I am starving! The pictures were great! Notice I talk about the food even before I drool over the GF? THe last time that I saw the GF was 18 years ago, it was being built. I cannot wait to see it myself. Thanks for posting the trip report, it made my wait easier, as I seem to live thru everyone elses vacation.

Angel: I am glad that you had a wonderful trip, and are willing to share. We are staying at AKL, and so I hope to hear some of your stories about the activities that take place there. I know that people say to schedule time for the lodge itself, and so I hope that we left enough open space in our trip plan. DId you take the Culinary tour? This is the one thing (beside the offerings in the CL) that I want to do for myself. Kitchens are my passion!
I'm also interested in the activities for children. I would love it if there are things that would involve a 4 year old.
Welcome back!

 

[Viki]

Steph:
I'm also interested in the activities for children. I would love it if there are things that would involve a 4 year old.
Welcome back!

Nancy - here's a list of activities:
Activities at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Horticulture Activity-Arusha Rock @ 9am
Flamingo Feedings-Uzima Savanna @ 9:30am
Spirit of Africa Art Tour-Ogun's Firepit @ 10:30am
Animal Tracking-Arusha Rock @ 11am-2pm
Medallion Crayon Rubbings-Lobby @ 12:30pm
Cookie Decorating-Boma's @ 1pm
Pelican Feedings-Arusha Rock @ 1pm
Pool Activities-Sat thru Wed, Uzima Pool @ 2:15pm
Children's Arts & Crafts ($5)-Thursdays, Kiddie Pool @ 2:15pm
(limited space available)
African Rag Doll Making ($10)-Fridays, Kiddie Pool @ 2:15pm (limited
space available)
Junior Researcher-By flamingo pond at pool @ 3pm
Culinary Tour of Africa-Ogun's Firepit @ 4pm
The Music of the Savanna-Top of Grand Staircase, Lobby @ 5pm
African Games & Crafts-Uzima Pool Deck @ 4:30pm
African Folktales-Arusha Rock Firepit @ 7:30pm
Games with Savanna Guides-Sunset Overlook @ 6:30pm
Cultural Safari-Sunset Overlook @ 8:30pm
Animal Viewing with Night Vision-Far end of Arusha Rock @ 9pm-11pm
Nightly African story-telling outdoors, next to a raging fire.

 

[Nancyg56]

OMG! I don't think that we will have time to tour the parks. I could stay there all day, and not feel deprived. Thanks for the quick response. I do not remember the last time that I was so excited about a trip.

 

[Viki]

OMG! I don't think that we will have time to tour the parks. I could stay there all day, and not feel deprived. Thanks for the quick response. I do not remember the last time that I was so excited about a trip.

Exactly! That's why we're taking a 10-day trip next August and spending most of our time between the lodge and the park.

Have fun!

 

[Steph H]

I'm also interested in the activities for children. I would love it if there are things that would involve a 4 year old.

Four is a great age! All of the supervised activities at GF, at least, started at age 4. I tried to get my son in, being 3 1/2 and potty trained, but they told me for legal reasons, four is the minimum.

Looks like you'll have PLENTY to keep yours busy!

 

[Nancyg56]

My DD chose AKL for the amimals. She also said that she remembers the trip that my DH gave them when they were little. We stayed at the CT, and she wants her DD to have some memory of a special time. I was happy to see all that the Lodge offers, because if she gets tired or overwhelmed, we have a respite that is still a vacation for me. We have been told that she will not remember, but Marisa is an avid scrapper, and loves to let the little one revisit all of her memories, so I know that the impression will be a lasting one.

I really am not a travelor, so I was amazed at the change that I saw in Orlando. There was nothing the last time I was there. My DH will be floored! Worth the price of admission for that!

Do you know how ling we should allow for travel to MK and MGM? I would prefer not to rent a car, if possible. I really am looking forward to being held hostage on Disney property!

 

[Angel16]

Hi Nancy, To answer you question about how long it takes to the different parks I need to ask you a couple of questions. Are you staying at AKL your entire trip? What time of year are you going? I am sorry I don't remember.

We rented a car. Which we will not do the next time we go. We stayed at the Polynesian for 6 nights. We used the ferry and mono-rail to travel to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. It was Great! We took our car out one day to drive to Downtown Disney to shop. We only took the car because we had RPS for Artist's Point that night and we didn't want to chance being late or held up because of bus transportation.

When we transfered over to AKL we used the busses totally. They were wonderful. AKL has their own buses, so you are not sharing with another resort. The time of year can make a difference in the bus transportation because of crowds. The resorts also make a difference as some resorts share buses.

Angel

 

[Nancyg56]

We are staying at the AKL for the entire trip. We arrive Jan 1st around 11:00 AM and leave Jan 8th around 6:45 PM. I have been bitten by the planning bug regarding meals, and have schedule most of the TS meals. I know that I will need to adjust when the hours come out in Nov, but am a little worried about travel time. For instance, I scheduled a meal at WCC on Thurs qt 7:30 PM. We are starting the day with the Sunrise Safari, and will spend the day at AK. Now I am worried that we will be traveling too much and not allowing enough time to get to Fort WIlderness. Now I think I should move the meal to Boma. I think that I can better plan if I had an idea how long it takes to get place to place.
I saw a lot of different timetables when I research, and got totally confused. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Youre going to love AKL. We just stayed there and it was absolutely beautiful. The transportation at AKL is very good, even during the busier times, but getting to Wilderness Lodge for WCC is tricky. There are no direct buses so you would have to take the bus to MK then transfer to either the Boat or Bus that runs to WL. (WCC is in WL not Fort Wilderness. My friend made the same mistake and ended up walking around Fort Wilderness looking for it before she finally asked someone and they told her. It was okay though as it was Christmas and she said some of the campers were decorated as well as the resorts).