The New Lizard Lounge

[VAgal76]

Hey, Goofy's Muse! I hope your DD's fingers are healing nicely. She'll be back to cheering in no time. I'm almost afraid to ask how she did that after getting through the competitions.

Nancy - Thanks for the compliment. My DH takes nice shots as he plays around the digital camera more than I do. I'm getting better though. One shot at a time.

Hope everyone is having a good evening. TGIF!!!!!

Setting out the merlot.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Hey, Goofy's Muse! I hope your DD's fingers are healing nicely. She'll be back to cheering in no time. I'm almost afraid to ask how she did that after getting through the competitions.

... actually it was DURING a competition! Handspring-related it seems... But ever the trooper, she either didn't feel it or suppressed the feeling and finished out the routine. Goofy and I were in the audience and read nothing at all on her face. (They did take second place in that particular competition so she was glad she held it together...) It was afterward when we saw her at the trainer table that we knew something had happened. She's practically back to new now and is looking forward to next season.

Think I'll join you in that merlot... Cheers!

 

[VAgal76]

Wow! What a trooper.

BTW, this is our first cruise EVER! I'm totally psyched.

 

[TammiMcMan]

GoofysMuse, it's so nice to hear from you. Sorry to hear about DD's fingers. Mine suffered a sprained wrist this fall when another girl tumbled over it. I'm so happy to hear that she's enjoying high school. Is she the one who's also involved with drama? These are great years, but they go by so fast. I can't believe my DS is going to be a junior next year. He is already looking at colleges (all local). You are one brave soul selling your house. We keep talking about it, but I don't think I can bring myself to go through 15 years of that accumulated stuff.

How I would love to be on vacation for a whole month, but that's not going to happen anytime soon. Our Lake Placid vacation/competition is for one week in August. We actually extended it by a few days, just so we could get in something that resembled a family vacation this year. We're splurging this time around though and have rented a lake house. Anne, aka Ducklite, gave me some information on a resort in Lake Placid that's supposed to have an incredible spa, so we're going to book ourselves a nice little something there. It's not Disney, but it's the best we can do for the time being.

VAGal, I didn't realize this was your very first cruise. You're going to love it. I never thought we'd enjoy it, because we always seem to be on the go at Disney. Boy, was I wrong. We never missed not being at the parks and even the kids had an amazing time. Disney just does it right. Are you booked into a concierge suite? We've done the category 3 two times now and it was fantastic. Very personalized concierge service while you're on board.

Have a nice weekend everyone. We're finally enjoying warm weather here in New England .

 

[#1hockeymom]

Waving to all my old friends in the lounge, along with the new friends who have joined! This weekend I am going to attempt to catch up on everyone's life. Until then, know that you're in my thoughts and prayers!

Debbie

 

[Angel16]

Wow! How wonderful to see everyone here.

Goofy's Muse, Thank you for the kind thoughs regarding Tim. He is doing quite well. He is attending cardiac rehab. three mornings a week and building up his time on each piece of equipment. He is such a strong man. I am not sure I could have gone through all that he has in the last 8 years. We have been richly Blessed.

I hope your daughter is back to her cheering self shortly. What a trooper! And what an accomplishment, cleaning out your present home, getting ready for sale and choosing a new one all in just a few weeks.

Debbie, So good to see you. Try and get some rest this weekend. I have a feeling you have been burning the candle at both ends.

Minnisota, Thank you for the melanoma site. I have bookmarked it for a good long look. It certainly isn't something to take lightly. Tim's they feel was very superficial. They didn't even see it. He ask them to take it off because he just felt "something telling him to". The derm department said ok, but it isn't going to come back with anything. Boy, were they sheepish when the told us both.

I have a couple of questions for all the experts here. I am sure many of you have gone on a fireworks cruise at WDW, we have not and are really interested so:

Which one did you do?
What was your favorite if you have done more then one?
What are your recommendations?
It is too cold to do in late November early December?
And the biggie...can we bring booz? I read they supply coke so I though a little rum might be nice.

Sending prayers and hugs to Minniesummer, Nancy and Minniesota.

 

[VAgal76]

Tammi - Unfortunately, I wasn't able to snag a suite. I'm in a Cat 4 room and wishing like mad that a suite would open up. I had a suite booked on RCI and then with a little help from some others - convinced my DH to switch. Well, the switch took place just a couple of months ago so I guess with people being put on a waitlist 18 months or more in advance I'm just SOL. I know you never know what might happen, but I think it's only a slim possibility. I've heard nothing but praise about DCL...the only complaint I see is the cost. I think I got a good deal. I'm bummed about not getting a suite, but if you snooze you lose.

Angel - I've done the Illuminations cruise aboard the Breathless twice. I'm scheduled to do the Wishes cruise aboard the Grand One this summer. I LOVE the Breathless. She's an unbelievable ride! You can hold more people aboard the Grand1 as the Breathless is limited to about 6 people - Grand1 can hold up to 14 guests. If you go with the Grand1 you can book a 30 minute day time excursion on the Breathless to get the best of both worlds. The Breathless is almost like an amusement ride to me. Trust me - it's super fun!

The 2nd seat of the Breathless that seats three people

Back seat of the Breathless that seats two people - BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE - PREPARE TO GET WET - Given you have a super cool driver

The 6th person can sit in the seat up front with the driver, too.

 

[steveanddonna]

Hey, I know those fun-lovin' women, Bonnie! You're right, the Breathless is a blast. You do risk getting rained on with ashes on any of the Illuminations cruises, but it's not a big deal. We did have an excellent skipper who indulged our yen for speed after the show. I've also done the Wishes cruise on a pontoon boat. This is really convenient if you're staying at the Poly or GF, and it's a nice cruise too. Our driver spent a lot of time sharing WDW trivia and history before the show started. The boat is roomy and pretty comfy, a good choice if you're one who isn't thrilled with being on the water.

It's nice to be back here with old friends, and it looks like a lot of new ones as well.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Yikes! How great to see all those happy faces just cruisin' around the World! Thanks for sharing, VAgal... you must be so psyched for that first "big boat cruise" experience... I know I would be!

Special wave to #1hockeymom and steveanddonna and happy Sunday to all!

 

[TammiMcMan]

My goodness, we have lounge lizards popping out of the woodwork ! It's like a mini reunion of old friends so nice to see everyone and I'm sure you've been as busy as the rest of us.

Angel, I loved our Illuminations cruise. We did the regular pontoon boat. I understand that you can work with the private dining department at the Yacht Club if you want to make arrangements for something on board. I haven't actually done this though. The story of our cruise is a little strange. I had made plans with IPO for the cruise and then got all the information for ordering hot chocolate and cookies for the kids (we were cruising in December). Well, there was some miscommunication with the staff that the boats were not even going to be available because they were being pulled for rehab . I did some research (thanks to these boards) and found out that in fact, the big Mousefest group had scooped up all the reservations. I was resigned to the fact that we lost out on this trip, but when we arrived at the YC, Amy had left a card in our room, surprising us with a cruise. It was incredible, but we just didn't have time to get the refreshments on board. I know they advertise that you're not supposed to bring your own, but when we met our driver, he offered to wait while we went and got some snacks. He had blankets on board and I was able to snuggle up with my sweetie and the kids while we watched the amazing holiday display. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

VAGal, I think I'm living under a lucky star, because in both cases, we were able to get a category 3 with only a few months notice. We were on the wait list for our first cruise and because I had booked with DU, they had continued to check for me and one became available. DCL is definitely costly compared to some of the other lines, but when you experience it, you'll know why. It is truly amazing. They manage to make every single passenger feel like royalty. Your sailing on the Magic right? Have you checked out the Vista Spa Villas? They look like heaven .

Well, I'm headed out to breakfast with my DS (Starbucks actually) and then we're off to skating for the day. Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday. Hey Nancy, did you notice the weather channel was suggesting that they may have to put up a frost warning? I knew the 80 degree's on Friday was too good to be true.

 

[Nancyg56]

Tammi: Did you say Frost Warning?????? This is one strange spring!

VaGal: You are one brave woman! Looking for a new house is exciting, but I cannot imafine packing up so many years. I never fully unpacke until after we added onto our home, so moving is probable not a good choice for the procrastinator in me. If you need imotivation, I am now your biggest fan!

Goofy's Muse: I am so sorry that your DD got injured. There is no balancing with sprained fingers. It is good to know that she is back to normal ans good to go.

Well, the new fields is off. My DH has not slept in several days because he is sick about trying to ferry equipment back and forth. I did not think it was worth the stress, although I am a bit disappointed. It was a pretty piece of land. He did give me a scare, though. "Nancy, we are going to have to talk about the trip." "Did you say trip????? As in Disney"????????? Are you having second thoughts?????"

He was talking about driving a tractor, dragging a sprayer with a ten foot boom and a huge wheel harrow down Rt 20 in traffic. "Oh, THAT trip." No problem then.

I think I am spending too much time thinking about Disney.

 

[#1hockeymom]

I'm so sorry! I sent you our frost warnings! Btw... they mean it! Don't worry though, it is now currently 70 and sunny!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Tammi: Did you say Frost Warning?????? This is one strange spring!

Nancy, I'm afraid so. Here is the weather statement:

TO THE SOUTH...ACROSS NORTHERN CONNECTICUT...RHODE ISLAND AND SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS...THE DATE OF THE LAST FROST OCCURS BETWEEN APRIL 20TH AND MAY 1ST. THE PRESENCE OF SOME HIGH CLOUDINESS OVERNIGHT WILL PROHIBIT TEMPERATURES FROM FALLING INTO THE LOWER 30S...BUT FROST IS STILL POSSIBLE WHERE TEMPERATURES FALL TO BETWEEN 34 AND 38 DEGREES. PEOPLE IN NORTHERN CONNECTICUT... RHODE ISLAND AND SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS WHO HAVE ALREADY PLANTED MORE DELICATE VEGETATION MAY WISH TO PROTECT IT FROM THE CHILLY TEMPERATURES OVERNIGHT.

Hockeymom, I hope it's only temporary for us too. We've had one very whacky year in the weather department.

 

[Angel16]

Angel - I've done the Illuminations cruise aboard the Breathless twice. I'm scheduled to do the Wishes cruise aboard the Grand One this summer. I LOVE the Breathless. She's an unbelievable ride! You can hold more people aboard the Grand1 as the Breathless is limited to about 6 people - Grand1 can hold up to 14 guests. If you go with the Grand1 you can book a 30 minute day time excursion on the Breathless to get the best of both worlds. The Breathless is almost like an amusement ride to me. Trust me - it's super fun!

The 2nd seat of the Breathless that seats three people

Back seat of the Breathless that seats two people - BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE - PREPARE TO GET WET - Given you have a super cool driver

The 6th person can sit in the seat up front with the driver, too.

That really looks like a lot of fun. Gee. those people look familar never have met them in person, but sure feels like I know them.

Thank you all for your suggestions for a fireworks cruise. We are going to do one out of the Poly on a pontoon. Now, just have to figure out when. The Breathless looks like a lot of fun. Is there enough leg space for a 6'5" guy in there? My DH really can't take being squished too much. Probably will be fine since three of you were in the second seat.

It is So Wonderful Seeing everyone here in the Lounge!

NANCY56[/B]] He was talking about driving a tractor, dragging a sprayer with a ten foot boom and a huge wheel harrow down Rt 20 in traffic. "Oh, THAT trip." No problem then.

I think I am spending too much time thinking about Disney.

I know how you feel. Tim was taking the other day about a possible upcoming short trip. His statement was "now I hope you know your surgery comes before this trip". I almost fainted. I thought he was taking about WDW for the Christmas holidays.

Have a great Sunday evening. The night I get to watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I love that show. Always makes me cry and gives me the warm fuzzies.

 

[Nancyg56]

Tammi: It got cold last night. No frost on the lawn, but it would have stunted our tiny plants, so we closed the greenhouse doors. We never fire the greenhouse, but if this keeps up, my DH will start thinking about it for next year. Those plants only have a month to get with the program.

Angel: It's funny how lately our families think that there is a life beside an upcoming Disney trip! I never thought I'd be on this bandwagon, but I'm never jumping off.

Hockeymom: You have got to stop sending us your weather warnings. I just get comfy thinking the warm sunny weather is here to stay, and then the sun starts to set in the west......and the temperature drops like a rock! I'm over forty and can't change my channel like I used too.

 

[ead79]

Hello everyone! I haven’t checked-in in a while, and I hope everyone is doing well.

I’m busy planning my rough itinerary for our November/December trip. I’m such a goober—I think that planning is half the fun!

Nancy, the Polynesian is a wonderful resort, and the landscaping is so pretty that the garden view rooms are very nice. Be sure to eat at Kona Café—it’s a favorite of ours, especially the incredible desserts! My family is doing very well, thank you for asking. Things are pretty much just rolling along in our neck of the woods, which is a good thing.

Tammi, whew! Just reading your schedule exhausts me, much less doing it!

Angel, my planning is going pretty well. I’m still waiting on a bit more of the “best parks for each day” info from Tour Guide Mike’s page, then we’ll get it finalized. Are y’all going to MVMCP?

I have done an Illuminations cruise, and it was a lot of fun. We actually did it on our honeymoon, which was in December 2003. It was a chilly night, but they provided blankets to keep us warm. They did not provide any beverages, so we brought our own hot chocolate. I’m not sure if you can bring alcohol on board, so I would double check that when you book it.

minniesota, I’m glad to hear that your dad is still feeling so good. I’m sure that means a lot to him to be able to enjoy himself. Those peaceful walks in the woods sound wonderful. Also, how nice that you have a Disney cruise to plan. I agree that having a trip in the works really brings a happy spark to life!

Bonnie, hey there! Remember, don’t forget to take tons of pics of the new Atrium Club rooms at the CR. I can’t wait to see how they turned out! Plus, it’s my understanding that they will now have more of a real lounge instead of a section of hallway, so I’d love to see that too! *hint, hint*

Goofy’s Muse, glad to see you again! I’m sorry that your DD broke her fingers cheering (it really is such a physical sport—I don’t think people sometimes realize how hard that type of stuff really is), but I’m glad to hear she’s enjoying her high school so much.

MinnieSummer, I am so very sorry to hear about your parents’ health situations. I know you have more on your plate right now than you can possibly handle. I will pray for the Lord’s strength to carry you through this as well as for your parents’ health issues. Please, please don’t hesitate if there is anything we can do to help at all.

 

[VAgal76]

Donna - The ashes ARE totally worth it to be able to have fun on the Breathless! It depends on the wind direction. We were lucky it was going the other way on our trip in July with the monster goof troop, but it rained and delayed our time so our cruise was cut short by 15 minutes. I'd rather that than struck by lightning. He did whirl us around.

Angel - Never fear. My husband is 6'5 and he sat in the back seat of the Breathless with me. He wasn't squished and he wouldn't willingly be squished either. They do look familiar, huh? I wonder who they are. In the back seat on the right is our very own Kerry. Next to her on the left is her bud, Nancy. Then in the middle seat going left to right is my mother, then yours truly and our very own Donna! We went to Jellyrolls afterwards then Donna, me and my Mom went to Epcot EMH to try to ride Soarin' which was a total bust. We couldn't figure out what the hold up was, but the line just didn't seem to be moving.

Tammi - You're killing me. Now I have to hurry on aboard and try to book the Villa with the wrap at the spa. I hope I get it! You can only book the Alone time villa online - the rest you have to scurry to get. I'll keep the wrap just in case I can't seem to get the stars to align. We are cruising during a heavy travel time in June and there are only a few higher categories left for our sailing. My chances are getting slimmer and slimmer with every passing week. I really need to convince DH to travel during some off times. He just hates to pull DS out of school. I figure if he's doing well in school and hasn't missed any time there's really no harm.

Elisabeth - You can count on me to take pics. I'll sneak out early or during a slower time to take pics of the lounge. I always feel weird snapping away when there's a group in there trying to relax. I had no idea they didn't have an actual lounge until recently, but I never really did a thorough search. DH thought the offerings on the 14th floor has been the best, but he loves the atmosphere of AKL. If WL had the relaxed happy-go-lucky guest base and they gave us better service then they did then it'd be his favorite. How was the service the last time you went? We just had bad apples during our trip so it left a sour taste in our mouth. I'd like to return if things are on the up and up. I can't completely base it on one bad experience...gotta give people another try KWIM.

I'm even thinking of doing a moderate for our June trip pre-cruise - splitting with AKL CL right before we leave. I wonder if I should book CBR for that first night since DS was drawn to it. I'll be doing POFQ in July so I'll be able to take a peek at POR then. Debating, debating, debating. We get in late so we wouldn't use the lounge @ AKL that evening so I just have a std room booked. I can see us taking a dip in the pool though and grabbing a snack. Oh, boy - here we go again! Try out a mod or stick with a deluxe...

 

[ead79]

Bonnie, we tried out the Wilderness Lodge for the second half of our trip last December. The pre-planning assistance I received was very prompt and helpful so they get a definite thumbs up in that department. When we arrived the CM that checked us in was very friendly as well—she gave us a little tour of the concierge lounge areas pointing out the food service area and the area with the flat screen TV. We didn’t really interact with many of the other CL CM’s except in passing, but they all seemed friendly.

We really enjoyed our stay there. The WL is definitely a relaxing resort with a very neat theme. I also thought the lounge food offerings were really good. DH and I are somewhat picky eaters, and their foods were very good at being tasty without being too “frou frou”. One evening they even served enough food to make a meal (grilled seasoned chicken breasts with mashed Yukon potatoes). To us the only drawback to the WL CL is the room décor. I am hoping that the WL is next in line to get a renovation in this department. I think they could do a lot with some upgraded linens and drapes. I realize the style is a bit Spartan since it’s Arts & Crafts style, but I still think there’s more they could do. I think this is one of the reasons we prefer AKL over the WL—we just like the elaborate in-room theming at the AKL better.

I have done a moderate stay once (POR), and we were really very impressed. The theme was really well-done, and the resort had definite ambience and theming. It’s my understanding that CSR is probably the nicest moderate resort since it’s a convention resort too. Of course, you might not want to resort hop yourself to death, so perhaps it’s best to stick with AKL CL the whole time. Either way, you can’t go wrong!

 

[VAgal76]

Elisabeth - They ARE rehabbing the rooms @ WL! They've just begun per a poster on the RB. Of course the concierge floor will be last in line. You'd think when they say they'll start at the top and work down it'll be the very top, but nnnoooooo. I'll wait until it's done and then give 'er another go. WL had some of the best sugar cookies from what we remember.

I think I've ruled out mods in our future unless it's just DH and I. They only do a King with a roll away at CBR and that's a request only and can't guarantee it. Huh? A double is 5 inches too short for DH so I can't take a gamble like that. That's okay - we'll stick with AKL. Oh, the sacrifices we make for him.

 

[#1hockeymom]

My husband just said on the phone "we have to talk about your trip" and he just came back from farm/hunting/I think I am a farmer land in the UP. He spent too much on the tractor implements and expects it to come out of MY vacation! What is it with tractors and vacations? LOL

I'm off to hockey, but it is so nice to see everyone!!