The New Lizard Lounge

[TammiMcMan]

MinnieSummer, a big virtual hug to you . Your dad sounds an awful lot like my own. These little chores are probably for his piece of mind that the house will be in good shape for your mom. I know there are arguments that even having the time to prepare is not any better than going unexpectedly. I don't agree. I cherish every moment and memory that I had with my parents when they were terminal. Continuted prayers and support to all your family.

As for Christmas, I think size-wise, the GF rooms are bigger than the other standard rooms you listed. With transportation and crowds though, I'd be leaning towards an Epcot resort. For whatever reason, I just think they're easier to get around. A villa suite will definitely make you feel more homey during the holidays, but I'm not sure how the buses run from SSR or OKW. We stayed in the FW Cabins one year at Christmas and I thought they were great. Being in the woods added to the whole holiday feel and I loved having a living room for the kids to open their presents. Transportation wise, we just hopped on the WL boat and made whatever transfers we needed right at the MK bus stop. It was nice not having to go to DTD for another resort bus.

 

[MinnieSummer]

It feels weird planning for Christmas right now but I can't let this part of my family suffer right?

TAMMI: We have considered a cabin but you are the first person who ever had enything good to say about them. It seems like everyone complains about the transportation, the location, and the fact that you aren't supposed to drive your car around. You comments on these issues would be greatly appreciated.

Elisabeth: Why do you prefer Yacht club over Beach club? I always thought they were pretty much the same just different theming. Which is closer to Epcot and which is closer to the Boardwalk? I forgot that there are Villas there. Which side are they on? That might be a great alternative that I hadn't thought of. If we went to AKL we were going to get a Delux room so that would give us about 40 more square feet -- not much but better than nothing.

 

[Angel16]

Dear MinnieSummer, I am sorry to hear your visit to AS was terrible. There is just no excuse for those types of problems. Yuck.. sewer smells I know you were trying to make this a special time for you and your dd. I hope the park time was magical.

I second Tammi's big virtual hug. I am so glad your mom is home and feeling better. It is so sweet that your dad wants everything just perfect in the house. I am sure it helps to keep his mind busy, as well as wanting everything in top shape for your mom.

As for your Christmas trip. Wow, let us see GF, AKL, BC, or YC. Goodness, I don't think you can make a bad decision with those four. As you know AKL is a favorite of mine. However, I would say GF if you think your budget would allow. If not, no biggie go with the Epcot resort and do a Villa. You will have extra space, an area to have your Christmas tree and open gifts, as well as some simple food prep. That would be a wonderful Christmas.

Everyone - Here is my big news: As you are aware, I have been planning a holiday trip for this year. This is our FIRST time at WDW during the holidays. I have been lucky enough to get ressies for the Chiefs Table at V&A one evening. Which I am sooo excited about I call our girls and let them know that the dinner was a Surprise Celebration of Life dinner to honor their dad, Tim. Well, This just all came together this last week. Our girls, their husbands and our grandchildren are all coming to WDW for the celebration. I am so jazzed I can hardly stand it. Our one daughter, SIL and grandchildren will be able to stay for 7 days. Our daughter (whose husband just returned from Iraq) will arrive the same day as her sister and can stay for 4 nights. This is a Total surprise for Tim. Now if we only can keep out mouths shut and not let anything spill. We are all staying at the Poly. I have changed our reservation over to a dinning plan, that way everyone is on the same plan. Here are some of the plans I have made for far:

Day of their arrival - We will be in our room napping in the afternoon so that we can be fresh for MVMCP. They will all come in mass to our room and knock on the door. I plan to make some excuse so Tim has to answer the door. I have purchased tickets for everyone to attend the party. We have dinner ressies at Liberty Tree before the party starts. (Just hoping for some to pick up two more seats for dinner, and that the CM that night is very understanding) There will be eight of us for dinner; right now, I have one table for two, and a table for four. It would be great if we can sit together or at least near one another.

Another night we are there I have a request in for a Wishes cruise (which was just going to be the two of us) Now; the whole family will enjoy it. The cruise will follow dinner at Calif. Grill. I am going to order something special to enjoy on the cruise. Any ideas???

I am working on some surprises for the night of V&A CT. They are a little harder to put together as it is early in the year. I do have Neverland reserved for our DGD for that evening; we will have to look into room care for our 1 1/2 yo DGS.

My idea is we will celebrate LIFE at the Chef's Table dinner. However, it isn't just to celebrate Tim and all he has been through this year. I plan to honor our SIL and daughter for going through all they did while he was in Iraq. Her keeping up the home front and handling everything alone. In addition, most certainly his service to our country. Our other daughter and her husband and children have gone through some very difficult job problems in the recent past. Therefore, we will be celebrating all the blessing we have been given as a family.

At the end of the dinner, I am going to present my DH with a ring he has wanted for many years. I am in the process of purchasing him his Special Forces (Green Beret) ring. I have been told GF will do a very nice presentation for him. You can bet there will not be any glass slipper for this ring.

I would love for you all to give me some ideas, suggestions. thoughts. We have always gone alone. I want this trip to be super special for my family and I would love everyone’s input. Oh, yeah...we are flying to our one daughter for Thanksgiving. Our grandchildren will not know they are going to see Mickey until the morning they fly out. Woo Hoo this is getting exciting just writing about it.

I am adding a site here that touched my heart. I hope that it will touch yours.

This is breathtaking. Turn on your speakers and be still...


Click here: Thank You !!!








Angel

 

[TammiMcMan]

MinnieSummer, you have to definitely keep in mind the phrase, "life goes on". Some day's are harder than others, but you always need to be moving forward.

I don't know, it's just something about Fort Wilderness that I really enjoyed. Especially since Christmas is such a crowded, crazy time of year at Disney. We went back to our cabin and felt like we were in another world. It was just calming and you had the outdoors, the hayrides/sleigh rides that just add to the holiday feel. Transportation was something we never had a problem with. You can use the golf carts inside the campground if that makes getting around easier. They can be reserved up to a year in advance. Now that the hub of resort buses are right at the MK, it's actually pretty easy to bypass some of the more popular routes and sneak in the back way so to speak. For example, you can take the boat to the MK and walk to the bus stop. From here, hop on the BC/YC bus and slip into Epcot via the Int'l Gateway or take the boat over to MGM. In that way, transportation to 3 of the 4 parks is pretty simple and at least during park operating hours, you can even get to another resort pretty easily.

If you decide to go with a Boardwalk resort, I'm with Elisabeth and prefer YC. It's a little quieter, especially in the lobby area. The BC has the breakfast and dinner character buffet, which brings in a lot of extra people. Location wise, it really doesn't make much difference. BC is a few steps closer to the Int'l Gateway, but YC is that much closer to the boat for MGM. Also, BC has fewer full size balconies. Many of their rooms have standing size only, or none at all. The BC villas are located as close to Epcot as you can possibly get. I highly suggest booking waterview too. Most of the standard views overlook the parking lot, yuck.

Angel, oh my you've been very busy. So glad to hear that you were able to secure the chefs table at Victoria & Alberts. It sounds like you might be setting yourself up for an evening of tears though with all these special remembrances you're trying to plan. I know you want it to be truly special, but sometimes it's just perfect when it's unplanned and families are just together to laugh and remember good memories of childhood and what not. Perhaps you could find an inspirational poem for each member of your family and have the chef somehow coordinate that into your dessert. Is there a special family recipe that you used to serve when they were little that might bring back some fond memories? Perhaps you could hook up via phone with the V&A's chef and he could do his own take on some family favorites.

Do you have at least 8 in your group (over the age of 3) staying onsite? If so, don't forget about the exclusive experiences offered through Magical Gatherings. They have the pirate fireworks cruise with a special Peter Pan meeting. There's also a safari celebration dinner within the AK that includes a VIP safari tour. They can do custom events also. I'd definitely touch base with your IPO team to have them send you out more information if you qualify. I think they can even setup photography sessions with your group for a very memorable trip. Corny personalized family t-shirts are a must with us too.

Another idea for MVMCP if you are concerned about dining at LTT, is the GF. You don't have to be staying at the resort to setup a private dinner. The cost isn't much more than what you'd pay in a regular restaurant and your family could surprise Tim there, as opposed to coming to your room. Just give the GF a call and ask for the private dining department. They have a few special locations that can be used and you can even add butler service for just a little bit more money. You can arrange for an early dining time and you're one monorail stop away from the MK when you're ready for the party.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Angel>> Reading your plans brought tears to my eyes! Oh, I wish I could be a fly on the wall during your excursions with your family and the surprises that await them!

Minnie>> What about the Swan or Dolphin? The two bedroom suites are huge! Usually a king/sofa in one room, a sofa bed/murphy bed/room for a roll away and a party in the middle, and two queens in the last. You'd have LOTS of room, plus plenty of room for a tree in the middle area!

Big wave to everyone! Tomorrow is back to work day! Summer is officially over for me, though the kids don't go back until after Labor Day.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Big wave to everyone! Tomorrow is back to work day! Summer is officially over for me, though the kids don't go back until after Labor Day.

Debbie, best wishes for a great school year. I just got my paperwork in the mail on Saturday and we don't go back until the Tuesday after Labor Day. Now I just need to verify which school I'm being assigned to. Can't believe that summer is coming to an end. It always goes by too fast.

 

[Angel16]

I can't believe the summer is almost over. Gosh, Debbie your heading back to school next week. Have you moved to Florida? I think they start next week.

Tammi - You have given me some things to consider, thank you. I don't plan any big deal at the dinner, just some flowers on the table. Maybe some special music. I also hope we all can prepare a toast to each one in the family. We will be so thankful to be together.

Please keep the ideas coming. Is there any suggestions for our grandchildren and activities or places they would really enjoy?

Sending prayers and pixie dust to all.

 

[ead79]

Room wave to everyone!

MinnieSummer, the YC and BC are right beside each other. If my memory serves me, the BC is a tiny bit closer to Epcot, and the YC is closer to the Swan/Dolphin.

The YC and BC are very similar resorts, but we really prefer the YC. We didn't have the best experience when we stayed at the BC. Basically we were kept up for much of the night by a noise that kept going on and off (we later figured out that it was a short in the exhaust fan). When we went to the front desk the next morning to ask to be switched to a different room, the person at the front desk (who I assume was a manager since he was wearing a suit instead of the BC costume) was rude to us and acted like we were complaining to try to get some sort of free upgrade. All we wanted was another standard room without the annoying noise. Honestly the inconvenience of the noise didn't bother me nearly as much as the rude treatment by the CM did. Please don't let me scare you though--tons of people on these boards absolutely love the BC and have had wonderful experiences there. And I'm sure that every Disney resort has its off days where you don't get the best service. We love the room decor at the YC as well as the friendly CM's we encountered at the concierge desks. Also, the YC seemed much more calm and relaxing to us. The BC was always really busy and noisy in the lobby, but we didn't find that at the YC (probably because it seems to attract more adults or business travelers where the BC attracts more families). Since the two resorts are so similar and share the same amenities, we just pick the YC over the BC. I'm sure we'll try the BC again some day though.

Angel, reading about your special plans made me tear up! I just know that this will mean the world to your family! You could also contact the Poly's IPO and let them know what you're planning. I'm sure they could come up with some great ideas we could never think of! You'll have to show us pictures when you come back. I love the comment about the green beret ring not being in a glass slipper!

 

[MinnieSummer]

I can't believe you all aren't back in school yet. My DD's school went back last week although she missed the first two days because we were in PA. Our summer is over already -- way to quick. But, as always, when I return from our PA trip I have Christmas to look forward to and Costco always starts to bring in the Christmas stuff in August so that helps.

ANGEL: Your plans sound incredible and your theme is exceptional. What a wonderful way to let your family know how much you love them and care for them. I know you will all have a fantastic time.

TAMMI: My family is thinking seriously about the Cabins now. Thanks for your input. Depending on what happens with my Dad, my Mom may be with us so a cabin would probably be a great option. If not then a one bedroom villa would be next so that is what we are leaning toward.

I still have to plan my DD birthday in September but I think I've got that one solved. I'm going to tell her to pick two friends and I will take them to WDW for the MNSSHP on her birthday. That should solve the trip to WDW and party thing all in one -- I hope.

 

[nrsldy]

Angel~
I do not know if anyone has mentioned the Flag Ceremony at Magic Kingdom. You can have have it arranged through guest services at MK. I did this for my Dh the year he retired from the service. They present the participants with a certificate. It was special. It would be a good thing for your DH and DSIL to do together. Just a thought!

 

[ead79]

Angel~
I do not know if anyone has mentioned the Flag Ceremony at Magic Kingdom. You can have have it arranged through guest services at MK. I did this for my Dh the year he retired from the service. They present the participants with a certificate. It was special. It would be a good thing for your DH and DSIL to do together. Just a thought!

Tracy, that is a wonderful suggestion! The Flag Retreat always makes me tear up! I'm sure your husband and SIL would really enjoy participating in it together Angel.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Tracy, excellent idea . If my memory isn't shot completely, I think another LL did this and got some help through IPO with the planning.

 

[nrsldy]

Tammi~ The IPO at AKL arranged this for us. The only suggestion I have is to double check the arrangements because on the date we were told to be there my DH's name was not on the list. They were nice enough to include him at the last min. Check early in the day at MK guest relations. It was very moving , Tears were a flowing.

 

[Angel16]

Wow, What great ideas. Guess I need to get busy and check on the Flag Cermony at MK. Hmmm what dates do we plan on being in the MK.


Thank you all for your wonderful ideas. I will take tons of pictures and try not to let the computer die this time and loose them all. If nothing else you will get a trip report.

We will have the first week at the Poly with our family (suprise). Then the second week Tim and I switch over to ALK for a week on our own. I am praying for a perfect vacation/family reunion/birthday.

Everyone: Has anyone does the My Little Princess Tea Party? What are your thoughts on it? It seems $$$ but, My little GD will only be this age once. I wonder if we will have another opportunity to made this memory? What does everyone thing?

Angel

 

[Angel16]

Bumb

 

[mmmears]

Hi Everyone!

I'm new to this board. We've stayed concierge before (at WDW and other destinations) and plan to again on our next trip in March -- half at AKL and half at Poly.

I'm hoping I'll learn some new things from all of you!

We're also suppose to stay at AS before the other 2 to be with my daughter's cheer team. I've been really nervous about it (never stayed at a value) but after MinnieSummer's account, now I know I'm in for it! Tried to book AKL but DD9 really wants to be close to her friends.

 

[Angel16]

Hi Everyone!

I'm new to this board. We've stayed concierge before (at WDW and other destinations) and plan to again on our next trip in March -- half at AKL and half at Poly.

I'm hoping I'll learn some new things from all of you!

We're also suppose to stay at AS before the other 2 to be with my daughter's cheer team. I've been really nervous about it (never stayed at a value) but after MinnieSummer's account, now I know I'm in for it! Tried to book AKL but DD9 really wants to be close to her friends.

MMMears to the Lizard Lounge. We will be very happy with any questions you may have. Many of us have stayed concierge level, but we also stay at Values, Mods and even off property. We all just love Disney.

I have stayed at Pop and really enjoyed it. The rooms are clean, enough room for my DH and myself and the food court was great. We had a car so we did not use Disney transportation.

For you March 2007 trip, what is the sequence of resorts? Are you staying AS first? Then what?

Grab a nice glass of wine or a cold drink and sit down for while. More LL will be along shortly with their thoughts and wisdom.

 

[Nancyg56]

Good Morning everyone ! I'm back from our short trip, and trying to catch up with what's going on in the LL.

Minniesummer: Thank you for taking the time to update us. I'm happy to hear that your Mom is doing better. I was thinking about the chores that your Dad asked you to do, and imagine that you gave us another glimpse of your father. His trust in you and your husband to keep his home in order while he cannot is well placed.

I was sorry to hear that your trip was not the respite that you planned. It is nice to hear that Disney did respond and offered to make it right, and maybe this can be the trip that you and DD can laugh about later on. It's funny because I had originally booked ASMO, and had read a little info about the pool water, and while I know that you cannot believe all you read, I changed the ressie to POFQ. Now I am so glad that I did, because the irish in me always winds up proving Murphy's Rule.

I'm enjoying your Christmas trip planning because I am addicted to resort info here I get here. As to the cabins, my sis in law stays in them with her friends and their girls. They love the sense of solitude there, the girls seem to wind down there better than in a resort atmosphere. They never find the transportation to be a problem, although they do have their car, so that helps.

Angel: I am still teary thinking about your special family reunion. The planning you have already acccomplished shows what a labor of love this trip is for you. I am so impressed by the suggestions that have already come your way, and cannot add anything but that the flag ceremony with your DH and your SIL would be a very moving tribute to their service to our country as well as the very special bonds that both men share.

I don't have first hand experience regarding the tea party, but I have booked it for our January trip. I plan to take Kady, who will just be 5, for our own special event. I am so blessed that my DD does not mind that I want to keep this one for myself and Kady. She loves to dress up, so I am already looking for an Aurora dress. I am going to try to find a seamstress who will not break my bank because I really would like a blue dress, and have never seen one.

Debbie: I hope that you have a great year! My niece Debbie is a behaviorist in Hartford school system, and her first day back was Monday. She was able to come with us for a little vacation before school started for her also. (I'm still not sure if it was a vacation because she works with young children, and Kady was a bit of a handful by the end of the trip. I got to see her apply her education in a very positive way.)

Tammi: Can summer be almost over? We never seemed to have a real season in the northeast, so I am still feeling a little off balance here. It feels like fall this week. Have a great start back at school!

mmmeaars: Hi There! You have found the nicest group. I came here looking for info, but have found people who really care. I am still meeting some of the LL's who pop in and out, and am enjoying every minute. Ask away, I know you will get a lot of great information to make your trip a memory making success from friends who share their experience willingly.

 

[Nancyg56]

Holy Moly! I am chattier that usual this morning, and still going strong. It must be the third that did it.


I am still trying to recover from a quick trip. POFQ is so pretty. I would suggest that if have a little one, request a building close to the lobby and the pool. I only asked for water view, ( don't pay for the view, I already had when I read that you should not, and would not pay the extra money again) and was in building 1. The next to the last room in the last section of the last building. Not really a problem unless you are carrying a sleeping child from the castle, on the bus while the driver forgets where she is going, on to your room. I am an early riser, so I enjoyed the walk to the food court for my coffee. It was still dark and quiet, with the sounds from the fountain and the light jazz in the background, and floral scents in the air.

My DS was able to visit for two days, so I was on . Kady's heroine, Debbie was with us, and she was a life saver, as my lovely, well behaved, well mannered DGD gradually turned into the little girl from Willie Wonka.

I did learn a lot from this trip. We only had 5 nights, 6 days. I planned one rest day in between for swimming and kicking back, and some extras. The next time I will add an additional day just for the pool and I will not add any extras. It was too much for Kady. She cannot handle changes well, and chaos makes her . Mickey's BBQ was not "orderly" so we left after dinner and she played in the playground, and Adventures in Cooking never happened. She took one look at the door and worked herself into a frenzy.

The best thing that happened is that my niece called her Mom so many times, and told her how much she was enjoying herself. She said that it would have been even better if Gail was with us. I hope that next summer we can plan another with Gail and her girls, and Kady. It would be nice if my DD could come also. We used to vacation together with the kids, and so this "girls trip" would be perfect.


Thanks for listening. Now I expect a call from DH. It's Kady's first day of kindergarten, and he is worse that her parents .

 

[mmmears]

may have. Many of us have stayed concierge level, but we also stay at Values, Mods and even off property. We all just love Disney.

I have stayed at Pop and really enjoyed it. The rooms are clean, enough room for my DH and myself and the food court was great. We had a car so we did not use Disney transportation.

For you March 2007 trip, what is the sequence of resorts? Are you staying AS first? Then what?

Thank you for the welcome!

We're staying value first (ASMu or ASMo I think) (I would feel better if it were POP, or POFQ, the mod where I really would like to stay), the AKL concierge, then PLVC. I figure we have to trade up, or we will have a harder time liking the value resort.

We picked AKL concierge because we fell in love with the resort when we dined at Boma last April, and we really want to go on the Sunrise Safari. We're finishing up with a few days at the Poly because we have heard such good things about it from friends and here on the boards.

I'm hoping to learn alot on this forum, so thanks in advance!!!