The New Lizard Lounge

[MinnieSummer]

Hi everyone. I wanted to update you on things. I am in PA. My father has left us and is now in heaven looking down. I thank you all for your prayers and comfort as he passed quietly and is now in peace. I will be back in FL sometime next week and will be very happy to see how everyones plans are coming as that will give me peace that some things really don't change and in those things I can find comfort.

 

[ead79]

Hello everyone!

mmmears, welcome to the Lizard Lounge! I have stayed concierge level at both the AKL and the Poly, and they are both real treats—I’m sure your family will have a blast there! As far as your trip at the All Stars goes, if that’s where the other cheerleaders are staying, then I’m sure that’s where your DD will want to be as you mentioned. Don’t worry, most people have perfectly great stays there, it just seems that MinnieSummer has had some VERY bad luck with her trips. I can understand her never returning after those experiences! Of course, most guests have positive stays, so here’s to hoping that yours turns out very well too. I saw you mention wanting to do the Sunrise Safari during your AKL stay, and it’s GREAT!

Nancy, I’m glad to hear you had such a great trip. The Port Orleans resorts really are so pretty and have such great landscaping. We’ve only stayed at POR, but we want to give POFQ a try too. Girls trips are so special!

 

[ead79]

MinnieSummer, I am so sorry for your loss. I will lift your family up in prayer as you remember your father. I am glad to hear that he went peacefully, though I know you and your family will miss him very much. May the Lord give you the comfort, strength, and peace you need to make it through the coming days.

 

[TammiMcMan]

MinnieSummer, I had a feeling that as soon as your dad's "list" was complete, he would be moving on. My mother did something very similar. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family .

 

[Angel16]

Minniesummer, You are in my thoughts and prayers. The love you have shown and continue to show to your parents has been inspirational. You dad is looking down on you with great love and pride in his "little girl" for the wonderful woman she has become.

You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. Remember to get some rest for yourself now too. You have been everything for everyone for quite some time now. It is time to let Minniesummer have some time and space to recover, rest and reflect.

 

[Angel16]

I want to thank everyone for all their suggestions for our upcoming trip. I have made additional plans and hope to work the Flag Retreat into one of our days. I am not make plans for each day. I am just planning our main TS meal, the fireworks cruise and MVMCP. That along with the BIG V&A chief's table dinner I think is enough "structure".

I want everyone to have fun and enjoy being a family together without planning every minute. Have to let the pixie dust and magic happen. I am afraid if I plan too much people will be tired and not enjoy themselves or each other.

I keep second-guessing myself with the My Little Princess Tea Party. I know Tammi; I said I was not going to spend that kind of money. However, everyone keeps writing about how it was an experience of lifetime with their little girls. I don't know. I think I will pray about this one. I am afraid I may not get another chance to do this with Emily. However, I also know I am spending a lot of $$$ right now to enable all of us to be there together. Hmmmmh, what is a lounge lizard who is a mom and nana to do?

Nancy, How did Kady's first day of kindergarden go? They grow up so quickly. I am glad you had a good "girls only trip". I enjoy your writing and the sence of love for your family that can see seen while you share your stories.

Tammi, Hey...How is Colins leg doing? How is the rest of your family? Where are you headed off to on your next trip?

Elizabeth, I have not heard how your (not so new) new job is going? I do hope you are happy there. Life is too short to not enjoy what we are doing or the people we are spending so many hours a day with.

Mmmears, It sounds like you have perfect trip planned. As I can see from your signature, you are well WDW traveled. You are going to love staying at AKL. The resort is so beautiful and the hand carved woodwork just astounds me. People are so friendly; the concierge is the BEST as far as I am concerned. (However, my upcoming Poly stay will be my first concierge stay there ) The sunrise safari is so much fun. My DH and I are repeating it this trip. The meal at Tusker House is wonderful, with people from Africa sharing their customs and different foods. We intend to spend more time enjoying this meal as the first time we went it seemed rushed (by us wanting to get out into the park). I want to soak up every sound, feeling and learn as much as I can about that fantastic country.

Nrsldy- I have missed seeing you around. Thank you for the suggestions. I will certainly check on the plans. What have you been up to girl? Drop us a few lines and check up.

Donna- Just wanted to send you Thank you for the e-mail. You are so cool and funny.

Goofy Family - How are you doing? Have you settled into your new home? What is going on with you all? You are really missed here in the lounge.

Minniesota - Where have you been hanging out? I bet you are over the cruise boards. If my memory serves me, you have a cruise coming up . How are you doing? When is your next trip to see the mouse? How is your family doing?

Debbie #1 Hockeymom - Thank you for the good wishes. I know this trip will be perfect. I have Jeffrey from the Poly and Don and Juanita from AKL planning it. I love the little postscript you have at the end of your signature. “Lizority Princess, committed to keeping life wild Oh how I wish I had thought of that.

Bonnie - Wow, you must be busy. I have not seen you following me around lately. How is your school year going? Hope you little guy is feeling better. I head to WDW in November. I imagine you have a trip before me??

Well ladies I had better run. Today is Tim’s birthday. Woo Hoo We are going out to dinner to celebrate. Then we have a weekend of parties, BBQ’s and shopping. In case you read my post....before I got the computer fixed This was the orginal post.

Sending prayers and pixie dust to all.

Angel

 

[mmmears]

Angel16 -- thanks for your words of welcome! Everyone on this board has been so kind!

Have you considered having high tea in the GF GardenView Lounge? It may be less expensive (I dont know how much the party costs). We did this with our DD when she was 3, and 8. She felt really special, and we got to be there with her, enjoying every moment of it. Just another idea...

 

[Nancyg56]

Minniesummer: I am so sorry to hear that your Dad has passed on, as you talked about him, it was clear that he was a man with a strong faith, and instilled the faith in your family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. Please find a bit of comfort that you were a source of comfort and strength for him and that he was able to journey on with peace of mind.


Take care of yourself, Nancy

 

[Goofy's Muse]

MinnieSummer I've thought of you often... You've given your best to your parents, which is all any of us can really do. I'm so sorry for your loss...

This is really just a quick check-in and update... Angel, yes, our house is under contract and in fact we have closings on both houses scheduled for the end of this month. (I do think that statement warrants a double crazy!) I feel like I've been running a marathon and am hoping I've got enough steam for this last leg!

BTW... I agree with mmmears (welcome, by the way! )... You don't necessarily have to do the Little Princess Tea. You can make a Garden View Lounge reservation for your own "tea with Emily" for whenever it suits you. We did own own tea with our girls (and son) on our quick Christmas trip two years ago. They thought it was a highlight! There was also a much younger girl there at the same time, all dressed up, and she looked thrilled to be there and got some very special attention from the waitresses because she was so young and cute and not in a sea of other princesses. Needless to say... our son has decided to skip "tea" on our next trip, but for the girls it's a must-do!

 

[mmmears]

Goofy's Muse -- thanks for the welcome! I thought that it would be more fun to have tea with my daughter rather than have her go to a party with other kids -- and it really was! I'm glad you enjoyed it, too! It was a highlight of our trip, and my daughter remember that first tea for years. That's why we reapeated it on our last trip!

 

[Angel16]

I am sorry, I do not have any idea what "The Garden View Lounge Tea" is????? Someone please help. This may be a perfect idea.

mmears- The My Little Princess Tea Party is $225.00 for 1 1/2 hours tea party. This includes one child, one adult, and all the extras. It really seems like an awful lot of money for 1 1/2 hour of entainment and food. I do know you get the doll and charm bracelett. Side note: when I looked into the Princess Tea Party IPO said that the price has been raised to $225.00, I want my DD to join us also. So the cost for three without tax or tip was $321.00. OUCH

Keep coming with ideas ladies. I am also looking for pictures of the gifts I can leave in the room for my family at the Poly. I have talked with IPO CM , but he does not have any pictures. Does anyone have picture or good discriptions?

Wishing everyone a wonderful Labor Day.

 

[mmmears]

I am sorry, I do not have any idea what "The Garden View Lounge Tea" is????? Someone please help. This may be a perfect idea.

Angel16,

On the ground floor of the GF, inside the lobby, is the Garden View Lounge. They are open every afternoon for high tea. The menu is posted at www. allearsnet.com and it shows the various menu choices. There is even a special little girls "tea" selection, which comes with chocolate milk, little tea sandwiches, and a choice of 2 pastries from their trays. My DD took a long time choosing which 2 she wanted! There are lots of choices for adults, from scones and jam with tea, to sandwiches with tea, etc. Each person chooses whichever tea they want and they bring out a whole teapot of each one.

It is a la carte, not nearly as expensive as the party you are considering. There aren't any characters or entertainment, just a good old-fashioned high tea that was enchanting for us. The Victorian architecture and gardens are a great setting for a traditional tea. It's just like a meal, you make ADRs through Disney Dining, although 2 of the people I spoke with there had never heard of it! We took our DD back when she was 2, and again this year at 8. It was very fun -- I highly recommend it!

 

[ead79]

Hello lizards! I hope everyone had a nice Labor Day weekend! We had a great weekend of relaxing and getting some chores done as well.

Angel, I’m not loving the new job, so I’m going to look for something else I think. It’s just not the place for me. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY (a little bit late) to Tim!

We actually had tea at the Garden View Lounge for my bridesmaids luncheon back in 2003. It was wonderful, and it would be a great way to get to have tea with your granddaughter for much less money. It’s very special, and the Garden View Lounge is a gorgeous room.

 

[MinnieSummer]

HI everyone -- I'm back in Florida and things are going well. My Mom is handling things much better than I expected and will be moving to Florida with me sometime in October. In the mean time I have to get a room ready for her (that means dumping my storage room out and turning it into a bedroom). That should be lots of fun.
I also am planning my DD's birthday. We're going to Disney not that that is any surprise. We will actually be there for the second night of the MNSSHP and are taking two of her friends with us. I've thought about doing the Tea at the GF on Saturday but the other girls are tomboys so I don't think that will go over so well. Has anyone done the Pirate Cruise? I think there are actually two -- one leaves from the GF and one leaves from PO. I'm thinknig that if I do those two things then I can get away with not having a party at home this year. I keep putting that off each year and I really am not in the mood to plan one now so maybe I can bribe DD with these. What do you think?

 

[minniesota]

Hi to all of the Lizards!
Seems like a long time. I have checked in once in awhile so feel somewhat up to date.

MinnieSummer -So sorry for your loss. You have been such a wonderful daughter and I'm sure your dad continues to be proud of you as he now watches over you and your mom. Sounds like your caretaking will continue closer to home so that will be easier I hope. I think your DD is one lucky little girl and sounds like you have the perfect birthday planned!

Angel16 - Your plans certainly put me in the mood for WDW. My dad did the flag-raising ceremony two years ago and it was one of the most memorable things we've ever done at WDW. I have been visiting the cruise board here and there though our trip isn't until April.

Tammi - Been thinking about you. This time last year I was planning our trip to Boston and surrounding area and you were such a help. That trip still rates high on the list of my kids' faves. Hope your son is doing well with his injury. Is your oldest still living at home?

Goofy'sMuse - Oh that house stuff can be tiring. I hope things work out and you finally feel settled - and soon! I'd imagine your household is busy like ours with school and all the activities!

ead79 - Keep looking until you find the right place. I think it's so important to be doing something you really enjoy, if possible. You seem like such an upbeat person so you'd be a wonderful asset.

Nancy - I have always wanted to try Port Orleans - it looks so pretty. Glad you had a great visit last month. Any new plans?

mmears -Welcome to the lounge! There are so many great people on this thread who can offer lots of info among other wonderful gifts.

My life has been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster as my dad continues his battle with melanoma. He is currently undergoing whole brain radiation for 13 brain tumors. It's pretty strange (and a wonderful blessing) but he doesn't have any symptoms of this illness. We just know now that since there is such progression in the brain, his prognosis is not so great. I've been spending lots of time with him as have all of my siblings. We have had the most fabulous summer in northern Minnesota which we truly believe has been a gift from God. My dad loves his lake and the woods and we have spent a ton of time enjoying both the past few months. I haven't made any travel plans other than the cruise because we just don't know what kind of time we have left with my dad. It's bittersweet, this gift of time. But we are making the most of it.

We did finally tell our kids about the cruise over Labor Day weekend. We took everyone out on the pontoon and I popped the Disney instrumental CD in. My kids didn't bat an eye because I often listen to Disney music. Pretty soon I put in the parks CD and everyone took turns requesting their favorite - the Tiki Room, Small World, POC, etc. Then I said that I wanted to play my favorite. I had downloaded the ship's horn on a CD and when I hit play, my DS12 looked so confused. "I know that one - what ride is it from again?" My DD15 and niece, 14, giggled and they all got it at once. "We're going on the Disney cruise!!!" I pulled out the brochures from the TA and we started the excitement of planning. It was a great surprise!

Hope to stay up to date with all of you. Even if I don't get a chance to post much, I am checking in now and then - and think of all of you often!

 

[Nancyg56]

Good morning, all!


Minniesummer: It is good to hear form you, and to hear that your DM is going to join you in your home. You will have increased POM and I think that your DD will benefit from having the opportunity to live with her GM. I take my DGD to visit both my Mom and my first DH Mom, and it is truely a wonder the relationship that has developed between the generations.
I hope that the "bribe" works, and your DD is happy with teh cruise you plan for her birthday.

Minniesota: It is wonderful to hear from you. You have been on my mind, as is your family. It is indeed a blessing that the symptoms that plague some have not occurred in your Dad, and I pray that you all will continue to be blessed with time to enjoy each other's company. Your family is inmy prayers. Take care of yourself, and stay in touch when you can.

Well, DD called the Dr because of the behavioral changes my DGD has had. I had gone over our trip and wondered if I had planned too many activities, overtired her, overfed hr, overinduldged her......you know how it is.
Kady has reflux that is controlled by medication, she is taking a bit over the highest dose possible. The gastro guy had given her a supplemental drug to assist her in the overnight becasue she has had a recent growth spurt, and the primary medication was not enough. The medication side effects had an opposite effect on her little body. There is a rare incidence of high anxiety and irritabilty that occurs in some people, and she was one of them. Her metabolism is high, and she tends to be a bit obsessive/compulsive, so this just amplified all of her "quirks", but slowly, over the course of the month that she was taking it. He appetite fell off, which made the whole thing worse. She is now back to her sweet self, but I cannot remove the image of her, so unhappy in Disney on that last day, from my mind. She really does not have any issues about the trip, I have enough for both of us. I hope that January can erase them from my mind, and she just wants to meet her "customers" again, so we have plenty of time for her to set out in search of all her Disney friends.

Take care, all of you, and enjoy the glorious fall! I hope that our New England folliage gives us a beautiful show!

 

[MinnieSummer]

Ead: Looking for the right place to spend the majority of your day is so important. If I didn't have the job I do I don't think I would have gotten through the last year. Keep looking until the fit is right or you will regret it.

Minniesota: What a great story -- spending your summer with the ones you love and building memories that will carry you through the tough times ahead. I cherish the memories I have of my DD and DF together. Because we lived so far apart and didn't spend a lot of time together, they often seem to take on larger than life qualities but that is OK, it makes them even more special.

My daughter vetoed the cruise plan. She said she would rather take out the mouse boats (I know they're not called that anymore but what are they called now?) on Saturday and just do the MNSSHP on Friday night so that's what we are doing. Much cheaper in the long run. Now all I've got to do is find out who is going and get the tickets, make the reservations, etc....

 

[ead79]

Room wave to all the lizards!

MinnieSummer, I am glad to hear that your mom is doing so well. I know it will mean a lot to you to have her there with you, though I know it’s stressful trying to prepare for her arrival. My grandmother recently moved in with my parents, and it was quite the cleaning and organizational challenge to clear a room for her. My prayers remain with you and your family.

I think they call the mouse boats Sea Raycers now. I think they also have a minimum age now, so be aware of that when booking. Between that and MNSSHP, I’m sure she’ll have a FANTASTIC birthday!

minniesota, thanks for the advice—you’re right that it’s important to keep looking until you find the right job! I am so glad that you’ve gotten to spend this quality time with your dad and that he does not show symptoms. I know you treasure these times together. My prayers are with your family.

What a fun way to break the surprise of the cruise! Have a blast planning with your family!

Nancy, I am glad that they were able to get Kady’s medication straightened out. Don’t worry, now that it’s taken care of I’m sure you’ll make some wonderful Disney memories with her!

 

[Goofy's Muse]

minniesota - Good to hear from you... I've thought of you often. In fact, coincidentally, I had an odd dream last night that I was traveling in a smallish plane that had to make a sudden landing. We landed in a small amusement park, I got out of the plane and asked where we were and the kids on the rides said "Minnesota"! I can't remember my intended destination but I do know it was nowhere near Minnesota (and I've never been to Minnesota).... How wonderful that you all are making the most of your time with your dad. It is truly a gift of the most precious kind...

I have two more weeks of chaos to navigate in this moving thing and continue to pray for sanity at every opportunity. DD15 broke her foot in a cheering mishap this past weekend so one of my key helpers is a bit sidelined. Just changed my interviewing tactics with the moving companies I'm evaluating and am now pricing full pack in addition to move just in case... We're still on track for completion of the new house (carpet to be installed today) but I know the CO process is quirky so am hoping that we actually DO have a house to move into once the packing is complete! Not sure how many of your kids are young enough to watch "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody" but my kids are viewing that as Plan B! LOL

 

[Nancyg56]

Goofy's Muse: FIrst, I hope that your DD recovers quickly! I have wondered about your "moving project", and how you were holding up. I must confess that I still have stuff in boxes that I have not thought of since I married , so I am inspired by anyone who can build a home and empty the one out that is being lived in. Before we added on, my DH mentioned selling and buying a new home, and I think the look on my face was scarier that living with me through a major renovation! Now that we are planning to complete our basement, my DH (packrat in denial) is the one to be worried about his treasures.

Elizabeth: I'm sorry to hear that you are not as happy in your job as you would have liked to be. It is hard enough to transition into a new position without the added stress of not loving it. I hope that you find the best position for you. You certainly deserve to enjoy your time at work!

Yes Kady is fine and I know that her memories of our trip do not mirror my own. I'm Irish and Catholic, so guilt is part of my DNA, I think

Well, I think that Fall has really arrived here in CT, and along with falltime is my list of projects to complete before I can hibernate for the Winter. I hope that everyone has a great weekend planned!