The New Lizard Lounge

[Goofy's Muse]

Ooohhh... all this cruise talk is so appealing this blustery time of year! TammiMcMan... your description of Palo's sounds WONDERFUL along with the other details in your trip report. DutchsMommy and mom_rules... how lucky you both are to have near-term countdowns for cruises on your horizon -- and Mickey cruises to boot!

 

[mom_rules]

So tell me-is it wrong to start planning your next vacation before you take your current one? (does that even make sense?)
I'm already looking at what rates might be for next xmas.

 

[samnbilly]

don't have much time today. Just checking out my new counter!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Hi All!
Well I think I've decided against the solo trip in Apr/May with DD. I just don't know how I'd explain it to DS and would feel guilty leaving DH home alone with the other 2 for 4 nights. BUT....I think I've come up with another idea. I still would like to spend a few days at Disney with just DD. We already have plans to go again in Oct before our AP's expire so now I'm thinking DD & I could go 2 nights before DH, DS(4), DD(2) and other adult friend. I think I could manage most of the luggage, do the grocery stop, get all settled...and still have some great alone time with DD(6) before the others arrive. I still haven't mentioned any of this to DH.......

Donna-Have 2 great trips!

 

[TammiMcMan]

LovesDumbo, I think that's a great idea to go down a few days early with DD to "setup". I'm sure you can handle the luggage and grocery shopping, how about DH with the 4 and 2 year old ?

Mom_rules, sounds like you have a wonderful vacation planned for March. The REAS package is great and they treat you just as well as being in concierge. I'm glad you're planning is going smoothly.

I think I have my sister convinced to drop the plans of driving to Disney in a camper. She really wanted my family to go in on it with them and I just can't do it. 6 adults and 8 children in a confined space for 26 hours is not my idea of a good time. I know we would all end up in an argument and who wants to start a vacation off that way. I told her that our plans were to fly down and we'd stay somewhere near Fort Wilderness. That would leave just her and my youngest sister to split the cost, which basically means, other sister would be footing the bill. I told her for less money, they could fly down and stay in a vacation villa. She is deathly afraid of flying though and that's where the camper idea came from. I just priced everything out and my family can book a 2 bedroom, her's can do a 1 bedroom and youngest sister can do the studio. That would put us all in the same area, but we'd all have our space and privacy. I know we're all family, but sometimes splitting costs can just cause a lot of problems. I'm going to have start checking out the DVC thread and try to figure out rental points. We're still going with our original plan to fly down a few days early, maybe stay AKL or do Universal for 3 days. Then hopefully we'll be able to book the villas at Beach Club or Saratoga. I haven't decided which, they both have their pros and cons. That will be the cheaper Sunday-Thursday nights and then they want to go to the FW cabins, while we head over to the GF for 3 or 4 nights. I had thought about doing a house rental, but I really like being on site. The trip isn't scheduled until July of 2006, so I'm sure that the plans are going to change lots of times before then.

Tammi

 

[lovesdumbo]

LovesDumbo, I think that's a great idea to go down a few days early with DD to "setup". I'm sure you can handle the luggage and grocery shopping, how about DH with the 4 and 2 year old ?

An adult friend goes with us. My DS is the toughest and he LOVES my friend and is so good for her and he'll be nearly 5. So they'd have her bag (she packs light) a carryon, stroller and 2 kids. I would do a town car for DD & I, a town car for them and then all van or limo back to airport. I was thinking I just can't do the May trip so I should just start planning the Oct trip. I would really like to do more than the 7 nights we did last time but I can't ask my friend to go for much longer. So thats what got what thinking of going down with DD ahead of the others. We can do tea at GF and all the thrill rides she loves. Then we'll still have a great trip with the others. It sounds perfect to me but I don't know what DH will think.

I'm with you. I can't imagine a 26 hour ride in a camper with 14 people. I think camping at Disney would be fun but not worth they money compared to other options. I've stayed at the cabins and really liked them but the other hotels have much better transportation options. I don't think I'd do it again without a golf cart so you might as well stay elsewhere.

 

[steveanddonna]

So tell me-is it wrong to start planning your next vacation before you take your current one?

momrules I have two trips planned starting in less than 2 weeks. The second starts just about 2 weeks after the end of the first one. Actually, I should say I have them booked because I have nothing planned, in spite of Jeff from the Poly calling yesterday to offer assistance with planning.

lovesdumbo, I'm still rooting for a solo trip for you and DD, but your compromise sounds good, too. Can you make it 3 solo days before the rest of the family joins you so you have time for all the practicalities and time to relax?

ITA, TammiMcMan; DH and I thought about renting a houseboat for a family vacation on the Mississippi with his parents and siblings, but came to our senses quickly. We've travelled to Japan and New Orleans with them, everyone n their own accommodations, and even that was trying. Our trael style is so different from theirs - vacation should be relaxing, not a stress-fest.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

So tell me-is it wrong to start planning your next vacation before you take your current one? (does that even make sense?)
I'm already looking at what rates might be for next xmas.

I don't know, mom_rules... I'm thinking you're more in the norm than the exception around here! Lots of trip planners and multi-trip planners around here, that's for sure!

I'm with you, TammiMcMan... too much family for too many hours in too small a camper... well it just sounds like another sequel in the National Lampoon Family Vacation series! I love my family, but I'd be and then in no time!

 

[mmausse]

I told her for less money, they could fly down and stay in a vacation villa. She is deathly afraid of flying though and that's where the camper idea came from. Tammi

As someone who is also afraid to fly, I can understand your sister's point. I did not like to fly before 9-11, but I would for business purposes. My original fear came from being on a plane that actually had a bomb go off on it right after we landed. Anyhow,. I digress. Since 9-11, even going near airports makes me nervous. Fortunately, my office doesn't make me fly anymore. Unfortunately, it's difficult to drive to the Grand Caymans, Bahamas, and Europe. I've offered to try, but no one has taken me up on it. INSTEAD, I went to my regular doctor and told him my problem. He said as longas another adult was flying with me, he would prescrive Valium. Take one an hour before I board, and one when we lift off. It made me VERY mellow and calm for the long transatlantic flight.

I suggest you talk to your sister and see if this is an option.

Oh, and as for Disney World, I still drive. It's not a long trip and I find it quite enjoyable, plus I have my vehicle with me so I am not held hostage by the poor Disney bus transportation.

Hope this helps!

 

[Angel16]

Hi, room wave to all. WOW the lounge has been very busy since my last visit. It is so great to see all of you and hear about your plans. We have two trips planned for this year, however I am pretty sure one of them will not work out.

I need some advise. We will be arriving at AKL on Thanksgiving day. Does anyone have suggestions for dinner that night? We have eaten at Boma's and Jiko's, however I was wondering about some place outside of AKL. If it is going to be too much of a hassle I can always doing their romantic dinner in the room that night. But it would be fun to go someplace new and we will have a car.

Donna - Sounds like you have your trips planned perfectly and won't need little ole me to keep you from being lonely. LOL I hope you have a super wonderful time and I want to hear all about it when you return.

#1Hockeymom - I imagine you are already home, or on your way. I hope you had a great trip. Did you get to see the "the baby"? I am looking forward to hearing all the details on your trip

Our kids from Northern Wisconsin are flying in on January 29th for a week. They just feel they need to get away from the extreme cold. I don't know if I'll be able to get any time off work while they are here (too many things happening. Plus short notice) but we will have the evenings together. My SIL called Saturday and said it was 10 below at 3:00 PM up there. That is just crazy. I know we will have much better weather here for them.

I am putting out hot homemade meat ball sandwiches, pasta salad and fresh fruit with chocolate/carmel dip for dessert.

Angel

 

[minniesota]

Hi to all the LLs!!!

The cold weather has been envelping Minnesota, too - a record -54 this morning - and that's without winchill! My brother lives about 100 miles north of here and they've had more than 100 straight hours of below zero temps, plus 9 inches of snow! And why do we live here? "Quality of life..."

I can't complain much though because we board the plane Saturday morning for Cabo San Lucas and the average temps there have been around 80. It's not WDW, but I'll take it.

Maybe you guys can help me. DS11 and I will be in the world on Valentine's Day. Priority seating that day requires a cc deposit and 48-hour cancellation policy. He's not an adventurous eater. Should I make a ressie or fly by the seat of our pants? We'll be at GF but are not doing concierge unless an AP rate comes available. Any suggestions?

 

[TammiMcMan]

Minniesota, I was thinking of you this morning. A Duluth thermometer reading 40 degrees below zero was on our local news. Lucky you to be travelling to Cabo. Just make sure you leave the water dripping out of your faucets while you're gone.

If you knew exactly where you wanted to eat on Valentines day, then I'd say go for the priority seating. If you can be flexible, then just wing it. You can always skip lunch and have an early dinner, or late lunch and late dinner. If you're not staying concierge, you can utilize guest services at the GF. They can help you out with what's available if you decide on anything at the last minute. Even room service at the GF is a great option. Has your DS made any suggestions on where he'd like to eat? If not, then just wait and see what you're feeling like on that day.

Tammi

 

[Angel16]

Minniesota Minniesota - I second Tammie's suggestion I would imagine most of the sit down dinners at the fancier places will be for couples. How important does your son feel Valentines Day is? Maybe he would like to pick a place to take his mom. Not that he pay for it or anything like that, but someplace he thinks his mom would like. That could be a fun way to celebrate.

I hope you have a wonderful vacation in Cabo. Warm sun, ocean, tropical drinks, mmmmm

TammieMcMan- I enjoyed your cruise trip report. You certainly did it up right. All those spa visits. I envey you. You must have been on Thank you for sharing your vacation memories.

Angel

 

[dreamflight99]

Hi to all the LLs!!!

I can't complain much though because we board the plane Saturday morning for Cabo San Lucas and the average temps there have been around 80. It's not WDW, but I'll take it.

We have so many friends whom frequently travel to Cabo! Many even own time shares there, and enjoy the place immensely. We will be stopping in Cabo this summer, on the Magic cruise. I hope you have a great *(WARM) visit, and post lots of details upon your return!

DF99

 

[minniesota]

Tammi and Angel - Good advice. I'll check with DS tonight and see if he has any suggestions. Maybe GF room service on the balcony would be nice - and he could order his favorites! He has a favorite spot at GF where he likes to watch Wishes so I'm sure that will be part of the evening's events. He's so excited about this mom and son trip because he can do just what he wants which means lots of time at Epcot, his favorite park (and DD's least favorite). She will have her turn in May and lucky mom gets two very different trips!

dreamflight99 - This will be our second trip to Cabo - my sister and BIL own a timeshare there. They upgraded last year to a presidential suite at Hacienda del Mar so we will have lots of space! The grounds there are beautiful and it's fun to go into town to sample the many restaurants - the kids love bartering at the markets. We are going to try a snorkelling trip and the kids are also talking about horseback riding. Not me, however. I have this unreasonable but very real fear of horses. I think I'll be poolside with a
margarita!

 

[mmausse]

Just thought I'd check in and say hi. Thanks to all the good wishes for my medical tests today. Part I down, Part II in 2 weeks. I did get one result today, I'm VERY anemic, to the point that they didn't want to take my blood at all, so I had to wait for 90 minutes and eat VERY strange things before they'd try again. They were very kind and VERY patient. And I'm sure we are all glad it's over.

I feel for you Minniesota, I remember the good old days of living in Chicago in '81-'82, when it got to be -95º with wind chill (I guess that's where they got the name "Windy City"). This morning when I left for the doc it was -5º (without wind chill). They're calling for snow from Thursday thru Monday, with no bets on accumulation.....yet.

Ok Lounge Lizards, I need your advice: I'm having a small dinner party this weekend (w/ or w/o snow). A potential beau is coming (so, of course, I have to impress him with my culinary flair). Here's the menu:
Hors de oeuvre - stuffed mushrooms, brie & crackers, veggie tray
Tossed Green Salad
Green Beans w/ Red Bell Peppers in a light Vidalia Onion sauce (homemade)
Valentine mashed potatoes - sweet and spicy at the same time (my recipe) (& Gravy)
Main Course1: Stuffed CHicken Breasts (Stuffed w/ Italian sweet sausage &
Bechemel) AND
Main Course2: Buffalo Tenderloin w/ Fresh Cherry sauce
Dessert1: Homemade Apple Pie AND
Dessert2: Homemade Raspberry & Cherry Pie (from my own trees)
Dessert Toppings: Fresh Homemade Ice Cream, Fresh Organic Whipping
Cream, Ghiradelli Chocolate Sauce

So, what do you think?

Do you think I may be overcompensating for my surgery, or am I just a true died-in-the-wool LOUNGE LIZARD?

 

[#1hockeymom]

Your menu sounds fantastic.... now... how much can you buy and not make yourself? I think he will understand you being under the weather!

Angel>> I was at the lodge, but I didn't see the baby. Story to come later, with "angels" singing from above as I set foot on property! I have proof! Disbug was with me!

 

[KerryCM]

mmausse it sounds fantastic! Wish I could come too. I will be traveling tomorrow to NC to visit my youngest daughter and her husband. OF course I am flying in on Sunday when Providence will be getting snow. I just want to land and get home in time to watch the Pats game!!!

 

[minniesota]

mmause - My mouth is watering and it's only 9:15 a.m.! Can I come to your party and can I hire you to cater my next event? Wow! Good luck with Mr. Prospect. He should most definitely be wowed!

 

[TammiMcMan]

mmausse I hope that you can put all this medical stuff behind you very soon. My uncle had both his knees re-done and it was a nightmare for them. Your dinner party sounds fabulous. I love entertaining. Just try to do as much as you can ahead of time, so you can enjoy your guests and not spend the whole evening in the kitchen.

Kerry Have a safe trip to NC and just keep one eye on the weather. The forecasters seem to be a little worried about this one. Of course, I don't think they've been right once so far this season, but there's always a first time. We've hit 7 degrees up here in Boston today and it feels like a heat wave after yesterday. How sad is that?