The New Lizard Lounge

[#1hockeymom]

Oh thank you so much for that update about Woody! I am sure you gave her all our love!

 

[minniesota]

Good evening!

DD and I just returned from a fabulous mom and daughter trip to WDW and the GF! I'll post a more detailed report when I'm settled!

Goofy'sMuse and Angel16 = Thanks for the birthday wishes and delicious cake! After all the desserts DD and I shared this trip, I need to get on the treadmill and stay there for a few days!

We had some wonderful pixie dust after all - a complimentary upgrade to a lagoon view room with a castle view!!! The princesses were very happy!

We did lots at the park, ate some fabulous meals, experienced an awesome massage and met steveanddonna! You guys seemed like old friends! My DD is much less wary of my internet lizards! Thank you.

Sorry I didn't get to meet up with anyone else - DD had me hopping. I did every attraction she wanted except Space Mountain (did the other mountains and ToT) but I've had a knot in my neck and I really was afraid I'd end up immobile! She's still rolling her eyes.. Doesn't she know that once you've hit 50, the recovery time is so much longer???

Anyway, everything was fab at the Grand and my sister and I are talking about a return trip in Oct. for the Food and Wine Festival... oh yeah, another Disney trip..

Promise to post more!

 

[VAgal76]

Greetings fellow lizards!

Lovesdumbo - It is good to hear that your mother is recovering. It's definitely a treat to find your little ones picking up around to help out. That's awfully sweet and intuitive of her. What a neat tooth fairy you have in your neck of the woods, too. DS lost about 5 teeth almost back to back including one while we were on vacation at the beach. He sure gave the tooth fairy a run for her money back then.

Minniesota - I'm so glad you had a wonderful trip. It sounds like your DD had a wonderful birthday.

The lizard meet went very well and the weather was beautiful. Kerry, Kerry's friends, Donna and Steve were great to hang out with.

If you've not done a Breathless cruise of some sort (it doesn't have to be fireworks) - DO IT! It was an attraction in itself. I have it booked again in July and hopefully I'll get the same driver. He was awesome!

My mom and I LOVED the BWI. There is no doubt that I'll have to return there. IPO was fantastic and the CM's in the lounge were top notch. Now I know why it was hard for Kerry not to pack her bags and come a runnin' home. LOL!

I didn't get to experience all the offerings as I would've liked. For breakfast there they had cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt, assorted danishes, croissants and Kerry's favorite chocolate croissants (just a few mornings for this one). We stopped in for a snack and grabbed some delicious chocolate chip cookies and lemonade. I never made it to the early evening or dessert offerings since we were having too much fun doing other things. They didn't seem to be lacking while we were there.

I did stop by the Poly to check it out and had lunch at Kona's. That was so neat to hear the music at the entrance. Kona's was YUMMY!!!! Now that I've eaten there and at Boma's I have to ditch some other places in July so I can eat at both places again. If they have carrot ginger soup at Boma's you must try it. It is delicious.

We'll have more on trip reports later.

 

[teentoddlermom]

To Lovesdumbo.....yes the weather is horrible here! And I'm sorry to hear of the long hospitalization of your mom. She must be planning to go to a rehab facility after she is discharged from BI. We have been in a similar situation off and on over the past 3 years with my MIL. Best wishes. What a nice story about your 6 year old! My daughter, same age would do the same! I can't take credit for the sweetness, I think it must come from my husband!

 

[teentoddlermom]

double post

 

[steveanddonna]

Still working on a trip report, but photos from the May Lizard meet are here: Lizard meet May 2005

 

[#1hockeymom]

Thank you thank you thank you! Oh it is so good to put faces to all of the wonderful posts! Everyone looks like they had a wonderful MAGICAL time!

P and PD!
Debbie

 

[minniesota]

Donna - Thanks for posting your pictures - they're great! We thought the Flower and Garden Show was unbelievable, too. I had to take DD's picture in front of nearly every character topiary.

Is your head above water yet? Seems DH forgot to do laundry so I have finally finished my 10th load - yikes! And am now packing again for a trip up north to our lake cabin. Instead of the jetski, we should probably bring ice skates! Will it ever warm up?

I'm also working on a trip report but not sure I'll get to it until after the long weekend. Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone!

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Welcome back to all! ... and hats off to Donna for finding the time to post photos! So glad to hear that the magic continues... patiently waiting my turn! (OK, maybe not so patiently! )

Absolutely swamped lately... figuratively and almost literally. WHAT IS UP with all this damp, COLD, dreary weather in the northeast!? Hard to believe that Memorial Day is upon us -- people were out yesterday walking their dogs with GLOVES on... the people, not the dogs !

Happy Thursday, everyone... continued prayers and PD for those in need...

 

[VAgal76]

It was incredibly fun and we can't wait to do it again, folks! It's looking like many of us will be there the end of July and beginning of August for those who might be visiting at that time.

My mom is now spoiled by concierge and she is looking for a way to put it in her vacation budget. She's hoping that they'll stay at BWI, but she thinks the boys would like AKL or WL better. I like BWI & AKL. Plus I'm the resort spaz so she can't ask for my opinion or I'd change it 1,000 times. LOL! It's about 2 years away so we have time. We're hoping to visit for my dad's 60th birthday, which rolls around Thanksgiving. BTW, when do they put up Christmas decorations and start offering the candlelight processional? I'm wondering if we're going to be there too early for the festivities. We're shooting for the week after Thanksgiving.

Here's a little bit on the trip through my eyes:

I did get to tour the Steeplechase Suite while I was there. They were refinishing the floor so it had been closed. It was a clean on Sunday so Lorenzo let me in. Sadly, I didn't have my camera with me at the time (I didn't think he would take us right then and there! ). It's gorgeous! The Sonora Suite was occupied unfortunately when we arrived. I didn't ask about the Garden Suites, but I had thought about trying to upgrade. It sounded like they were pretty busy this weekend and I was extremely happy with my room. It was on the left before you get to the Inn's Keeper Club doors - 4257. It's right over Flying Fish cafe. Wonderful BW view. Mom and I loved the pool at BWI including the bar lounge. I even got my mom to go down the waterslide once. What a treat! It's just what I wanted to do - get her connected with her youth.

I met up with Donna on Thursday morning for breakfast and was thrilled to meet the first of the lizards for this weekend. We totally immersed ourselves in conversation and as you can see from the pictures we met up with some royalty. We looked up and it was almost lunch time! But of course there was time to ride Test Track. After that and a quick stop by a shop, she had to part to meet up with some other friends. Mom and I hung out at Epcot a little before rushing to SSR for our spa treatments...but we were LATE to our appointment! Ouch! I've made a note to make spa appointments at different times and not on the first day you arrive. It was way to hetic, but we both enjoyed our aromatherapy treatments even though we missed hanging out in the locker room and sipping on tea prior to our appointment. I think that would've made the experience even more pleasurable if I had been watching the time a little more, but we salvaged it and enjoyed talking by the whirpool before leaving to get ready for our dinner at LeCellier's and Illuminations cruise.

I can say this, Kerry & Nancy had the best seats on the Breathless and they had a blast. Our driver was terrific on top of that!

We headed off to Jellyrolls after Illuminations. Kerry & Friends left a little early so Donna, my mother and myself headed to Epcot for EMH. It was a little bit of a bust on that. We tried to ride Soarin' but the line was too long. Mom and I never made it back to try it, but she wasn't too upset about it. I'll have another shot in July.

We did absolutely nothing on Friday since we were so tired from traveling and having fun. We did manage to visit the pool, eat at WCC and do the Fantasmic package Brown Derby on Friday just us two girls. Mom was thrilled with Fantasmic as well. I crowned us with tiaras for a photo op while waiting for Fantasmic to start. I don't know how the picture will turn out, but we shall see. So overall, we eat really well today.

Off to AK we went on Saturday to meet up with the girls for the Wildlife Excursion. I bet Donna has the best insight on this one. They now allow younger children to attend this. We had two small children attend with their parents and the poor little girl had to go to the bathroom halfway through. She cried all the way back. I don't think I blame her either. Our driver stepped on it at the end of the tour and we let them get off first. We had a wonderful tour guide and I really liked how informative these safaris are. I can't wait to do Sunrise to see how each safari compares.

Mom and I spent the day at AK. She liked It's Tough to be a Bug and Dinosaur, but Primeval Whirl wasn't her thing. I had to make up for putting her on it. A hat, a drink and fanning service is what it took to get back in her good graces. L O L!

Afterwards, we headed over to see AKL and see if we could catch Juanita at IPO...maybe a quick tour of the lounge and a room if possible. As soon as we walked in there was Kerry right there. We spent the afternoon with her again. Kerry can tell you what and how she liked the culinary tour there at AKL. We had missed Juanita and weren't able to tour the lounge. That's okay, maybe next go around, right?!

Dinner at Boma's was delicious. I was pleasantly surprised how yummy the food was there. I was hesitant to book it this summer since some say it's too exotic for children, but it's just not the case. I'm going to switch around some dining for our July trip so I can eat there again. We met Alana from YBBW concierge here and celebrated her birthday. More to come on that.

Off to MK we went after dinner at Boma's. Our group kind of split here. Steve and Donna went ahead and we missed each other. Kerry and friends were going to enjoy Wishes and Spectromagic while I had my mom on a mission to ride as many attractions as we could in a 2 hour period. We got over half the rides we wanted to do knocked out and even watched a bit of Wishes while waiting. I was trying to get her to do Splash Mountain before we left since we had time for one more ride, but stick a fork in her she was done. I think I had done enough to the poor woman for one day and she was hanging like a trooper. I wasn't going to try to persuade my mother at this late hour.

Sunday we got up and finished MK. Mom braved it and did Splash Mountain even after seeing the drop at the end. I didn't dare put her on Thunder Railroad like the good little daughter that I am. We did some shopping on Main Street and headed back to BWI to enjoy the pool before having to go home. But not before having a delicious lunch at Kona's. I now know how good Pot Stickers are. Yet another place that's on my to do list in July without a doubt. I stopped by and picked up some sweet treats for all those sweet CMs in the lounge before heading back to the BWI to enjoy the pool for the rest of the afternoon. We said our good byes after delivering the treats and headed down to the pool. We had some fun in the sun, chatted and enjoyed drinks together. This was one of the best moments I had all weekend with my mom. Not that seeing her scream on a ride wasn't enjoyable. Just being able to chat uninterrupted with her was priceless. We seldom get this kind of time anymore. Sadly, our pool time ended and we had to get ready for dinner and head off to the aiport. We had dinner at ESPN Club and watched a few of the games. I actually kind of liked it there. Flying Fish didn't open until 5 pm so we didn't think we had enough time to eat there before leaving. We both plan to try it when we return.

We very sad to leave BWI. We both pouted all the way home.

BTW, we used Jimmy with Golden Limo. Thumbs up for his service. Dennis had us on the return trip and he was very pleasant. I wouldn't hestitate to use either of these guys in the future. I believe Dennis is with Lorton Transportation. Another good transportation service is Quicksilver. I used them last year as well. Just thought I add that tidbit.

That's all for now, but I'm sure I've left out some details. Donna and Kerry can fill you guys in later. I'm sure they'll be a lot more descriptive then myself.

I can't begin to tell you the impeccable service I had at BWI. The CM's there are awesome. I have to tell you a little secret....I was in love with AKL, but I think the CM's in the lounge at BWI are much friendlier. Juanita at AKL was the only one in the lounge I was really pleased with when we visited last year. AKL's IPO gave terrific service as well so they are just as good as YBBW's IPO. WL just didn't connect with us at all last year other than Melissa at IPO. Now that Juanita has moved to AKL IPO I don't know what I'm going to think about the lounge. Has anyone been there recently that can tell me what they "really" think? I love the atmosphere and we want to do sunrise safari so I don't think I'd switch from this resort on our July trip, but I could honestly see splitting my stay between BWI and either Poly or GF...or CR if I really dig it.

 

[ead79]

Room wave to all the lizards! I’m back from my May trip, and we had a blast! It was very hot (at least to me, LOL), but we still had fun. We loved Port Orleans Riverside. Of course, it’s no concierge, but it had great theming and our room was comfortable and nicely decorated. I’ve got to work on some dining reviews as well.

lovesdumbo, I hope your mother continues to improve and the chest congestion goes away. Trip planning is a nice diversion for you! As far as dinner for you and your husband goes, I have to put in a plug for my favorite upscale restaurant at WDW. Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge is fantastic. We have received superb service each time, and the food is very delicious. We are picky eaters, so we wouldn’t enjoy food like that served at V&A’s. The food at Artist Point is flavorful, and the portions are very generous. The berry cobbler they offer for dessert is absolutely fantastic—it’s my favorite dessert anywhere! Perhaps your husband would enjoy the Segway tour as well in terms of the tours. How sweet of your daughter to clean up for you—what a thoughtful thing for someone so young to think of!

Donna, I’m so glad to hear that WoodysRoundUp is doing well. I’m sure it is exhausting with a baby and preschoolers too!

minniesota, I’m glad that you and your DD had such a wonderful time at the Grand. A mother/daughter trip sounds like so much fun! I am looking forward to reading all the details when you get the chance to post them. You sound just like me—as soon as I get back from a trip, I have to start working on the next one.

VaGal, I believe they start offering the Candlelight Processional around November 26th. We arrived last November on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and all the decorations were already up. They even have some evenings with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in late November. Thanks for the trip report—it sounds like everyone had such a wonderful time. I can’t believe you got your mom on Splash Mountain! LOL!

 

[VAgal76]

Thanks for the info, Elizabeth. We'll be there in just as the festivities begin then. DH doesn't want to take DS out of school for a week, but I disagree with him on this issue. If I had won that argument recently, we all would've been down there in May. Now I'll have almost 2 years to get under his skin about it instead of just a month or two. There were no crowds by my standards other than EMH at Epcot. I really miss e-ride night. I'd pay $$$ to have the park less crowded. I'm going to send them an e-mail on this. I know people don't want to pay more money and I like having other parks open, but it almost defeats the purpose of why e-ride night was started. If they can mix the two by keeping the parks open and limiting it to so many people with an extra charge I'd be delighted. But as the song goes "You can't always get what you want."

 

[Steph H]

Room wave from me, too! I've been super swamped, but you are all in my thoughts. LovesDumbo, hope your mom continues to improve.

I'll be coming back hopefully this weekend to read the trip reports. So glad that everyone seems to have had a good time!

Hugs to all--have a great holiday!

 

[Tess]

I hope everyone is enjoying the "long weekend"! Summer break began for our kids at 10:50 a.m. yesterday and they were so ! My daughter and I went "swimsuit shopping"--usually a nightmare, but I had really good luck. Every suit I tried on fit well and I loved it! Unfortunately, I do not have $500 to spend on 5 or 6 suits!

With my daughter's encouragement, I purchased a nice bikini for our visit to the Polynesian in 12 days! I ordinarily prefer a nice high cut on the two piece bottoms because I have a lovely scar on my stomach compliments of three abdominal surgeries in a two year period! I am self-conscious about it and like to cover it up. My daughter's philosophy was "it is what it is AND everyone has a scar somewhere--if you look good in the suit, to heck with what others think!" So, I have a nice new swimsuit for my trip--now, if I can take off the wrap and not feel everyone is staring at my stomach! My daughter also found a suit (after trying on at least 50!) and she is all set too.

Did I mention we are going to Disney in just 12 days? The time will probably fly by until the weekend before--we have so many graduation parties, etc. this weekend that I don't know how we will make it to all of them--that swimsuit may not fit if we eat something at every one of them!

Anyway, wanted to pop in and put out some treats for everyone! I know it's still morning, but Chef Dick has been busy with his fabulous spring rolls (thank you Tiki Gods--those would have been missed) and chicken lo mein--enjoy everyone! Looking forward to munching these delights for real in--how many days again? Oh yeah, 12!

 

[ead79]

Tess, How long until your next trip to the Polynesian? I know you'll have a wonderful time! I agree with your daughter--don't worry about the scar at all.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Tess>> You're going to Disney in 12 DAYS! WOO HOOOO!

Debbie
PS, what scar? You look fabulous!

 

[minniesota]

Hi to all! I'm going to attempt a recap of my mom and daughter trip to the GF May 20-25 (but it may come in stages!):

Our original flight as scheduled to arrive at MCO about 2:30 on Friday but on Thursday, I started thinking about trying to fly standby so as to arrive by 11:30. DD13 and I got out to the airport by 6:15 a.m. and got on the early flight (first good news of the day!). I quickly called John at M and H Transportation to advise him of our change in pick-up time. No problem! I love that about M and H.

Flight was uneventful and John was waiting for us at baggage claim. We got our luggage and got to the GF by noon. There was no one waiting to check-in, just 5 or 6 smiling CMs. We went up to the first counter and were assisted by an "earning my ears" CM - Richard - and he was very good. He told us we were being given a complimentary upgrade to a lagoon view room and if we could wait 30-90 minutes, we could have a castle view room! (Our 2nd PD of the day!)

We strolled over to the GF Cafe and had a wonderful lunch. I had the Cafe Salad, DD ordered Clam Chowder and we split a Cheeseburger. Everything was delicious and the service top-notch. Ah, we were home again...

We checked out the shops on the main floor and used the house phone to check on our room status about 2. It was ready and we were off to the 4th floor at Boca Chica. The room was in perfect condition and our view was spectacular. We couldn't believe how lucky we were. We unpacked and headed for the pool. It's such a relaxing spot! Found a couple of loungers in the shade and read our books sipping bottled water. DD13 is so aware of the harmful affects of the sun and is super careful about sunblock, etc. I love that kid!

Our ressie at Narcoossee's was for 7:10 and we headed over there about 6:45 thinking we'd get seated as soon as there was a table available. WE waited and waited - it seemed like everyone who came in the door after us was being led to a table. I checked with the hostess twice and the second time she said our table was just being set. We were getting ready to stand up when they called another party! I was a bit annoyed and let the hostess know. She said she had no idea why we were still sitting there but would check into it. At that moment, our buzzer went off and we were finally seated at 7:35! The CM who seated us asked how we were doing so I told her about our experience and she apologized and said she'd look into it. No biggie now - we had a perfect window table and could watch the lagoon and castle. Tom, our waiter, was delightful and really turned the evening around for us. He suggested an excellent wine for me and the pour was generous! We ordered house salads with a citrus vinegarette, and langostino and crab cakes (yum!) and we shared the grilled yahoo. DD loves desserts and ordered a brownie sundae that was fab! When it was time to pay, Tom told us the drinks were on the house. A great gesture and much appreciated.

The night was beautiful and we decided to ride the boat launch around the lagoon. We even got to see the Electrial Water Parade from the water - at one point we had to just idle about 20 feet from the barges. DD thought that was great fun! When we got back to the GF, we hung out around the dock and watched Wishes before heading to bed. The lights in our room were turned down low, bedtime stories was on the TV, our beds were turned down and chocolates awaited us! Two princesses with not a care in the world...

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ead79]

minniesota, you’re making me miss the Grand Floridian terribly, LOL! I love your report and can picture being there. The GF is my favorite resort as well—I just wish the rates were a bit less so I could visit more often. It’s hard to stomach paying around the same for a lagoon view room at the GF as concierge at the Polynesian. I suppose I’ll just bite the bullet and do it again one day. I love being told to have a “Grand Day!”

 

[lovesdumbo]

Hi All!
My Mom continues to improve. She passed her choke/swallow test thing so she can begin eating when sitting in the chair but the first day the nurse gave her a tuna sandwich and she started choking so then the nurse was afraid to give her anything else. How about jello or soup? Don't know what she was thinking. But they will probably move her out of ICU this week and then to a rehab.

Minniesota-LOVE your trip report-can't wait to hear more!

My DD(28 months) has decided she doesn't need diapers anymore. I'm not sure how I feel about that as she's only been using the potty for about a week. She's still having accidents and it gets ugly when we run out of Pooh undies. I was having trouble finding any more Pooh undies-could only find Barbie and Strawberry Shortcake-but I found some at a different Walmart at lunch. I thought I was going to have to buy an embroidery sewing machine to make her Pooh undies. I found some Dora pullups that she did let me put on last night for bed. She's a strong willed one (wonder where she gets that from? )! Hope the process goes quick.

 

[ead79]

lovesdumbo, I am so glad to hear that your mom is continuing to do better and better. I agree with you—I don’t think it seems like a good idea to start with a tuna sandwich. I hope she makes great strides with her recovery. Hope the potty training goes well too—I have to laugh about her preference for Pooh underwear—she is a true Disney fan already!