The New Lizard Lounge

[Nancyg56]

Thank you all for such a warm welcome. It is such a pleasure to grab a cup of coffee and visit for a time.

Lovesdumbo: My nephew had a speech impediment and received therapy at the same age as your little one. He seemed to only use vowels when he spoke, and it was a heartbreak to try to communicate with him, he tried so hard and for a child just learning to speak the frustration was compounded. We applauded all of his accomplishments The results of the therapy were incredible!! (Now he is seventeen, so his conversation is that of a Neanderthal. Yup, nope, and it's okay.) I'm so glad that your DD's level of communication has seen improvement. She must be so proud of herself, and with good reason! 2 is such a fun age. Best wishes to her!!

 

[Steph H]

Big room wave to all my Lizard friends!

Angel: I'm so happy to hear news from your SIL. Much admiration and respect for him is going out from all of us. I'll keep him in my thoughts.

Tammi: Oh my goodness, I'm so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, which has been compounded by this unpleasant wife of his. Please remember your dad is not in those ashes, he's looking down on you, and sadly, he's probably very unhappy with his widow. As Minnie said, don't take it on all alone--your siblings are there for you if you just let them know you need the help. And remember, we're all here to lend you and ear.

Nancy: Welcome! I've only been here since early in the year, but once I discovered this place, I was addicted. Everyone here is friendly and wonderful. Just jump right in!

Kris: My vouchers came from Northwest. I just called their main number and said, "Hey, the price on my tickets went down--what can you do for me?" It was all very easy.

Angel and Minnie: We're all so close to our trips! Eighteen days for me! I arrive 10/1 and leave on 10/8. We should find a common day and see about having tea or something!

Still no luck with the RPC. I'm getting a really good discount and the last CM I talked to said the amount of RPC rooms available at that discount is pretty small. So I guess I'll just have to enjoy the Sugar Loaf--I'm sure I will! It's all Janet2k's fault for showing me all those lovely RPC pictures and making me want it SO much. LOL

Everyone have a great day. I'm off to get some cappuccino (decaf of course) and a biscotti at Starbucks, so I'll "leave" some out here for the rest of you as well.

Edited to add: Baby is doing great and must be excited about the biscotti cuz he's jumping around like crazy right now!

 

[lovesdumbo]

2 is such a fun age.

Thanks for reminding me. She is the most 2 of my 3 children and can be such a handful. She knows exactly what she wants so her speech improvement has been a big help.

My DS(4) has an appointment with the public school speech therapist Friday. I am so hoping that this year he will qualify for help as last year he didn't. His speech really is'nt so bad but he is very aware of it. He didn't want to wear a Dash shirt (one of his favorites) because he couldn't say Dash. He decided he could wear it after I suggested he say "that's me" if someone asked who it was. My DD's therapist spent about 5 minutes with him one day and showed him how to say "f" so he could say four instead of sore. I had tried to show him but he didn't want me showing him how. Now he is SO proud that he tells everyone he meets (new teachers, parents at school, the postmaster....) that "I'm four!". As the school year progressed last year he started having behavior problems because he didn't want to talk at school and because he still had "things to say" he started getting a bit physical (not hitting anyone but making his presense known....). It was too late to get him help with the public school then so I'm really hoping that he will qualify this year. AND...my DD copies her brother much more than her older sister or her parents so improving his articulation will help hers as well. When the reevaluted her a few weeks ago the therapist asked her if she was a girl or a boy. I waited to hear her answer but she simply would NOT answer the question. She knows she's a girl but she wants to be a boy so she's not going to admit that she's a girl. I think she knows her boy's haircut (at her request) and boy shoes don't really make her a boy.

 

[Nancyg56]

I know what you mean, when my nephew spoke, his little sister understood him. Kinda scary, as she was the only one who could, and they were in cahoots with each other all of the time. Very important tht his speech improved, as it was starting to impact hers. Also because my DS was starting to lose her mind. She also noticed that her DS was acting out, and the therapist advised her that her little guy knew that the reason people didn't understand him was because of his speech. This frustrated him, and it was easier to just do what he needed to do, that try to explain what he needed. This really changed as his speech improved, (if you enjoy typical 3 year old behavior)HEHE

I love this young age. I find it to be a stage of continuous wonder and experimentation. But I am a Nana now, and can enjoy all of the antics of my DGD, who will be 4 in October. I take care of her during the day, and enjoy every minute of it. Her parents need to raise her, so they are not always as appreciative of her mischief and her imagination as her Pa and I. Your little ones are at the ages where they require constant attention, and I imagine that you are busy raising them and caring for them. My DD reminded me that she does not remember that we laughed so much when she and her brothers were small, and making me nuts. She's right, but looking back I wish that I had remembered how fast their childhood passes.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

I've been away too long! No time for even lurking these days...

First to TammiMcMan... I'm so sorry to hear about your dad and the circumstances surrounding his passing. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Was so happy to hear your good news about your eldest as well as your talented son. I'm betting their closeness and presence in your life brings great comfort...

Welcome to new friends and the rest of the gang (won't catch me typing the words "old friends" !) We had a very nice, but too short, vacation at Lake George and Niagara Falls. Somehow the month of August got swallowed in back-to-school mode way too quickly. That may be OK for areas of the country that start summer vacation in May but to be honest we felt gypped here in western Mass since school got out so late this year.

For those of you tracking the saga of our kids... our oldest seems to have made a pretty good adjustment to her new high school. Her fears about not meeting new friends, etc, never came to pass. Last Friday was opening night for their school musical and the show was outstanding! Rehearsals made for some very late summer nights for mom but turned out to be a good investment all around for DD. She's also continued with cheerleading which is now in full swing. Our middle schooler is also a cheerleader but has been on crutches since Saturday with a suspected broken ankle. But according to the orthopedist who saw her this morning, the X-rays show traces of a FORMER break, so we're now contending with a severe sprain instead (good news in our DD's eyes ). We've layered everyone's activities onto the calendar and it all seems pretty scary right now, but once we get in a rhythm it all tends to work out...

I am oh-so-envious of all of you who've got trips in planning mode! Goofy and I got the dreaded "PIN we can't use" via e-mail recently. I keep staring at that November/December time frame trying to will an opening in our calendar but it just doesn't look good for us! Ugh... Disney must have known that!

We're experiencing the last vestiges of summer here and it is actually HOT this week. Feel free to join me in the lounge... I've put out an icy pitcher of Sangria (plus a virgin one for Steph H!), homemade guacamole and salsa with crispy chips. Happy hour anyone??

 

[Steph H]

Just had to share--got my Magical Express packet in the mail yesterday!

When I called reservations yesterday for the umpteenth time to see if RPC was open for our date (it's not), she mentioned that I'd be getting two packets from Disney--one from DME and another from Disney itself? Can someone give me a quick idea of what's in the other packet? We got a little postcard a week or so ago to remind me of certain things we want to pack, but that's it so far. DS3 loved the postcard and officially claimed it as his own "Disney Ticket."

He's also been making me show him the Disney DVD (the one they put out for the Happiest Celebration on Earth) every night this week. He keeps pointing at EVERY ride he sees, saying, "I want to go on THAT one!" Most of the time I have say, "No, honey, we can't go on that." To which he always whines, "Why?!" My response: "You're too short and I'm too pregnant."

17 more days!!

 

[minniesota]

Steph H - Not sure what the packet would be- maybe park maps, MNSSHP info, etc.? I'm getting excited about our trip too - we arrive the same day as you do! By the way, I know RPC is available Oct. 2-7 - looks like it's just your first and last night that's unavailable. I keep looking at it and would consider changing from LV if the 1st opens up. We are only there 3 nights so it doesn't really make sense to change rooms. Anyway, have fun counting down with your little one! I know you mentioned tea but I think we will mostly be on the run except around "cocktail hour". Any chance you could meet up before dinner?

 

[Steph H]

Steph H Any chance you could meet up before dinner?

We probably could. I don't really know what our schedule will be--with my being pregnant and also having a toddler, we'll probably play it by ear most days. I'm expecting to be back to the room for a nap each day--probably just as much for me as for our toddler, LOL. But if we pick a day and a general time, I'm sure I can make arrangements to meet up, even if I have to leave DH and DS in the room. The only day I know won't work is Thursday--we'll be traveling down to Tampa to visit relatives.

Question for all of you experienced loungers--I've been trying to get hold of IPO at the GF by phone for several days now to ask a question about having something left in our room for our arrival. I've had good luck with email, but I'm a people person and would like to make contact with one "live body" before I get there. But when I call the number for IPO, I'm either asked to leave a message immediately, or I get put on hold for 10 minutes and then STILL end up being asked to leave a message. Anyone have any thoughts on what's the best time to call and get through fairly quickly? Thanks!

 

[lovesdumbo]

He's also been making me show him the Disney DVD (the one they put out for the Happiest Celebration on Earth) every night this week. He keeps pointing at EVERY ride he sees, saying, "I want to go on THAT one!" Most of the time I have say, "No, honey, we can't go on that." To which he always whines, "Why?!" My response: "You're too short and I'm too pregnant."

17 more days!!

Too funny! When my DS watches the DVD he tells me "I'm NOT going on that one!" Anything that's wet-Splash, and especially Kali!

When I took my DD(3 1/2) at the time when I was 26 weeks pregnant we went back to the room everyday and as soon as we hit the AC room she'd come back to life. Luckily I had my friend with me who watch DD while I napped. Then every night she feel asleep in her stroller at 6pm and we enjoyed a few nice evenings strolling around Epcot with a sleeping toddler. How great to be on a monorail resort to take her home asleep.

If you booked a package stay the 2nd package may be luggage tags-NOT the me tags but actual luggage tags.

I've never had good luck reaching anyone via phone but they have called back when I've left a message.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Believe it or not, those and humor are what's getting me through all this. My dad and I had always joked about his body showing up at my doorstep COD after he died. That hasn't happened, but it's pretty close. I spoke to his wife yesterday and to the best of my knowledge, he is still sitting around at the funeral home. Supposedly she has to wait for his pension check to come in on the 16th. The funeral home won't cremate him until she's paid for it. I really don't have any experience with this, but she told me that she has a Mutual of Omaha life insurance policy for $5,000. Isn't that good enough for the funeral home? She's trying to tell me that she's stuck in a catch 22 situation. That the insurance company won't release her funds until after she produces a death certificate, but the funeral home won't release that until she's paid for the cremation. For some reason, she doesn't think she can bring him up here for burial until mid-October. I've already offered to pay for the burial expenses up here out of my own pocket and my brother will cash in his frequent flyer miles to purchase a round trip plane ticket for her. By the end of the conversation, my patience was really being tried, so I gave her an ultimatum. I'm going to call her on Sunday and if my dad is not ready to come back home, then I will fly down to Florida on Monday and take care of it myself. This woman is just nuts and I can't help but feel like she's holding his body hostage for some sort of ransom. It's still a mess, but I have lots of support from my husband (who's known my dad almost as long I have) and the rest of my family. I do believe in heaven and I felt my dad with me when I was on the phone with his wife. It was so strange, I was sitting at the table and I could feel a tug on my pants. It happened a few times and I thought it was one of the kids or the dog, but when I looked down there was no one around me. It was so strange and a very pronounced feeling. When I told my husband, he asked me to demonstrate, so I reached under the table and gave his pant leg a tug. He said, "Tammi, I know your dad pretty well and I think he was honestly trying to tell you that whatever she was saying to you on the phone, that she was pulling your leg". We'll see what happens this weekend.

LovesDumbo, I work with special needs children, so we have speech therapists in quite often. It is really frustrating for the kids when they can't be understood. It seems like speech has a tendency to develop later in boys. At that early age, they excel in other area's and this one just takes a little bit longer to catch up.

Steph, some of the CL's do send out packets, but I don't the GF is one of them. At the YC, we received a manila envelope filled with park maps, recreation guides and resort information.

GoofysMuse, glad to hear your oldest DD is enjoying school. DS had to give up soccer this fall because of his skating committments, but he is still doing drama. Are you enjoying this crazy weather. My youngest is still wearing her summer shorts to school. I'll take it for as long as it will last. I'm in the "no trip planned" club too. Youngest DD keeps telling me that her squad is going to Pop Warner championships at Disney in December though. I'm a terrible mom, but I hope not. We're supposed to be going to Denver to watch DS and his partner compete at Junior Nationals. There is just never a dull moment around here.

Talk to everyone soon,
Tammi

 

[Nancyg56]

Oh Tammi, how awful for your family. I hope that it all works out for you. I don't know how all insurance policies work, but I managed the quality portion for an insurance company in a call center. One of the lines of coverage was life insurance, and we did assign benefits to the funeral director. The beneficiary just needed to assign it. I don't understand the problem you step mom is saying she has. Good thing that you can keep some humor in this terribly sad time.

 

[ead79]

Tammi, thank you for checking in with us. I’m so sorry that she still hasn’t taken care of your father’s funeral arrangements. I can’t imagine how frustrating that must be! I don’t know anything at all about insurance requirements, death certificates, etc., but if you think her story sounds fishy, then go with your gut feeling. I’m so sorry she is making this more difficult. and prayers continue for you and your loved ones.

 

[Steph H]

Tammi: ARGH! Just listening to that story is making me see red! I worked for an insurance company for 9 years, and I think your father's widow is absolutely full of ****. We had many instances where funeral homes would call our office and verify if a life insurance policy was in force and had the amount needed to meet the burial/cremation charges. And that was it! Once we gave them the confirmation that the policy was paid up and that it would cover the costs, they made arrangements with the surviving spouse/relative to sign over a portion of the policy proceeds for the funeral home costs, and they could continue. They basically put a "lein" on their portion of the insurance proceeds to ensure they were paid. What she's saying is ridiculous! The funeral home can (and will!) release a death certificate without him being cremated. He IS dead, whether he's cremated or not.

When my father passed away in January, the death certificate was one of the FIRST things they gave my mother, because they knew she couldn't get anything without it. So the funeral home is not stupid enough to withhold it, knowing it's a requirement for them to get their moeny. And by the way, we had him cremated. It cost my mother less than $500. So that $5,000 policy would more than cover it, much less any other insurance he might have had.

I wonder if you could get the name and number of the funeral home and speak to them yourself. Granted, they may not be willing to talk to you, but it might be worth a try. Call up innocently, tell them you're his daughter, and ask what funeral arrangements are being made. If they aren't getting paid, they may be willing to talk to YOU in hopes that you'll get it resolved. Or they may offer other surprising information!

Best of luck to you. I'm so sorry to know that you're dealing with this at such a difficult time--but I think your DH is right: your dad's trying to tell you she's pulling your leg!!!

 

[MinnieSummer]

Okay folks I have a question. We are staying at BWi for Christmas and I am getting worried for a couple of reasons so I am looking to those of you who stay here frequently to help me as we've enver been here. Does this resort have a fast food place -- a food court or hamburger stand or whatever -- that is in the hotel or do I have to go outside tothe boardwalk to get things. I always bring breakfast stuff and then go to the food court to get fruit, pastry etc. I know if I stayed concierge this wouldn't be an issue but, with all the trips to PA for my dad we can't afford concierge right no soooo, regular it is.

Also, is this a good "Christmassy" hotel? I want my DD7 to enjoy the decorations and feel of the resort and I worried that this might not have been the right choice for her. My DH likes the idea of walking home from Illuminations/Candlelight Processional on Christmas Day but if that's the only reason to stay there I think I may want to change back to GF. Any help?

I'll be at AKL 09/23 - 09/25 if anyone else will be around. It's DD's seventh birthday.

Possibly two more trips between now and Christmas but it is going to depend on how my dad does. I'm going to spend Thanksgiving with them and my sister is spending Christmas with them. I'll go back up for New Years if everything holds as planned.

 

[Viki]

Minnie, there's no food court, but you're right, right outside the doors there is a world of goodies: the General Store, a food cart (with coffee), and, of course, the Bakery, which has sweet things and breakfast items. I'm not sure if Spoodles window has breakfast items?

As far as the decorations, we've not yet been at Xmas - this year will be our first - but the decorations are suppossed to be great - with a large chocolate something in the atrium that has to be seen and sniffed.

Aside from all of that, if you want to see even more decorations, you have the Swan and Dolphin and Yacht and BCs right there - I think they'll be worth a see.

Have fun!

 

[minniesota]

MinnieSummer - I understand your concerns. We use Gasparillas almost exclusively for breakfast and evening snacks when we are not staying concierge. There really isn't anything like that at BWI. You have to leave the hotel and go out on the boardwalk to get things, though you could shop the night before and use the refrigerator in the room.

We were at BWI and GF last year at Christmas time and the GF decorations are really beautiful. And the atmosphere just exudes warm holiday feelings. There are chestnuts roasting, the gingerbread house and four-story tree, the orchestra playing Christmas music and these beautiful white lighted deer on the grounds. The BWI has a gorgeous tree in the lobby and a carousel made of chocolate; trees outside are also lighted beautifully. I have to say that if I had my choice, it would be at the GF at Christmas!

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Tammi, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I hadn't seen any posts from you in a few days so I tracked you down. I was getting worried about you. How awful what you are going through! I can't believe she hit you with this news blindsided without even knowing he was in the hospital. My sympathies and prayers are with you and your family.

When my father died the funeral home used the insurance policy as a lien also. Just as Steph H. said, no questions asked. But my family knew the funeral home owner. Death certificates are required for just about everything. Tell your father's widow that you aren't having a service and send her on her way. Have a memorial after she leaves town. I hope you will let your siblings share in some of the responsibilities. Delegate!

I hope you find the strength to sustain you through the next few weeks. We're all here for you Tammi!

Lori

 

[Nancyg56]

My family is arriving in WDW on Jan 1st and staying til the 8th. We are staying at AKL and are staying concierge level. I am am so excited! We have never done this before, and I am looking forward to being pampered a bit.

Now, I know that the IPO will help with out plans and ADR's, but I am not sure how to contact them. I read a lot here prior to joining your group, and know the email address, but shoud I look for anyone specific? Anyway I would appreciate your guidance. We are bringing my DGD who will be 4, so we really want the character meals. My DS and his wife live in FL, hoping that they will be able to join us, but DS is in hospitality business, and not sure when his season will end. Hope it ends NYE and they can come. Miss him a lot (the baby: 26)

 

[Angel16]

Tammi - I have not been on the boards for a while and I just read your posts. I am so sorry to hear about your father’s sudden death. The added stress from his wife is just…..so sad. (I’m trying to be nice) Loosing your dad is hard enough without someone trying to manipulate things for their own advantage. I am so very sorry. Having recently lost my dad, I totally agree with what NancyG56 and Steph H told you. The funeral homes are very adept at handling a situation like this. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray you will be giving added strength for this difficult time.

Minniesota & Steph H - I would love to get together! However, right now things are pretty intense in our lives, and I am having trouble thinking about the trip. We are trying to close on the sale of my dad’s house; we are not packed or ready for vacation. I have had my car break down twice this week and a major water leak in our upstairs master bath. It will all be ok, I am just a little right now. I really have to work hard this weekend to get things done. Sorry for the rant....back to important things; what date were you thinking of for a pre-dinner get together?

NancyG56 – Call AKL IPO at (407) 938-4755. I usually try after 4:30PM Florida time. That seems to be a good time to speak with someone. Everyone in IPO is wonderful and works so hard to obtain your requests. Most of my contacts have been with Don or Juanita or Sue. I tried calling them several times today and keep getting placed on hold, then after a couple of minutes transferred to voice mail. Perhaps later this afternoon will be better.

Ok...deep cleansing breath, I have to de-stress this weekend. I am starting to feel like I am going to forget something really important. Plus, DH got on the boards the other day (while I was working a 13 hour day). He is telling me that people are writing about HUGH crowds during October. Someone…please tell me it isn’t so!

Angel

 

[Nancyg56]

Thank you Angel. I would prefer talking to someone, so I'm glad that you shared the #. I am getting comfortable with email, but not for this first contact. Hope that you have less stress this weekend, as your week sounds as though it lasted for two.