VWL Groupies...yes, we love the Lodge!!

[Happydinks]

I want a Corgi so bad I can taste it!! Those pups are so cute!

This is a little late - but if you ever seriously want one - they frequently come through our rescue! Of course, they are not puppies, BUT, I highly recommend the "mature" adult dogs - then what you see is what you get!

We just returned on Sunday from our amazing 16 days in Florida. We got chased in by Sandy on the last day of our cruise - a little rocky that last night. No rain in Orlando to speak of the entire time, just lots of wind (they cancelled Illuminations on Friday night) - but a little cold for a few days.

This may have already been posted (it's been so long and I haven't read every page I missed), but for those who don't already know it (i.e. those new to the thread) there is a Publiks supermarket just about 4 miles from the Lodge out the back end of Disney past the Contemporary! We were so excited to find this out this trip - they make the best sub sandwiches (remind me of what you can get back North!) - and you can just run out for what you need now!

Anyone staying at Bay Lake - we had the BEST room for four days - a cheater MK view. We'd asked for a lake view which we got AND when we went out on the balcony and there was MK and all the fireworks. It was SWEET. It was room 8004 in case anyone is interested in trying to request it. The other six days we were at the Lodge - and "home" felt good since we hadn't been there since Christmas 2010.

 

[horselover]

This may have already been posted (it's been so long and I haven't read every page I missed), but for those who don't already know it (i.e. those new to the thread) there is a Publiks supermarket just about 4 miles from the Lodge out the back end of Disney past the Contemporary! We were so excited to find this out this trip - they make the best sub sandwiches (remind me of what you can get back North!) - and you can just run out for what you need now!

Ok I'm confused. What do you mean by out of the back end of Disney past the Contemporary? How do you get there from the Lodge? We usually stop at either Super Walmart or the Publix off exit 6. If there's something closer & easier I'd love to know! Glad to hear you had a good trip.

 

[Happydinks]

Ok I'm confused. What do you mean by out of the back end of Disney past the Contemporary? How do you get there from the Lodge? We usually stop at either Super Walmart or the Publix off exit 6. If there's something closer & easier I'd love to know! Glad to hear you had a good trip.

Here's the directions from the Lodge:
Take a right out from the Lodge and go past the Contemporary.
At the 4 way stop Yield Right
Through the traffic light to the end of the road turn Right
Stay on this road and you will see Publix on the Right just past the traffic circle.

These are the directions we were given at Bay Lake. It takes no more than 10 minutes (depending on traffic) to get there. It was so nice not to go running way out of our way or trying to stock up on a lot of stuff - especially with the split stay. This road takes you through the back of MK, past all the "services", Disney University, etc. There are a lot of new apts, condos, and homes being built in this area and the Publix is beautiful in a nice new small mall near all the building.

 

[horselover]

Here's the directions from the Lodge:
Take a right out from the Lodge and go past the Contemporary.
At the 4 way stop Yield Right
Through the traffic light to the end of the road turn Right
Stay on this road and you will see Publix on the Right just past the traffic circle.

These are the directions we were given at Bay Lake. It takes no more than 10 minutes (depending on traffic) to get there. It was so nice not to go running way out of our way or trying to stock up on a lot of stuff - especially with the split stay. This road takes you through the back of MK, past all the "services", Disney University, etc. There are a lot of new apts, condos, and homes being built in this area and the Publix is beautiful in a nice new small mall near all the building.

Thank you! I had no idea you could even continue on that road past CR.

 

[Muushka]

This is a little late - but if you ever seriously want one - they frequently come through our rescue! Of course, they are not puppies, BUT, I highly recommend the "mature" adult dogs - then what you see is what you get!

We just returned on Sunday from our amazing 16 days in Florida. We got chased in by Sandy on the last day of our cruise - a little rocky that last night. No rain in Orlando to speak of the entire time, just lots of wind (they cancelled Illuminations on Friday night) - but a little cold for a few days.

This may have already been posted (it's been so long and I haven't read every page I missed), but for those who don't already know it (i.e. those new to the thread) there is a Publiks supermarket just about 4 miles from the Lodge out the back end of Disney past the Contemporary! We were so excited to find this out this trip - they make the best sub sandwiches (remind me of what you can get back North!) - and you can just run out for what you need now!

Anyone staying at Bay Lake - we had the BEST room for four days - a cheater MK view. We'd asked for a lake view which we got AND when we went out on the balcony and there was MK and all the fireworks. It was SWEET. It was room 8004 in case anyone is interested in trying to request it. The other six days we were at the Lodge - and "home" felt good since we hadn't been there since Christmas 2010.

Oh, as much as I would love a Corgi, alas, I am allergic as is Mr Muush. I really wish a neighbor with one would let me take care of one while they were away! Temp Corgi Fix, no allergens!

Which cruise were you on, Dream or Fantasy? You have a great attitude about it being rocky, I would have been .

So, I take it you liked BLT? Sounds like you got an awesome room! Was that a 1 BR?

Thanks for the Publix info, we will go there!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I am still recovering from losing my precious Corgi last month, (and my other 3 years ago) and these pictures made me smile and cry. Thank you.

Oh I am so sorry for your loss. As much as I love dogs, that part of it is so so hard. The picture of the lab I have on here is Montana. We lost him about 4 years ago to cancer. That was really difficult. I hated to see him go through that.

It has been one of those days you would never dream of happening when you walk out your front door.

I was driving down one of our sevice roads in Greenville to meet my boss and I saw this car coming right at me in my lane. this is not a one way road!!
It only took me a second to realize she was not going to move back into her lane and I started heading off to the grass (no shoulder to the road) She hit me starting at the front of my door right behind the front tire and went all the way to the back tire which got ripped off the axle and was parallel with the back bumper needless to say. I am fine, just sore in a few spots, but my sweet red Monte Carlo is totalled. Lucky for me there was a car full of witnesses behind me and her. The officer told me she did have insurance, but she did not know what happened. All the witness told the same story I did, so hopefully I will not have any trouble with her insurance. Another thing that upset me was that she never offered to come down to me and even see how I was, so I didn't go near her either. But God was totally with me as always and I totally praise Him. Just a few minutes before the accident I had my window down, but I rolled it up. If I had not, the mirror would have showered all over me when she hit it, cause it was totally gone from the casing.

Just needed some groupie hugs. I loved that car and I had not even hit 100,000!!!!

So glad you are okay Kathy! That must have been so scary. You sure were being watched over.

Hi Groupies! Doing a little catch up after having a trip to WDW and then a rather crazy week since getting back. (We did fit in a quick stop at the Lodge which was lovely as ever!). We first had a stop in MN were DH and I met with his Dr. for a follow up on his surgery. We learned that when the additional testing was done on the lymph nodes they discovered that it were in fact 2 of 42 rather than just 1 that tested positive for cancer. However the Dr. still remains optimistic of a postive outcome with the hormone therapy he is recommending for the next 2 years. We just try and remain positive and will continue the fight.
My prayers are with your DH that everything goes well with the treatment.



Loved this DLI!!!! While looking at the pictures I kept trying to figure out what my boys would think of a costume. I couldn't decide if they'd show off or just sit and refuse to move.

There's rarely been a dog I've met that I didn't like but I gotta say Corgi's have absolutely won me over. Charming Clowns was the description I found when first learning about the Cardigan Corgi's and it's absolutely true!!

This is so true with my pups. Especially with Kaya. She is hilarious

I always wanted at 77 Black Trans Am with the gold bird on the hood(like the Smokey and the Bandit version). Starting to get a recurring theme here, redneck

That was my DH's dream car! He loved that movie. We did end up getting a red one.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

So we spent the past weekend in our old area in Iowa and Nebraska. Had a nice time while we were there. Went to our favorite restaurants and the zoo which is always awesome. Came home late last night and the you know what hit the fan. Found out that both my Aunt and FIL had to go into the hospital while we were gone. FIL who has heart problems and a pace maker suddenly lost all his strength and fell. My poor MIL had to handle everything alone. He is a big guy and she couldn't really help him. She call 911 and they got him to the hospital. They think he has an infection that might be around his pacemaker. They also found tumors on his kidney so they have to do a biopsy to see if it is cancer.
Also my aunt had really bad stomach pain and it turns out that she has 2 gall stones and an inflamed gall bladder. Tomorrow morning she has to have one of the stones removed by a tube they are putting down her throat. Then after she recovers from that she needs to have the other stone and gall bladder removed.
The upside to this is that they are both in the same hospital. We joked around with them and thanked them for coordinating it to make it easier on them to visit them.
What a day it's been. Having to do all that, doing wash and stuff from the trip and then having to vote. Yeesh.

 

[MiaSRN62]

So we spent the past weekend in our old area in Iowa and Nebraska. Had a nice time while we were there. Went to our favorite restaurants and the zoo which is always awesome. Came home late last night and the you know what hit the fan. Found out that both my Aunt and FIL had to go into the hospital while we were gone. FIL who has heart problems and a pace maker suddenly lost all his strength and fell. My poor MIL had to handle everything alone. He is a big guy and she couldn't really help him. She call 911 and they got him to the hospital. They think he has an infection that might be around his pacemaker. They also found tumors on his kidney so they have to do a biopsy to see if it is cancer.
Also my aunt had really bad stomach pain and it turns out that she has 2 gall stones and an inflamed gall bladder. Tomorrow morning she has to have one of the stones removed by a tube they are putting down her throat. Then after she recovers from that she needs to have the other stone and gall bladder removed.
The upside to this is that they are both in the same hospital. We joked around with them and thanked them for coordinating it to make it easier on them to visit them.
What a day it's been. Having to do all that, doing wash and stuff from the trip and then having to vote. Yeesh.

OMG ! What a series of events. Prayers going out to them both and hope you FIL doesn't have cancer. Hang in there DLI

 

[Muushka]

I'll second Maria's sentiments. I hope everything turns out all right. That is a lot of illness. Hugs to all of you.

 

[twokats]

I have a 83 Monte Carlo, silver with T tops. I bought it with 7k miles. It was a GM exec. car(thats what they told me). We drove it up til 98 when the transmission started slipping and we couldnt afford to replace it at the time. So years passed and I kept telling myself we would fix, never happened. Bottom line, DS wants to fix up but we are neither mech. inclined enough to take on. Engine, trans are def. needs to fix, other things are what really concerns me, at what point will the $$ stop flowing into it. He has enough to really fix it up right, just want him to be careful not to overkill it.

But it would be sweet to see the Silver Bullet burning up the hwy. again

The only car DH has ever restored and it was quite an investment was a '71 Chevy Nova. He was so proud of it and it did look good. One of the sons drove it during his high school years and unfortunately it sat in the yard after he got his own truck. Have had a lot of offers from guys that would like to buy it, but DH will not let it go.

Kathy - My parents have always owned GMs. I myself had 2 GM cars, but they're just not me. I've also had three Dodge/Plymouth/Jeep vehicles, let's not go there.

My latest car I decided to try a Nissan, Toyota or Honda given the good reputations they hold. After 5 test drives and multiple negotiations I went with the Toyota Camry for highway handling and the best no-BS dealership experience I've ever had. So far, I love this car. It's been almost 4 years and 30K so not much of a test mileage wise. The only problem I have had was the water pump that just went on me just last month (covered under warrantee, probably due to my running the AC a lot) It drives fantastic, gas mileage is only 22mpg, but then again, I got the V6 engine.

My reasons for not going with the Nissan Altima: It's a cool design with lots of toys for less than the Camry, but I decided for my price point I wanted the Hybrid Altima and it just didn't have the pickup I needed. Also, I have a large number of neighbors with the Altima and 2 of those folk have the same story of the rear bumper crumpling up with weather. Hmmm.

The Honda Accord didn't have a chance with me as I had a poor sales person. When I test drove the Accord there was a strange shaking coming from the engine when climbing a moderately sized hill. The salesperson said I was imagining it and then he backtracked and said the noise and vibration was normal after he couldn't deny it was there. I think it was just that car, but he wouldn't let me test drive any others insisting instead that I negotiate on the one I didn't like. I had to walk away.

So glad you are okay Kathy! That must have been so scary. You sure were being watched over.

We went looking today and found a nice Hyundai Sonata that I liked and the salesman was very nice, did not push us at all especially since we told him we were just seeing what there was and getting a little education on the different brands.
There was a Nissan Altima that I drove, but there was another one I kinda liked better that I did not drive, but the two salesmen we dealt with really were pushy and turned my husband off real fast.
Then we went to our Chevy dealership and they had an Impala there that was exactly what I wanted. Plus another salesman that was great and did not push us, just gave us the info we wanted. Kati likes the Impala.
I don't know how much more we will look around. There is a couple of more dealerships that we will probably go to, but we have a little more education on the vehicles.

Another note on the wreck. . . I have been feeling pretty good this week. The soreness is less and I am hoping my chiropractor will work that little bit out.
Thanks for the continued thoughts.

 

[jimmytammy]

The only car DH has ever restored and it was quite an investment was a '71 Chevy Nova. He was so proud of it and it did look good. One of the sons drove it during his high school years and unfortunately it sat in the yard after he got his own truck. Have had a lot of offers from guys that would like to buy it, but DH will not let it go.





We went looking today and found a nice Hyundai Sonata that I liked and the salesman was very nice, did not push us at all especially since we told him we were just seeing what there was and getting a little education on the different brands.
There was a Nissan Altima that I drove, but there was another one I kinda liked better that I did not drive, but the two salesmen we dealt with really were pushy and turned my husband off real fast.
Then we went to our Chevy dealership and they had an Impala there that was exactly what I wanted. Plus another salesman that was great and did not push us, just gave us the info we wanted. Kati likes the Impala.
I don't know how much more we will look around. There is a couple of more dealerships that we will probably go to, but we have a little more education on the vehicles.

Another note on the wreck. . . I have been feeling pretty good this week. The soreness is less and I am hoping my chiropractor will work that little bit out.
Thanks for the continued thoughts.

Glad you are feeling well still, and hope the chiropractor gets the rest of it gone

Our minister has had several Impalas and loves them. He has sold them to fellow members and it turn they have loved them. I would say you wont go wrong with that choice if thats where you end up. We purchased a Honda Odyssey van last Dec. and love it. I know that wouldnt be your choice(too much like a SUV, but it truly drives like a car, sits a little lower than previous vans, more roomy than any of out previous vans, all of them being Dodge Grand Caravans before. We still have one, our DD being a nanny, works great for her. Anyway, never thought I would breakdown and buy foreign, but my dad and mom have owned 2 Odysseys and love them, esp. their current one. Im just sharing this as I know you are looking. Carwise, Impala would be a sweet choice. We have a 96 Lumina also, actually selling it to my cousin this week, but has been a great car. Only money spent on it since 96, other than servicing, one set new tires(I rotate often)and 2 batteries, and had AC redone, but with 158K miles, thats to be expected.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

OMG ! What a series of events. Prayers going out to them both and hope you FIL doesn't have cancer. Hang in there DLI

I'll second Maria's sentiments. I hope everything turns out all right. That is a lot of illness. Hugs to all of you.

Thanks! I really appreciate it. Boy what a couple of days.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Gearing up for storm #2 in the span of about one week !!! Just heard 3-5 inches of snow (with rain/sleet/high winds). Gusting winds inland 40-50 mph. Even stronger winds for the Jersey coast ! For my Groupie friends that will be affected---please stay safe !
Dreaming of WDW.......35 more days !!!!!

 

[Happydinks]

First - to all the Groupies in the affected Sandy area, we hope that you are well and finally seeing some power/gasoline shortage easing. We have family in NJ, none of whom still have power back yet, but thankfully, none of their homes were flooded or hit by falling trees. We will keep our fingers crossed that the impending Noreaster does not bring additional woes to your area!

It has been one of those days you would never dream of happening when you walk out your front door.

I was driving down one of our sevice roads in Greenville to meet my boss and I saw this car coming right at me in my lane. this is not a one way road!!

So very glad that you were not badly injured! Cars can be replaced, but lives cannot. What a freaky accident!

Here is an update on the cruise to nowhere. DCL had offered all cruiser's on that nightmare of a cruise a 25% discount on a future 3 night cruise.

Did not realize that you were going out the day we got back! We heard in the parks from cast members that the cruise was a nightmare - but my goodness! We wondered about the wisdom of the ship leaving when other lines were bringing their ships in EARLY! We have been on two previous DCL cruises and other than cooler weather, never had a bit of problem and have loved them.

I am still recovering from losing my precious Corgi last month, (and my other 3 years ago) and these pictures made me smile and cry. Thank you.

Even though it's been a month - so very sorry for your loss. This is the "stinkiest" part of having them a part of our families. We feel and know your pain.

We first had a stop in MN were DH and I met with his Dr. for a follow up on his surgery. We learned that when the additional testing was done on the lymph nodes they discovered that it were in fact 2 of 42 rather than just 1 that tested positive for cancer. However the Dr. still remains optimistic of a postive outcome with the hormone therapy he is recommending for the next 2 years. We just try and remain positive and will continue the fight.

Prayers for you all! We understand from personal experience what you are going through right now. Sending positive thoughts and energy your way!

DLI - hope that all things are starting to settle out for you now! That was a double whammy!

 

[Happydinks]

Which cruise were you on, Dream or Fantasy? You have a great attitude about it being rocky, I would have been .

So, I take it you liked BLT? Sounds like you got an awesome room! Was that a 1 BR?

We were on the Dream. And, other than the last night, it was all good!

Yes, we were in a 1 BR (we're spoiled) and they are just huge over in BLT. BLT has sort of grown on us from a convenience standpoint - but the Lodge will always be the place we end the trip. I think that all of the rooms in the South Tower, Lake side, room second from the end of the hallway, will have the same "cheater view". We went up to TOW a couple of times even after we moved and while it was more crowded than last year - it wasn't packed. I know that BLT owners are not happy about allowing all DVC members up there, but IMHO, if it wasn't being used enough by the people staying there, and not enough $$ was being made at the lounge, they might have shut it down all together.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I know that BLT owners are not happy about allowing all DVC members up there, but IMHO, if it wasn't being used enough by the people staying there, and not enough $$ was being made at the lounge, they might have shut it down all together.

I have to agree Happydinks.....being a BLT owner I was initially miffed about it. But I support any action/policy that will help keep TOWL open. It's a great perk of the resort

 

[MiaSRN62]

To the DVC peeps....
I'm pretty happy about being able to book and make wait lists for the RCI exchanges on the Member site--anyone else ?

 

[sleepydog25]

We went looking today and found a nice Hyundai Sonata that I liked and the salesman was very nice, did not push us at all especially since we told him we were just seeing what there was and getting a little education on the different brands.
There was a Nissan Altima that I drove, but there was another one I kinda liked better that I did not drive, but the two salesmen we dealt with really were pushy and turned my husband off real fast.
Then we went to our Chevy dealership and they had an Impala there that was exactly what I wanted. Plus another salesman that was great and did not push us, just gave us the info we wanted. Kati likes the Impala.
I don't know how much more we will look around. There is a couple of more dealerships that we will probably go to, but we have a little more education on the vehicles.

Consumer Reports is a great tool to use when looking at a new car. They don't allow any advertising on their pages, so they don't have to worry about being seen as in the pocket to automakers who might advertise with them. The take into account everything from gas mileage to reliability and all points in between. I wouldn't take their views as gospel, per se, but they surely can help steer your thinking.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Gearing up for storm #2 in the span of about one week !!! Just heard 3-5 inches of snow (with rain/sleet/high winds). Gusting winds inland 40-50 mph. Even stronger winds for the Jersey coast ! For my Groupie friends that will be affected---please stay safe !
Dreaming of WDW.......35 more days !!!!!

Ugh. Yesterday I heard we wouldn't get anything and now today they are saying 2-5". Gosh I hate snow!!!!! I too hope everyone will be okay!

DLI - hope that all things are starting to settle out for you now! That was a double whammy!

Thanks HD!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kat4Disney
I have sorta been missing on the groupies for the past couple days. Praying for the Drs. prognosis to be on track and your DH comes out all the stronger for it.

Yes, Kat4, your husband and you are in my prayers for a successful treatment. And HOPE is a good thing!

KAT You know you have my prayers. Stay strong, live well friend.

My prayers are with your DH that everything goes well with the treatment.

Prayers for you all! We understand from personal experience what you are going through right now. Sending positive thoughts and energy your way!

Thank you for the thoughts and prayers JT, Muushka, Eliza, DLI and Happydinks. The battles are ongoing both in our house and with other family members. My BIL that I previously posted about having colon cancer just learned that he has a new tumor in his hip so he'll be starting chemo again. So many reminders to live for and enjoy today because we have no idea what will be coming in the future.

Found out that both my Aunt and FIL had to go into the hospital while we were gone.

Wow DLI! Prayers going out to you and your family. Hopefully your FIL's infections clears soon and he gets his strength back and that the tumor is benign. And your poor Aunt. The first stone removal sounds like a bad nightmare. Hopefully it went well this morning and that the other surgery can happen soon and help relieve her pain.