VWL Lovers & Groupies Thread: Meese-ka, Mice-ka MOOSE-kateers

[Happydinks]

I am also saddened by this loss, but can say my darling Mom (who got to meet him in 2009) was there to meet him in that beautiful place. We lost her to her battle on Saturday the 23rd. She was a real trooper til the end, but I also know she is in a much better place than we are and is watching over us as I type.

So very sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I hope that each day gets a little easier for you as you find your new "normal" without her. Prayers for you and your family.

Leslie

 

[wildernessDad]

I need a WDW fix. Who's with me?

 

[Muushka]

I need a WDW fix. Who's with me?

Count me in WD.

 

[franandaj]

Before I can get a WDW I need some total R&R! Last week we completed the Estate Sale of my FILs house. The professionals held their sale and made a us some good money, but since they thought we would just call their haul away lady, they didn't care that the place looked like it had been searched in one of those mystery shows!

We spent three days of hard labor preparing it for a blowout garage sale, we actually squeezed a thousand dollars out of that place $.05 & $.25 at a time! But those cents add up into dollars. After another day of hard work (in 90 degree So Cal heat) we removed almost everything that the "haul away lady" isn't taking. She will come this weekend and remove the rest of the stuff so the place is ready for the contractor on Monday.

Today we are going to Garden Grove. Why Garden Grove you ask? (especially Stopher!) What is there that is so exciting to do there?

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! We are going stay in the hotel room, watch TV, read books, do puzzles, no cats to feed, no messy house to worry about, no , and best yet, I don't have to cook breakfast, lunch or dinner. Plus I am spending all afternoon tomorrow at the Spa! We have some nice dinners planned and the rest of the time we'll just sleep, or do nothing (I might be on the DIS).

THEN I will be ready for my WDW fix! However, I'll have to take my DLR fix since I have a couple trips planned there before I'll get to WDW!

 

[cheer4bison]

I need a WDW fix. Who's with me?

I'm with you WildernessDad! I could definitely use a dose of WDW today.

How 'bout an extra helping of our beloved lodge too? Check out yesterday's Orbitz blog. Couldn't wait to share this submission with you all! I just knew you'd approve of the topic.

http://www.orbitz.com/blog/2011/08/walt-disney-worlds-hidden-gem/

 

[Corinne]

I need a WDW fix. Who's with me?

I am soooooooooooo with you WD!!!

 

[horselover]

I need a WDW fix. Who's with me?

Yes, Please!!!!!!!

 

[walkerford]

I am not certain that I qualify as a wilderness lodge/villa groupie but I have just spent the last couple of hours reading through each and every post and I do own at vwl and will be returning home in 9 days and counting!
Fortunately for us it will be our fourth trip back to the lodge and on this occasion we will be joined by my daughters friend and mom who will be there for the very first time, we simply cannot wait for that jaw dropping moment when they enter the lobby for the first time!
I think one of the happiest moments I have ever had was strolling through the grounds of the lodge after a 24 hour journey at 3 in the morning when my then 3 year old son had no intention of sleeping at what as far as he was concerned was breakfast time!

So we count down the days to our "welcome home" to a place that our family truly does love. Thanks for all the excellent posts on here. Greetings from the UK. In half an hour we will be down to 8 days
!

 

[jimmytammy]

WD I'm ready, lets go!!
Especially after reading that description by our one and only Cheer4Bison on Orbitz of our beloved Lodge.

 

[Muushka]

I am not certain that I qualify as a wilderness lodge/villa groupie but I have just spent the last couple of hours reading through each and every post and I do own at vwl and will be returning home in 9 days and counting!
Fortunately for us it will be our fourth trip back to the lodge and on this occasion we will be joined by my daughters friend and mom who will be there for the very first time, we simply cannot wait for that jaw dropping moment when they enter the lobby for the first time!
I think one of the happiest moments I have ever had was strolling through the grounds of the lodge after a 24 hour journey at 3 in the morning when my then 3 year old son had no intention of sleeping at what as far as he was concerned was breakfast time!

So we count down the days to our "welcome home" to a place that our family truly does love. Thanks for all the excellent posts on here. Greetings from the UK. In half an hour we will be down to 8 days
!

You are not sure if you qualify to be a VWL Groupie?? Are you kidding???? You just read this entire thread!
That makes you the new president of the Groupies! Chief Moose!

Welcome to our merry thread, happiest place on the boards. It is wonderful to read your feelings for our beloved Lodge, and from the UK!

Visit often, pull up a rocking chair and make yourself comfy.

Oh, and please, grab yourself our Moosie. I'll bet he will look mighty handsome on you!

Can't wait to hear about your visit and that loud 'plop' noise that can be heard throughout the lobby when people's jaws hit the floor!

 

[Muushka]

I'm with you WildernessDad! I could definitely use a dose of WDW today.

How 'bout an extra helping of our beloved lodge too? Check out yesterday's Orbitz blog. Couldn't wait to share this submission with you all! I just knew you'd approve of the topic.

http://www.orbitz.com/blog/2011/08/walt-disney-worlds-hidden-gem/

Great job Cheer4!

 

[Corinne]

I am not certain that I qualify as a wilderness lodge/villa groupie but I have just spent the last couple of hours reading through each and every post and I do own at vwl and will be returning home in 9 days and counting!
Fortunately for us it will be our fourth trip back to the lodge and on this occasion we will be joined by my daughters friend and mom who will be there for the very first time, we simply cannot wait for that jaw dropping moment when they enter the lobby for the first time!
I think one of the happiest moments I have ever had was strolling through the grounds of the lodge after a 24 hour journey at 3 in the morning when my then 3 year old son had no intention of sleeping at what as far as he was concerned was breakfast time!

So we count down the days to our "welcome home" to a place that our family truly does love. Thanks for all the excellent posts on here. Greetings from the UK. In half an hour we will be down to 8 days
!

Walkerford So glad you found us, and hope you will visit often. We have the best group of Groupies the DIS has to offer!!

 

[walkerford]

Thank you do much for the welcome!
I am counting down the days and always find that the anticipation of a visit back home is almost but not quite! as exciting as the trip itself..
As it is now after midnight in the uk I am officially at the 8 day mark!
There is so much that is special about the lodge, the tranquility of the iron spike room contrasting with the noise and excitement from the whispering canyon cafe.
I shall sit on the balcony on the morning of the 13th watching the sun rise and the lamps go out - got to love the jet lag on the first morning and shall raise a toast to all lovers of the lodge. Once again thanks for the welcome...

 

[DiznyDi]

WELCOME walkerford! So nice to have you join us! We love pictures. Please report back and share your trip with us.

 

[eliza61]

I need a WDW fix. Who's with me?

I AM SOOOO MAD!!! my stupid township is doing road repair in my development and the stupid road crew broke a water main pipe. I HAVE NO FREAKIN WATER!!! Then the stupid foreman looks us (me and my neighbors) in the eyes and says that of course since the pipes are owned by the water company they can't do any repairs until they get on the scene. Of course we call the water department and get that lovely recording to say "please call back during normal business hours". Which will not be until tomorrow. Sent Sid & Rizzo to the store to buy gallons of water.

Then of course I'm in a house full of testosterone who felt the need to tell me that they are sooo glad they can take care of nature anywhere. Like the ability to write your name in the snow is a skill.

Sorry I know I'm whining but I'm trying to wash my hands using a bottle of poland springs so I can at least take out my contacts.

God, I so need the lodge right now....

 

[eliza61]

Welcome Walkerford and let me assure you than normally I am not a raving lunatic....

 

[DiznyDi]

So sorry Kathy to read of your mom's passing. Our prayers go with you and your family as you go through these difficult times.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I AM SOOOO MAD!!! my stupid township is doing road repair in my development and the stupid road crew broke a water main pipe. I HAVE NO FREAKIN WATER!!! Then the stupid foreman looks us (me and my neighbors) in the eyes and says that of course since the pipes are owned by the water company they can't do any repairs until they get on the scene. Of course we call the water department and get that lovely recording to say "please call back during normal business hours". Which will not be until tomorrow. Sent Sid & Rizzo to the store to buy gallons of water.

Then of course I'm in a house full of testosterone who felt the need to tell me that they are sooo glad they can take care of nature anywhere. Like the ability to write your name in the snow is a skill.

Sorry I know I'm whining but I'm trying to wash my hands using a bottle of poland springs so I can at least take out my contacts.

God, I so need the lodge right now....

After the long day I've had booking fd, ap discounts, etc I know it's not funny but .... "writing your name in the snow" Thank you I needed a little comic relief.

 

[Muushka]

Thank you do much for the welcome!
I am counting down the days and always find that the anticipation of a visit back home is almost but not quite! as exciting as the trip itself..
As it is now after midnight in the uk I am officially at the 8 day mark!
There is so much that is special about the lodge, the tranquility of the iron spike room contrasting with the noise and excitement from the whispering canyon cafe.
I shall sit on the balcony on the morning of the 13th watching the sun rise and the lamps go out - got to love the jet lag on the first morning and shall raise a toast to all lovers of the lodge. Once again thanks for the welcome...

Awwww. Don't you just love the way walkerford writes about our beloved?
And a toast to us! Thank you

Welcome Walkerford and let me assure you than normally I am not a raving lunatic....

Yes, walkerford, don't let Eliza scare you. You have probably already figured it out, she is a boatload of fun .

E, I hope you get your water back on soon. Having been without water, I know it is no fun.

 

[stopher1]

I need a WDW fix. Who's with me?

YES!!!!!!! Me too!!!

Before I can get a WDW I need some total R&R! Last week we completed the Estate Sale of my FILs house. The professionals held their sale and made a us some good money, but since they thought we would just call their haul away lady, they didn't care that the place looked like it had been searched in one of those mystery shows!

We spent three days of hard labor preparing it for a blowout garage sale, we actually squeezed a thousand dollars out of that place $.05 & $.25 at a time! But those cents add up into dollars. After another day of hard work (in 90 degree So Cal heat) we removed almost everything that the "haul away lady" isn't taking. She will come this weekend and remove the rest of the stuff so the place is ready for the contractor on Monday.

Today we are going to Garden Grove. Why Garden Grove you ask? (especially Stopher!) What is there that is so exciting to do there?

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! We are going stay in the hotel room, watch TV, read books, do puzzles, no cats to feed, no messy house to worry about, no , and best yet, I don't have to cook breakfast, lunch or dinner. Plus I am spending all afternoon tomorrow at the Spa! We have some nice dinners planned and the rest of the time we'll just sleep, or do nothing (I might be on the DIS).

THEN I will be ready for my WDW fix! However, I'll have to take my DLR fix since I have a couple trips planned there before I'll get to WDW!

So glad it all came together for you Alison, and now you can get some nice R&R... even in Garden Grove. I've spent many moons in and around Garden Grove so I can sure say that!

How 'bout an extra helping of our beloved lodge too? Check out yesterday's Orbitz blog. Couldn't wait to share this submission with you all! I just knew you'd approve of the topic.

http://www.orbitz.com/blog/2011/08/walt-disney-worlds-hidden-gem/

Very nice!

I am not certain that I qualify as a wilderness lodge/villa groupie but I have just spent the last couple of hours reading through each and every post and I do own at vwl and will be returning home in 9 days and counting!
Fortunately for us it will be our fourth trip back to the lodge and on this occasion we will be joined by my daughters friend and mom who will be there for the very first time, we simply cannot wait for that jaw dropping moment when they enter the lobby for the first time!
I think one of the happiest moments I have ever had was strolling through the grounds of the lodge after a 24 hour journey at 3 in the morning when my then 3 year old son had no intention of sleeping at what as far as he was concerned was breakfast time!

So we count down the days to our "welcome home" to a place that our family truly does love. Thanks for all the excellent posts on here. Greetings from the UK. In half an hour we will be down to 8 days
!

Not sure huh?!?! WOW... WELCOME!! As Muushka says, if you can read the whole thread - you are definitely qualified.

Welcome to our merry thread, happiest place on the boards. It is wonderful to read your feelings for our beloved Lodge

And the friendliest, kindest, sweetest, most caring..... I could go on and on!

I AM SOOOO MAD!!! my stupid township is doing road repair in my development and the stupid road crew broke a water main pipe. I HAVE NO FREAKIN WATER!!! Then the stupid foreman looks us (me and my neighbors) in the eyes and says that of course since the pipes are owned by the water company they can't do any repairs until they get on the scene. Of course we call the water department and get that lovely recording to say "please call back during normal business hours". Which will not be until tomorrow. Sent Sid & Rizzo to the store to buy gallons of water.

I'm so sorry Eliza... that's awful. Hopefully things will be better for you tomorrow.

Then of course I'm in a house full of testosterone who felt the need to tell me that they are sooo glad they can take care of nature anywhere. Like the ability to write your name in the snow is a skill.

Just so long as they take care not to eat the yellow snow I do happen to agree with them, but mostly when camping in sub-freezing temps with the Scouts and not having to go out in the middle of the night to find a latrine. Otherwise have a healthy dose of estrogen in my household, I hear your plight and I feel for you.


Oh Groupies, I need a bit of pixie or moosie dust & prayers please. Nothing has happened yet... but there are some growing clouds of concern at work. Two months ago the company decided it was time to consolidate some operations and announced the closing of two of our regional locations. Both were small and were a drain on company resources. Two staff members were let go, and two were given the choice of moving to HQ in Irvine, CA or being let go. At that time everyone in the field was reviewed and many of us, despite living and working in "field" were reclassified as "office" staff rather than "field" staff, myself included, despite all of the traveling to meet with customers that I do quite often. "Office" staff must either be in a regional office or in Irvine... and going to Irvine isn't really an option for my family, even with our California roots. The only remaining regional office is mine, and one of our staff members was recently allowed to relocate his family and start working out of his new home in Illinois - because he was classified as "field"... I'm not allowed to since I'm classified as field. If the office is closed, I'm out of a job because of that classification. I've been part of several conversations now as to what might be the future for my office, and it isn't all that pretty. Option 1 of course is to keep it open as is no problem... options 2 and 3 are the not so pretty ones. So with the changes made two months ago, and a few made at the very beginning of the year, we've now had 4 straight years of down-sizing. They've cut through the fluff, and cut out the fat... it's getting closer to paring off the meat - those of us who actually do the heavy lifting. Another one of those "conversations" was today at lunch, and I also learned then that the various VP's will be gathering in Irvine in 2 weeks to further discuss the options. Our office lease runs through next year in August, so it could be that we retain it until that point and then make the cuts, or perhaps they'll just decide to

I've been feeling more and more uneasy at work the past year anyway and so I've been doing all of those normal things trying to be ready - brushing up the resume, networking, checking out opportunities and the like as I'd rather go on my timing than theirs, but you never know now do you. In addition to doing some freelance paid work for the Scouts and my church, I've also been trying to ramp up some side business by becoming a TA specializing in the various domestic Mouse-based destinations... (anything to ensure some income if the existing source goes away). If you are friends with me on Facebook, I would love it if you would "like" my page, even if you never use my services (as if you'd need to being DVC members!), but the more likes the better, and I can create ads on FB when I hit a certain number of likes (I"m not there yet).