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Thread: Sue (Holland) Rayford, January 29-31, 2016 Jambo House Concierge Weekend

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    Sue (Holland) Rayford, January 29-31, 2016 Jambo House Concierge Weekend

    Who/When/Where:

    Who: Sue (57), DVC Member
    Dates: January 29 February 1, 2016
    Resort: Disneys AKL Jambo House Resort
    Experience: Very Experienced 23rd stay at this resort

    INTRODUCTION:
    This isnt one of my normal trips, but somewhere between 11 & 7 months ago I was playing around on the DVC member site and discovered this weekend was available at Jambo House in a concierge studio. I immediately grabbed the Friday & Saturday night, then went back and added Sunday night in a value studio. It means Ill have to move, but Ill still have concierge lounge access and value is a lot cheaper than concierge level. I was assuming the weather would be cool enough that I wouldnt mind leaving my stuff in the car, but if it did end up being warm I would have just left it with bell services. For such a short trip, I wont have much stuff with me!

    As it turned out, the weather forecast is even cooler than normal for this time of year, so it will be chilly! It wont be as chilly as Gainesville where were living right now, so thats a good thing. At the 60 day point Id booked some fastpasses and also lunches, figuring if it was too cool for the pool at least Id have something to do. That turned out to be a wise move!

    I will leave work Friday at noon, which should get me there around 2. If I stop at the outlets, then Id arrive later. I initially booked the safari at 2:35 and Primeval Whirl at 3:35, but this past weekend I flipped them so if I decide to hit the outlets I wont be at risk of missing the safari. Primeval Whirl isnt as important and I absolutely plan to be out of the park and back at the concierge lounge before 5pm.

    Saturday will be a Magic Kingdom morning, with fastpasses booked for Mine Train, Thunder & Space. Ill see what else I can get on between those, before walking over to the Contemporary for lunch at Wave. Sunday I have to move out of my studio and will head to Hollywood Studios for the morning, with fastpasses for Toy Story & Star Tours. From there Ill walk over to Epcot for lunch at Chefs de France. Monday I drive home early, both to get to work and to be home by 8am to book a Labor Day weekend studio for Chris & Amanda.

    Other than that, I plan to kick back and relax do some reading, watch the animals, and enjoy the lounge.

    The plans so far are:
    Friday 1/29: Drive to WDW, Animal Kingdom, Concierge Lounge
    Saturday 1/30: Magic Kingdom, Wave, Concierge Lounge
    Sunday 1/31: Hollywood Studios, Chefs de France, Pool?, Concierge Lounge
    Monday 2/1: Drive to Gainesville


    DAY 1 Friday 1/29/16
    Who: Sue (57), DVC Member

    Plan: Drive to WDW,

    Actual: I worked until noon and was on the road shortly after that. I was hoping to stop at the outlets before arriving at WDW but didnt make the final decision until I was approaching the exit I would have to take if I wasnt making the detour. Just after noon Id gotten an email that my room wasnt quite ready but nothing had come after that. I assumed because Im club level they might not send the room number, but I wasnt sure. I certainly didnt want to risk getting there and becoming aggravated if it wasnt ready! So, I detoured to the outlets.

    I only went to Character Premiere, and found a 2015 jacket for SB and one from the Christmas holiday season for me. Id like to find a small backpack (similar size to what I have used for several years but now my new iphone is too big for most of the pockets), but all I saw was Vera Bradley and other BIG stuff. I want something thats about half that size, so Ill keep looking.

    Traffic had been heavy on parts of I-4 getting to the outlets, but the rest of the way it was light. I pulled into Jambo House just before 3pm and was met outside and taken up to the 6th floor. My magic band already worked in the elevator (magic band is required to activate the 6th floor button), and the cast member escorting me got me my packet so Id be spared the lengthy information-giving check-in process.

    My studio is on the pool side this trip, and the layout is actually much better than the one I usually get on the savannah side because the connecting door is right at the entrance (by the hall) rather than smack dab in the middle of the sleeping area! I think Ive had this room before, and other than hearing the noise from the pool party below, it will be a great spot for me.

    I was crunched for time, and pretty much missed both of my first two (2) fastpasses, but was going to try to make it for my 3:35 safari. I know that means I have until 10 minutes after 4:35 to use it, but I also wanted to be back here and seated comfortably in the lounge before 5pm so I really needed to be at the safari by 5 minutes before 3:35! That didnt look very likely, but I headed to the bus stop anyway. I saw buses to all the other parks but Animal Kingdom was nowhere in sight. Eventually I decided to just skip it, since I really didnt want to start my trip by rushing here and there, worried about the timeframe. So, I turned around and walked back up the hill.

    In Zawadi Marketplace I checked out their backpack options, but nothing fit what I was looking for. I went up to the studio and quickly unpacked doesnt take long when its such a short trip! With the concierge lounge there was no reason for me to bring any food or wine, either. Once I was unpacked I grabbed the camera and set out to make my own safari in the various stairwells of the resort! That way I wasnt dependent on Disney transportation, bag check lines, queue lines, etc.

    There werent as many animals by the stairwells as usual, but Im earlier than usual. I did find an adult giraffe at my first spot. He suddenly ran a few years and stopped with his back to me to make several deposits of fertilizer on the savannah. That wasnt exactly what I had in mind, but thats nature!

    Back in the room I updated the report, then took the laptop and sat in the lounge. On my way to a table I stopped at the concierge desks to inquire about the welcome gift that is missing from my room. One year it was a nice cooler, but usually its a big chocolate square with an overlay of the resort & a welcome home message. I asked if it had been cut out, but was assured it was not, and if I didnt receive it by tomorrow to let them know. I thanked them, but I was thinking that tomorrow was not acceptable. Why would you get a welcome gift the day after arrival???

    I took one of the few tables that was set for less than 4 people, which happened to be along the wall in what used to be the kiddie section. Since they no longer do the kids food table, the only thing that makes this a kids section is the smaller tv, but since the big screen in the main lounge is usually blaring some cartoon, Im not sure the whole place isnt a kiddie playground. Anyway, I had a table set for 3, but when the couple across from me left their table set for 2 I moved over there in case a bigger party needed my table.

    Tonight the chef was cooking buttered turkey and lamb stew. Ive had the lamb stew before and its good, but honestly I could care less Id eat it if the other choice was something I wouldnt eat. The buttered turkey is something I love just as I loved the buttered chicken served at Food & Wine Festival last year! Its served over rice, and over the course of the 2 hours I ate 3 of them. I was hungry, having just a protein bar in the car for lunch, and then a scone after arriving.

    The lounge was very busy at first, but after a while it wasnt bad. I noticed the food seemed more spread out (meaning something was CUT), and they didnt serve the chefs food like they did the last couple of trips. It was all self-serve. There were none of the garlic crispy things I love theyve disappeared, just like the cheese I loved. This whole concierge lounge thing is approaching the point that it may not be worth it to me if they ever take away the white wine choice, then Im finished, lol!

    Anyway, I did enjoy the wine and the buttered turkey/rice, and some slices of the manchego cheese (bland) with water crackers. There were lots of kids in the lounge, including some babies. Thankfully none were obnoxious and all had parents who parented. One family had a baby and toddler, and when they left the mom cleaned up their mess and even wiped down their table (they were near me in the kiddie section <g>), which was a pleasure to see!

    At some point I returned the laptop to the room and picked up the kindle. Turndown service had been done, but there was no white chocolate welcome/good night like there had been on every previous visit. Also, the welcome chocolate had not arrived. I returned to the lounge and read until just after 7 by then only one other party was there. I went back to the room and there was still no welcome chocolate, so I stopped by the concierge desk once again.

    This time I got a different story some mumbo jumbo about them changing things, and they asked how many people were in the room. I said one at first, then said two since SB was technically registered (he chose to stay home, not being a concierge lounge fan). They assured me something would be sent to the room, and a saw a cast member scurrying off. I thanked them, and headed out to walk a bit to finish my 10,000 steps for the day. It didnt take long, as long as these hallways are, lol!

    When I got back to the room I found a shrunken version of the chocolate square, paired with a few small truffles, plus 2 of the chocolate lollipops. Im not sure why I had to ask about it 2 times, but at least its here. Since Im checking out day after tomorrow, Ill have some chocolate to eat tomorrow! I guess I should have brought a cooler after all.

    I grabbed the laptop and went out to the lounge, getting there just before 8. Desserts and cordials are from 8-10, and it was pretty much a full house by 8:15. The special desserts were a tiny chocolate cake (nothing special) and something in a taller (shot glass size) cup. The everyday stuff was sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, rice krispie treats, and brownie cupcakes w/peanut butter icing. I didnt bother with the cordials, opting for ice water instead. Wine or beer would be available upon request from a cast member. For me though, chardonnay and sweets dont go together! I took a couple of the mini chocolate cakes, but they were truly not memorable at all (they werent the flourless ones I like) and a rice krispie treat I took back to the room later.

    They later brought out some small chocolate squares that were absolutely to die for I wouldnt call them flourless chocolate cake, but they were just as good! I tried one and resisted the urge to go back and fill my plate with these little beauties! I decided I wanted another glass of wine, and it was frustrating being ignored. I realized this was not something new or unique, as Id noticed it on the HAL cruise in November when I was solo and trying to get reasonably prompt service in the Crows Nest. Today as I was waiting for my packet (check in) I heard the cast member checking in another party telling them that they can get wine or beer at any time, and I constantly see others in the lounge during the afternoon (or any non 5-7 hours) with beer or wine on their table, yet I am NEVER offered any. Yes, I can ask for it, but cant I be asked once in a while??

    So, tonight cast members are scurrying about and I see them stopping at every table except mine. At one point I think a cast member is going to come over to me but (believe it or not) he SITS DOWN at the table next to me and begins a long conversation with the solo lady thereeven holding her hand in his as they talk (hes obviously gay, and shes older than me, so its not a pick up type thing). Finally as a cast member is WALKING PAST my table I speak up and say excuse me and ask for a glass of wine. It had been a good 20 minutes of looking for someone at that point. I really didnt even want the wine it had become the principle at this point.

    I stayed a bit longer, until I saw my laptop battery was low, then took the wine & laptop back to the studio. I quickly finished up the report & got it posted, and next I plan to sit on the balcony with the wine and kindle. Its a beautiful cool evening!

    Overall today was a nice day, even though I didnt make it to the park or my fastpasses. Im here often enough that its no big deal. I have to admit this concierge lounge is losing some of its appeal lets hope the next 2 nights turn my opinion around. Tomorrow is a Magic Kingdom morning, followed by lunch at the Wave. Having checked the menus last night, Im not sure whether Ill sit in the restaurant or the bar the bar menu actually looks better to me. Tomorrow night Ill be back in the concierge lounge, hoping to not be ignored.


    DAY 2 Saturday 1/30/16
    Who: Sue (57), DVC Member

    Plan: Magic Kingdom, Wave, Concierge Lounge

    Actual: It was nice and quiet last night I love having the connecting door in a logical place so I dont hear any neighbors! I was awake off and on, but not for any good reason it was very comfortable here. I got up with the alarm around 6:30 and took my shower. I heated up the hot water for my cappuccino and went to gather breakfast from the concierge lounge one of their greek yogurts and a bagel with cream cheese. I ended up burning the bagel in the toaster, so I made another trip to the lounge to try again. This time it was slightly under-toasted, but I wasnt taking the chance on burning another one, lol! The sunrise was really pretty this morning I noticed it by accident, and was glad I didnt miss it!

    I was out the door just after 8:30, and dropped my breakfast plate off in the lounge. It was cool outside (around 50) but I was comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt. There were quite a few people waiting at the Magic Kingdom bus stop, which I view as a good sign it means I didnt just miss the bus! The benches were all occupied, so I stood (with others) near the boarding area. When the bus arrived it discharged passengers, leaving it empty for the guests at Jambo House to board. Some of the families who need jumbo strollers were standing on the lower level, even though there were at least 4-5 empty seats in the back (up the couple of steps). I didnt understand that, but to each his own. I had my seat, across from a couple with 2 sons one of whom was behaving like he was one of the more miserable people on this planet. At one point he dropped his Donald Duck hat on the floor and the lady next to me reached down, picked it up and handed it to him. The kid literally snatched it out of her hand and had a nasty look on his stupid face. He couldnt have been more than 6-7 years old or so, and neither parent thanked the lady either.

    We got to Magic Kingdom just before 9 and I was pleased to see theyve set up another entrance where the buses come in! Its no longer necessary to walk down to the middle part and enter between the 2 sets of bag check tables. They have new bag check tables under 11-12 umbrellas on the bus stop side now. Getting through went very quickly, and at the entry instead of getting in line behind people I walked up to the empty row of working magic band readers (the cast member was even standing there trying to wave people in but I guess today is comatose day at the park <g>) and was in the park in no time.

    Main Street wasnt horribly crowded yet, although several people were lined up to pose with Minnie and the other characters. I guess those lines will only get longer, so this would be the time to do it if thats your thing. I was able to walk through the castle, and decided to ride Peter Pan before it got busy. Unfortunately, at 9:10 the standby wait was already posted as 45 minutes! It very well may have been shorter than that, but even 20 minutes would be too long. I walked over to Winne the Pooh and that was 20 minutes too long for me. So, I backtracked and walked over to Haunted Mansion, noticing that Peter Pan was up to 50 minutes now.

    Haunted Mansion had a 10-minute wait posted, but there were stoppages while walking through the queue. I think we had a minute or 2 wait to get into the building, but otherwise there wasnt any wait at all. The ride did stop once, but not for long. After Haunted Mansion I walked back to Fantasyland and used my fastpass for Mine Train. I was seated with a lady who WOULD NOT SHUT UP the entire time, lol! Her husband and son rode in the row in front of us.

    From there I did standby at the Little Mermaid, which also had no wait other than people walking abnormally slowly through the queue for some unknown reason. I couldnt figure that one out! Throughout the morning I kept checking my phone for a text from my daughter-in-law Amanda. After Mermaid I decided to take the train over to my next fastpass (Big Thunder) but when it pulled into the station the cast member told me they had to run it around for a complete loop and it would be 20-30 minutes before they could board passengers. Yikes I wasnt standing around waiting for that! I walked back through Fantasyland for the umpteenth time <g> towards Big Thunder in Frontierland. My friend Michael texted, so we texted back and forth before and after my ride.

    Big Thunder was fun, and I got to ride in the last car. I didnt notice the standby wait, since I was texting as I was walking. After Big Thunder I tried the train from this station, and it was also closed. But, while I was underneath in the shade finishing up texting the train arrived and they opened the station to boarding. There were already people on board, but it wasnt anywhere near full, so I took a seat on a row where there just 1 other person. All was fine until at the next station a family boarded several rows ahead with a screaming, screeching toddler (unhappy kid). Theres no way I wanted to listen to that, so I hopped off and went back to the next train car where it was more peaceful. I rode it to the Main Street station and got off to check the Emporium and other shops for a small backpack.

    They didnt have anything like what I was looking for, so Im assuming it just simply doesnt exist right now. Thats ok, as I found a way to use my existing bag and still secure my phone in an easily accessible spot. By now it was nearly 11 so I walked to Tomorrowland and was headed up the moving ramp to board the People Mover when Chris dad called. I told him Id call him when I got off the ride, since I couldnt hear a thing. It was then that I saw the text from Amanda, so I knew why Tim was calling.

    Chris & Amanda had finally gone public, announcing their pregnancy on facebook! They did it using a box of 3 magic bands (ordered using my reservation tomorrow night), with a gray one named Baby H (for Holland). Theyre due in July, and despite my many previous comments wishing the concierge lounge was for adults only, the baby will be coming in September. Disney allows it, so what the heck. Baby will also experience Food & Wine Festival this year.gotta get them started young <g>.

    After PeopleMover I called Tim back and he is excited to be a grandfather. Weve all known since Christmas, but now its public information. I used my final fastpass for Space Mountain, again scoring the last row! It was fun little jerky, but fun. From there I headed out of the park, happy to exit on the side where I came in rather than having to walk all the way around for no good reason.

    I walked the path to the Contemporary and had a few minutes to check the shop on the concourse no backpacks of interest there either. The Dooney ones are a nice size, but Im not interested in a $248 backpack. My reservation for lunch was at noon, and I arrived downstairs at the Wave right on time. I was seated immediately, and my server explained the today items and some of the menu highlights. I was interested in the soup until I learned it was black bean & something I dont do beans of any kind or color.

    I went with a glass of pinot grigio from Australia (dry but light & refreshing) and the appetizer Harvest Salad. The salad was small but tasty, with a nice blend of ingredients (including apples, specks of blue cheese, and a cidery vinaigrette). When my server presented the dessert menu he raved about the chocolate trio. I dont normally order a $10.99 dessert, but today I figured what the hell and I ordered it. I was relieved to see they were all very small, so I didnt walk out of there feeling sick to my stomach! My least favorite was the german chocolate cake, so I didnt finish that. It was actually very, very good but not as exceptional as the other 2 items. The brownie was a little tiny DENSE square of chocolate topped with a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream and some fudge sauce that was much better than I expected it would be! The third item was chocolate crme brulee, which was outstanding. With Tables in Wonderland lunch was $28 and change with the included gratuity.

    After lunch I headed back outside. A bus was at the Contemporary bus stop, but it was going to Disney Springs. If it had been Animal Kingdom I might have taken that bus and transferred at the park. I walked over to Magic Kingdom and as I approached my bus stop I saw the resort bus pulling into the area. That was great timing! It pulled up just a minute or so after I got in the queue. I noticed earlier the Contemporary has the screens showing bus arrival times at their bus stops, and theyre partially installed (but not working) at Jambo House.

    The ride back to the resort was uneventful, and I used the time to finish the book Id been reading on my kindle. The lounge was pretty busy, although Im not sure why. It could be people waiting for their rooms to be ready I guess. I went to the studio and worked on the trip report until after 2:30, then went out to walk around the resort. Once Id covered Jambo House I walked over to Kidani Village, but that was disappointing. Most of the interesting animals were pretty far back at the moment, so I didnt stay long. To get back to Jambo House I hopped on the waiting Magic Kingdom bus rather than walking (although its not far).

    I checked out the lounge, and a family was just settling down at the one table with an electrical outlet. I was going to bring the laptop there and just hang out, but Ill try later. I went back over just after 4, and my table was empty. The table is actually just inside what used to be the kids area, where theres a small tv playing that nobody (including kids) watches. The reason is they have the big screen tv BLARING cartoon movies constantly! Today it was Brave, or Braveheart, or something like that. I was about as far away from it as possible yet the noise was deafening at times. Nothing like sword fights and explosions to create a relaxing ambiance.

    At one point I did go ask a cast member to turn it down I asked politely, although I wanted to rip that friggin tv off the wall and toss it over the railing to smash into several pieces on the lobby floor below. Ill save that sentiment for my satisfaction survey after the trip. Honestly, theres no need for a tv up here cant people simply converse with the others in their party, or read a book if solo???

    On the plus side, a cast member did come by to see if I wanted anything, which is a pleasant change from recent experiences. I thanked him but didnt ask for anything. 5pm will be here soon enough, and Im still full from lunch (or dessert, lol)!

    Just after 5 the lounge got really busy. A family with a toddler sat behind me, and when the mom went up to get food, dad (seated with his back about 6 inches from mine) was holding the toddler who was looking over his shoulder and SCREAMING mama, mama, mama, mama nonstop. God forbid you calm the kid down, but then I wouldnt have had the pleasure of that screaming in my ear. Thank goodness mom had a little more sense and could hear it on the other side of the room and she came back as quickly as possible. What use was Dad???

    Tonight the food is Egyptian chickpea and lentil falafel. The soup is African stew with broccolini, and the cold item is curried shrimp. None of those sounded fabulous to me Ive had the African stew and thats good, but a few pieces of cheese with some crackers was fine for me. They did have garlic and plain crostini bread today, instead of the flatbread.

    The lounge was still busy after the food ended at 7. I got a small cup of the African stew around 6 or so, and a few apple slices with caramel that I ate close to 7pm. Around 7:30 I took my stuff back to the studio, and went out to wander around one last time. I ended up with more than 20,000 steps today, according to my fitbit.

    I came back upstairs just after 8 and noticed the 8-10pm stuff wasnt quite open yet (the lights were not on). They seem to be struggling to meet the 5pm and 8pm timeframes for whatever reason. Theres really no excuse its not like those times randomly pop up from day to day.

    I packed up my few things now moving for the last night seems like a pain in the butt, but it did save me almost half the points the concierge room would have cost. I went back to the lounge at 8:10 and the lights were on. Unfortunately, all of the special desserts were gone, and without signs out to say what had been there I had no clue what Id missed. I took a chocolate brownie cupcake w/peanut butter icing, and an empty paper coffee cup back to the studio. I added cappuccino powder, then went back out to the lounge to make a small cup of my cappuccino.

    They had something that looked like mango in a tart, but also small rectangles of cheesecake. I took one of the cheesecake things and a chocolate chip cookie. The cheesecake was surprisingly delicious! I took it back to the studio and relaxed in the room the rest of the evening.

    Today was a very nice day perfect weather for touring the parks, decent fastpasses, and a surprisingly good lunch. That dessert at the Wave was simply awesome! Finally now its public information that Chris & Amanda are pregnant, and were looking forward to having 2 grandchildren this year one up north and one a Disney grandchild down south.

    Tomorrow I leave this room and move to a studio on the 5th floor, which means Ill be homeless part of the day. With fastpasses at the Studios and lunch at Chefs de France, hopefully by the time I finish that my studio will be ready if not, Ill be sitting in the lounge.


    DAY 3 Sunday 1/31/16
    Who: Sue (57), DVC Member

    Plan: Hollywood Studios, Chefs de France, Pool?, Concierge Lounge

    Actual: I could hear a little noise from the lobby last night, but nothing too bad. It didnt keep me awake, in any event. I had set the alarm earlier this morning, and got up with it at 5:30. This gives me more time to putter around before having to head out. My resort receipt had arrived via email, and there were no charges. Its nice to have a zero balance due it would be terrible to have to pay room & tax like non-dvc people! Yes, I know I pay dvc dues out the wazoo, but somehow thats different <g>.

    I showered & dressed, then luckily caught another gorgeous sunrise sky. Its very cloudy today, so the actual sun was not visible just the pretty colors. I heated water for cappuccino and went out to the lounge at 7, and they were struggling to meet that timeframe as well. They did get it set up by 7:05, but honestly it should be 100% ready BY 7, since thats the posted time. A couple of the longer-term cast members were working this morning and welcomed me back. I did find out that although Im check out of this room and into a non-concierge room today, I can do all of that up here in the lounge and not have to suffer through the indignity <g> of standing at the front desk in the lobby.

    The plan was to get gas at Boardwalk & park over there (across the street would be fine), then walk to the Studios for a couple fastpasses, then walk to Epcot for lunch, and then hope my new room would be ready at that point. What really happened was quite different, as those of you on facebook already know.

    I stopped by the concierge desk and she was able to check me out AND find that there was a studio in my category that was ready right now. Id told her since it was 1 night I didnt care where it was, although I was hoping it was reasonably close to the lounge. I have a parking lot view, but it IS very close in the short hallway the looks over the handicapped and short-term parking lot. I was happy with that, so I took my stuff to the new room glad I was having to carry the chocolate around with me (I hadnt eaten any of it yet).

    There was no point in unpacking, but I put the chocolate away and set my bag of toiletries on the bathroom sink, and set up the computer real quick before heading out the door. Im almost at the end of the hallway, so I turned that way and took the stairs down to the outside. When I got to my car I was surprised to see a flat tire very flat tire. I guess its good I discovered it today instead of tomorrow morning at 6am, but it still sucked. I went back up to the concierge lounge and asked the cast member what my options were. I have AAA, but I wasnt sure if dealing with Disney was possible or faster.

    He called the car care center for me and they sent someone out but warned it would be about an hour since they had a couple of car calls ahead of me. I went back to the studio for about 30 minutes, and then went back outside to side on the curb at the end of the row where Id parked. While I was in the room though, I got online and changed my fastpasses from Hollywood Studios to Epcot, and set up Spaceship Earth for 11:10-12:10 and Living with the Land for 12:40-1:40. I threw in Nemo for right after that, but hoped I wouldnt still be in the park that late.

    The tow truck came about an hour or so after the cast member had called, and a very nice man put air in my tire and when he couldnt hear the air escaping anywhere he told me I had enough time to drive over to the Car Care Center or elsewhere to get it checked. I wasnt going to risk waiting and trying to drive 120 miles home tomorrow, so I thanked him (there was no charge didnt have to use my AAA card either) and drove over to the Car Care Center.

    I filled up the gas tank first, then parked by the automotive repair. They told me it would be at least 2 hours before they could get it in, so I opted not to wait! They drove me to the TTC, dropping me off outside of the Lost & Found building. Sadly, Im all too familiar with this, having had car trouble a few times before over the years. I walked over to the monorail and rode to Epcot.

    SB called as I was getting off the monorail and walking up to the awful bag check area here. I watched the different cast members while I was on the phone, and was able to pick a line that moved quickly. The park didnt seem too crowded, but Spaceship Earth had big lines (as usual people stop on their way into the park). Fortunately with fastpass my wait was less than 5 minutes. Once on the ride it came to a complete stop 3 separate times. My guess is it had to stop to accommodate people who couldnt transfer quickly enough. That used to be the exception, but recently it seems to be impossible to ride it without this happening at least once or twice.

    After the ride I walked through Mouse Gear thinking they might have a small backpack, but they did not. It was about 20 minutes before 12, so I walked towards Mexico and walked around the countries to France. It was uncrowded and very comfortable its always nice to walk without people being in the way, too! I got to France just a minute or 2 before 12, and I checked in at the podium for my 12:10 reservation. They started calling names, and after the 12pm people were called they called me. I was pleased to get a table right at the window, which I hadnt dared hope for without a 12pm reservation!

    My server (and some of the others) were training new people who were on their first day. He did a good job, but sadly he didnt look like Pierre from a few years ago. Several of my female friends will remember Pierre! Oooh la la, lol! For lunch I had the house chardonnay and the French onion soup. The soup is outstanding I really like it here. Im not normally a big chardonnay fan, but here it seems to go well with the soup. I also like the warm crusty baguette! I declined dessert, not wanting to be stuffed like yesterday. After Tables in Wonderland lunch was around $16.

    After lunch I walked back the way Id come, so I was able to walk most of World Showcase again. I was inside my next Fastpass window, so I walked over to the Land and rode Living with the Land. Its a shame to see Soarin all closed up. Whats even more bizarre is seeing the people getting off Living with the Land who go over and act surprised that Soarin is closed. Hello people you had to walk past a HUGE SIGN stating that fact in order to get into the building, lol!

    I went back outside and called the Car Care Center, only to learn they couldnt find anything wrong with my tire. They took it off & put it in water but were unable to find any air escaping from the tire or the valve stem. He said they even overinflated it. Short of someone intentionally letting air out of my tire, what could have happened???

    I left Epcot and rode the monorail back to TTC, then called for a ride once I got back to Lost & Found. The same guy as this morning returned to pick me up, and when I went inside to get my keys I showed them the photo of my flat tire this morning. They were shocked, and couldnt figure it out but did suggest checking it in the morning. LOL I think I will! There was no charge for their service, which surprised me I expected to pay some fee, so I was really shocked. Of course, Ive probably more than paid for it in prior service there they tend to be on the high side!

    I drove back to Jambo House, and parked where a street light would be next to my tire so I can see it in the morning. Back in the studio I downloaded the photos from my camera, then uploaded them to shutterfly while I updated the report. The photos are on shutterfly at
    share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZNGTdm2bMWjNsg

    Around 3:15 I went up to the lounge for a couple of the delicious scones to save for breakfast tomorrow morning, then grabbed the laptop/phone/kindle and went back up to sit in the lounge. The tv movie was a bit too loud, but not as bad as yesterday. If all these people clear out around 4 Ill ask the cast members to turn it down then.

    The lounge actually stayed busy without a break tonight, with several people waiting for 5pm to arrive. At times people were eating standing up, or sitting on the floor. They could probably fit another one or possibly 2 tables in here if they rearranged things, or perhaps they just sell too many concierge rooms for the size of the lounge <g>. I gave away my tables 2nd chair pretty early, when a lady asked if it was available. Since my table is against the wall, it doesnt have 4 chairs like most of the others.

    At one point a man and & his kids started using the empty part of my table while I was up getting something. He left as I came back, but left his dirty plate behind. I see a lot of people who eat and drink up a storm, then get up and walk away with piles of dirty dishes, glasses & napkins scattered all over the table. We ALWAYS clear our table its not that hard, and its just so ignorant to not do so. The lounge has a couple of stations with a trash can underneath and a tray on top to hold the dirty dishes/glasses/silverware. The cast members do go around clearing crap off peoples tables, but that doesnt mean the guests cant pick up after themselves too.

    Tonight the hot food was Moroccan beef with tomato chutney, which is a tasty little meatball with stuff on top. The soup is Ivory Coast Seafood Stew, so I didnt touch that <g>. The cold item was the gazpacho, which is always delicious. I had one of the beef and a gazpacho, then stuck with the manchego cheese and crackers. Tonight they had the flatbread and the crispy things, in addition to basic water crackers.

    By 6:15 it was starting to slow down, but still every table was occupied. By 6:30 several tables were empty, but then a family of 4 took the table across from me. Dad was LOUD obnoxiously so. First one of the kids was watching the little tv and Dad had to bellow over there to talk to the kid. Then the kid came back to the table, but even sitting right there the Dads volume was what I would call shouting. Nobody else in the lounge spoke anywhere near as loud as this bozo. He also took off his sneakers and was walking around in his socks totally classy. Its a shame something like the concierge lounge has been dumbed down to bumpkin level. He was also wearing a Gators logo shirt, so its possible he was from Gainesville (or went to school there) sigh. I didnt ask, as I was afraid his reply might have burst my eardrums since I was about 8 feet away!

    The previous nights Id noticed near the end of the 2-hour period the basket of crackers would be nearly empty. Tonight just before 7 it was just plain gone didnt exist. In my opinion, ALL of the food offerings need to be available for the full 2 hours. People are paying a premium for this access, and those who dont get here until 6:45 shouldnt have to settle for partial stuff or leftovers. The cast members do go around to the tables to let give people a 5-minute warning that the food (whats left of it) is going to be pulled.

    Earlier this afternoon when I was in the lounge I did see people getting wine or beer, but in every case they went up and asked a cast member. They dont circulate offering stuff outside of the scheduled hours but its available upon request. At one point during the evening a cast member approached my table to see if I had anything he could clear or anything he could bring me that was nice.

    Id thought about going out to see the animals around sunset, but next think I knew it was 7pm and totally dark outside. Labor Day weekend will be better, because itll still be light during that hour between dinner and desserts. I went back down to the studio around 7:30, bringing all my electronics with me. I actually feel like Ive been here a long while, although its only the 3rd night. I sure hope my tire is good in the morning!

    Around 8 I decided to make one last trip to the lounge to check out the desserts, but first I made a detour to the parking lot to see my tire. First though, I downloaded a flashlight app for my phone in case the streetlight wasnt enough. I took the stairs down, and when I got to my car the spot next to mine was empty so I had a great view without needing the flashlight. The tire looked good, so lets hope it looks that way in the morning.

    I went back inside and up to the lounge, where they had some fruit tarts with strawberry, blueberries, a raspberry & coconut. They looked good, so I took one. They also had a cupcake with some type of brown icing in fancy peaks, so I took one of those as well. Im not sure what it is, but I tried a bite and it tasted good (very moist). I added a cup of ice water and took it back to the studio.

    Once I tried the fruit tart I realized I should have gotten a couple of those it was outstanding! I think the other one was banana bread shaped like a muffin, with light chocolate icing. It was good too and something I havent seen before. I finished up the report and got it posted, since now Im in for the night. Ill be up early to make the drive home, since I want to be there online at 8 to book Chris & Amandas Labor Day weekend room.

    Other than the tire issue today and the tv in the lounge being ridiculously loud, this was a really nice little weekend trip. I really like this resort, but only want to be here when nothings going on to make me insist on being elsewhere. I wont stay here during Food & Wine Festival, for example that time of year it makes no sense to stay anywhere but Beach Club or Boardwalk. Thats why I own points at both of those resorts! I am looking forward to returning here for Labor Day weekend, which is when Im normally here. That trip will be exciting, as it will be the first trip with our FL grandchild not that a 1.5-2 month old baby will be expressing opinions on what to do next <g>.

    Until then, my next trip will be in early March, for the Flower & Garden Festival. That will include staying at Boardwalk, and Starship is the concert band! SB should be with me for the first half of the trip, and then Ill be solo for the last night or 2. Until then, thanks for reading!

    Sue (Holland) Rayford
    WDW1972

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  3. #2
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Drexel Hill, PA

    Great report as usual. Hope the tire was okay on the way home. Congratulations on the awesome news about the grandbabaies on the way.


  4. #3
    MousePlanet Columnist
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Florida

    Thank you! The tire's been fine so far - still inflated.

    Sue (Holland) Rayford
    WDW1972

  5. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Wisconsin

    Congrats Sue, on the new grand Baby! Love reading your trip reports. Thanks for writing them.


  6. #5

    Wonderful report, as usual. Congratulations on the new addition to your family!


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