concierge rules at gf

[gritreid]

okay, i have a question. we are staying at the grand floridian in a standard room and my brother is there at the same time and he is staying at the sugar loaf concierge. will we be able to go to his building and see his room or get a snack if we go with him?

[gepetto]

The concierge services are only for the people that PAID for them.

[AllyandJack]

I'm sure you can go and see his room even if you can't go into the lounge. I don't know how that works with "guests of guests." I don't see why you wouldn't be able to sit in his room though. :confused: :confused:

[ducklite]

Originally posted by gritreid
okay, i have a question. we are staying at the grand floridian in a standard room and my brother is there at the same time and he is staying at the sugar loaf concierge. will we be able to go to his building and see his room or get a snack if we go with him?

You will be able to go see his room (he'll have to let you into the building though), but only registered guests in concierge rooms are supposed to use the concierge lounge and facilities. In all honesty, his room will look just like yours unless he has a suite.

Will they stop you? Probably not. But IMHO it would be an incredibly rude thing to do. Not to mention embarrassing if they do decide to ask you for ID.

Anne

[lookingforward]

When we were at the AKL concierge my mom came to visit for a few hours before dinner. The concierge staff told me she was welcome to sit in the lounge with us and enjoy a cup of coffee,etc. As it turned out we did not have time but its not like she would have pulled into the lounge with a u-haul! Have your family member who is staying in the concierge room ask the attendants if one visit would be okay. Your question was an honest and open one. I find it very concerning when people have to attach words like "rude" to voice their opinions. I hope you have a great trip.

[gepetto]

lookingforward, some of the concierge lounges get very crowded. Last time we stayed at AKL, the lounge was so packed that we had to take our snacks and drinks to our room almost every day we were there. As a concierge guest, I would have been livid if I found out there were people in the lounge that were "friends and family" of concierge guests.

[Gillian]

Yes, let's all be nice. gritreid asked a harmless question! Most people had never even heard of concierge buildings/floors until they came to the DIS.

I have been asked for my key at the lounge in other hotels, but it isn't always a key-access only floor. The last time I was at the Hilton WDW I was asked for my key once & I saw someone else asked for theirs the day before.

[lookingforward]

gepetto, I definately agree with you. I am sure they said yes because it was slow and an off hour she would have been there (not when there were any hot food/alcohol offerings) I most certainly agree that the concierge lounge is for those who pay, however I am sure single exceptions might or could be made taking into account occupancy, time of day, etc. But I hear you when you talk about crowded lounges! I guess I just wanted to make the point that people should be a little kinder on these boards and you never know till you ask!

[ducklite]

LIke the other poster said...concierge services are for those that PAID for them! I generally stay concierge, and it irks me to think that the rates are higher because of guests of guests.

For every person who stops by these boards and asks, there are five who don't bother.

I stand by my previous post. I think it's rude to take advantage of services you aren't paying for, not to mention adding to crowds. When I was at the AKL in December, the lounge was extremely crowded at breakfast. One morning we saw a guy come in with guests that we kind of knew from another Internet group. We know for a fact he wasn't staying there. Yet he sat there with them and ate a HUGE breakfast, at the expense of the guests who were paying to stay there.

To me it's kind of like shoplifters. In the end it's the consumer who picks up the tab for their expiditions with higher prices.

Anne

[LoriZH]

We have been at concierge a few times (NOT at GF) and it's always crowded and we find we have to take food and drinks back to our room (no biggie) a lot. I for one wouldn't be offended or upset if others were there as guests if the staff okay'd it, but I certainly would ask first. Just ask your brother to ask the staff if it would be okay if you guys "pop" in and have a quick look around, I'm sure they will let you know either way. Besides, people are getting upgrades left and right in hotels as well as airlines (being bumped up to first class) and they receive all the services the people who paid for it get and most people don't care or know about it. I would only be upset if someone did it without asking a cm first, afterall, they shouldn't be deceitful about it.

So go have fun and let us know how your trip is!!!!

[gepetto]

Originally posted by LoriZH
We have been at concierge a few times (NOT at GF) and it's always crowded and we find we have to take food and drinks back to our room (no biggie) a lot.

It is a "biggie" to me if I have to take food to my room because of the non-concierge guests taking up space at the tables.

[ducklite]

Originally posted by lookingforward
gepetto, I definately agree with you. I am sure they said yes because it was slow and an off hour she would have been there (not when there were any hot food/alcohol offerings)

I don't have a problem with someone "looking around" during an off time. That doesn't cost anyone anything in food or space. I do have a problem with people stopping in for a "snack". During busy times and when food is out, the lounge should be reserved exclusively for PAYING guests.

Anne

[ducklite]

Originally posted by gepetto


It is a "biggie" to me if I have to take food to my room because of the non-concierge guests taking up space at the tables.

Yup. If I'm paying for it, and I can't get a table because a freeloader is there (and I'm not talking about someone who got a free upgrade when they checked in), I'm going to complain.

Anne

[mkellym]

Feel free to go and check out his room and concierge. Every time we have stayed in concierge at WDW, the staff has always allowed us to bring gueste. Our Nanny comes over durring the day to watch the kids and she has always been welcomed in the conciwrge lounge. WE are leaving in 2 days to spend 9 days at VWL and GF RPC and plan on our nanny visitong both.

[ContempoSMT]

gepetto - what is up with you ?
I have stayed in concierge only once or twice and it was a treat. It seems that you have stayed in concierge more then once and have the money to stay in it. I by no means have no problem with people who want to come in the concierge look around with people whom are staying in concierge and want to have a few drinks and snacks. The one time istayed in Grand Floridian we had friends come in and they had snacks and drinks with us... By the way i have never been in a concierge area where the area was full. I would assume most of the time it is like that.
I would say go ahead and bring ur friends and family in there.

[gepetto]

Originally posted by ContempoSMT
By the way i have never been in a concierge area where the area was full. I would assume most of the time it is like that.


The lounges are often very crowded with no tables available.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

The Sugar Loaf lounge is small and nothing special. You wouldn't be missing out of much by not seeing it.

There is no problem visiting friends/family's rooms, but, please don't use the concierge services unless you book it. They opperate the concierges (food and services) based on the amount of people booked into that level.

AND, yes, concierge areas often get crowded (especially GF Sugar Loaf).

[lookingforward]

It is obivious that it can't be a blanket answer either way about non concierge guests. There are ALWAYS special circumstances and certainly less busy times when the concierge staff might make a decision either way. It is so disconcerting to me to see someone ask a simple question on this board and then have people turn it into a heated debate with words like "freeloaders" "rude" and "shoplifters". Of course there are people who will take advantage of everything and anything but most people have good sense and good manners. It always seems like the same people like to point out the worst case scenerios and attribute it to the lowest levels of civility.

I often stay on the concierge level and love to have that special, high quality experience. But I have never seen anyone "freeloading" or "shoplifting" free cookies and chicken sticks.

I do agree that some lounges get crowded but I always attributed that to poor planning by the hotels either setting aside too small a room or over booking.

[mousehut101]

I know im going to have one of yall fire back at me for this. But even as a full paying consierge guest, i see nothing wrong with bringing a relative for a afternoon as long as its not taking away from anyone elses experience. And do you REALLY think Disney would lower their prices if they "knew" that no one was bringing in their "friends"??? Come on...get with it. No matter what their prices will be what they will be. And they will raise them when they see fit...not if they have to pay for an extra cookie and soda one day. Thats nothing. Start worrying about yourself instead of others...this is what ruins the magic.

[VickiVM]

The original poster asked about the "Concierge rules at gf". I think some of the responses have been condescending and downright rude. People come to DIS to get information and ask about others' experiences at WDW. (Incidentally, this was the OP's 3rd post...nice way to make her feel welcome.) She wasn't asking for our permission to visit her brother in concierge...she was asking what the rules are. If you know the rules, then state them. If not, then getting indignant and judgmental certainly isn't the appropriate thing to do.

[lookingforward]

I AGREE!!!!!!!! I hope the original poster hangs in there with this board because it really is a great way to learn about Disney.

[gepetto]

Originally posted by mousehut101
And they will raise them when they see fit...not if they have to pay for an extra cookie and soda one day.

Concierge service is more than cookies and soda. AKL has African wines. How about the expensive cordials they put out in the evenings or the food from the restaurants? And yes, if people continue to bring in their non-paying friends the prices will go up.

[GoofyDisney]

It says "Welcomed Guest" under User Names for a reason. Let's not villify someone for asking a question. You can state your opinion without being ugly. "Disney Veterans" should know better.

It is some peoples opinion that someone visiting Concierge should not also snack. That is fine.

But have a great trip no matter what! And whether you snack or not...go peek at the Concierge level. Any guest can ask at the front desk for a tour of the Concierge levels. (and any suites if they are unoccupied)

[mkellym]

GEPETTo... You're taking this waaaay to personal! Lighten UP!

[mousehut101]

I definatly agree with mkellym. You need tor really lighten up and accept other people opinions as well. The origional poster wanted a group of opinions. Not just yours.

[PlutoPal]

Hey Gepetto, why do you care about this so much? ContempoSMT stayed in a concierge room a couple of years ago and when I went to visit him at the GF, we went to the place where there is food and we just hanged out there and ate the food. There were barely any people there! Are you saying you want me to send the money for the food to Disney just because I am not paying for a concierge room? You have got to be kidding me!!!!!!

Here's a situation, you tell me if I'm right ok bud?

You are at WDW and are staying in a concierge room. You have relatives that you met down there and they arent staying in a concierge room but want to come over and hang out and relax while eating food on your concierge floor. Would you say no, you cant come over? Or would you make them pay for the food?

PLEASE, give me a break!

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Come on folks, lighten up a bit. The original poster has gotten a variety of answers. If the staff tells the guests of the guest "to enjoy the services" or if a CM takes you on a tour and allows you to take advantage of the concierge service, that is one thing. But, concierge levels are meant for the use of the registered guest(s) paying for that level of service.

And, yes, as the cost to opperate the concierge levels go up (food and/or services) the rate will rise to pay for those expenses (in addition to the yearly price increase, which possibly includes an increase in price for these kinds of things).

Check with the concierge and see if guests of yours may also use the service. Then go with their answer.

[Tinky]

ummm the tension is definately upsetting the tiki gods... people, people, people, agree to disagree and.... move forward.. please???
<can you tell i'm totally non-confrontational?) :o

[Tinky]

ummm the tension is definately upsetting the tiki gods... people, people, people, agree to disagree and.... move forward.. please??? And while moving forward, please make sure to keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle.
<can you tell i'm totally non-confrontational?) :o

[suzywindy]

My DH called the RPC Concierge staff and asked. I had the same question as this post. There are 8 of us going in 3 different rooms. We are in the RPC, my daughter and husband will be in the Sugar Loaf, and friends of ours in a regular room. We also questioned about bringing someone back. However, every trip -no matter where we stay we always wind up going back to someone's room - either to drop off packages or get changed. So we were wondering how to handle this when we go back to our room with a relative or friend with us, so we called because we did not want to feel uncomfortable ourselves = let alone anyone in our family as we are not trying to get away with anything. They told my husband not to worry, guests simply stopping in were ok as long as we were with them. I also do not want to feel uncomfortable stopping by my daughters room at the Sugar Loaf - but I doubt I will be looking for something to eat.

Can't wait!

[Disneydenise]

This board is great. I think we need to start a new debate over the mugs. I often wonder why people ask any questions regarding something that could possibly start a moral discussion. It really only gives the holier than thou crowd a forum.
The self rigteous should have a forum just for themselves.
If I am at the GF staying concierge and you really want a cookie come on by and I'll see if I can *steal* you one. Mickey probably won't mind anywhere near as much as the moral police of this board.

[dumboroo]

I am not sure about Disney's policy but, some congeries charge their guests a fee each day they bring a guest in to the lounge.
I don't think you would devour all the food in the lounge if you sat there for fifteen of twenty minutes. So go ahead, visit your brother and see the lounge for a brief time, but I would suggest you don't stay the whole day.

I have had an experience at a hotel (not in Florida) where the lounge was packed with non concierge guests. Before I start I don't want anyone to think this is what the poster was planning on doing.
Each time I would go in to the lounge there was a large group of people, about eight to ten, that had pulled most of the tables together to form a big one so they all could sit at it. Needless to say there were not many places left to sit. The group would never completely leave, a few at a time would leave to go shopping, but there were always at least three people left. They would drink up most of the wine and liquors in the lounge as well as eat most of the food. I naturally figured that they were all concierge guests, it turns out only two were. This revelation did anger me, because they were ruining other people's experiences, I hoped the extra people were being charged a fee.

I think this kind of abuse of the lounge services is uncalled for. Large groups of people do make others mad, but if one person comes in for a brief amount of time it is okay.

[Cinderella]

Gepetto is entitled to his/her opinion and does not deserve to be attacked for not agreeing with the majority. If I had paid good money to stay at concierge level - I would not be happy if others were using the facility for free, anymore than I would like hordes of people from other resorts coming over to use my hotel pool.

To the original poster - I am sure visiting your brother's room won't be a problem but, if you want an official answer as to whether you would be able to join him for snacks in the concierge lounge, maybe you should call CRO, or call the hotel manager directly.

[hmp2z]

I think that there is a difference between visiting a concierge lounge with a paying guest, while that paying guest eats, and between a friend coming in and helping himself to food that he hasn't paid for. If you stop by to say hi to a friend who's having dinner at the Cape May buffet, do you help yourself to some of the desserts while you're at it? If you accompany a friend to the doctor's office, do you expect a free exam? If you go to the movies, would you let friends in through a side door? The answer to all three questions is no, of course not. It's not just tacky - it's improper. If you haven't paid for the service, you should not use it. There's a word for this: stealing.
Now, this is not to imply that the original poster meant this - perhaps he or she just wanted to know if they could hang out in the lounge while their friends ate the food they had paid for. In this case, if it's okay with the concierge, then I see no problem with it.
I think that, as far as the complaints for self righteousness, it's not really an issue of that. It's more a matter of some people who will take what isn't theirs, and help spoil it for the paying customers who have, after all, paid a premium for this service.
Cheers!
Heather P

[Patrick IL.]

Ok guys second and last reminder by a moderator on being rude. There is no reason for it. When I have stayed concierge the "staff" was very familiar with the guests. I think they would realize when people were bringing in other guests. I do not see a problem with someone visiting your room. I do believe they may have a problem with guests having other folks enjoying the treats in the lounge. This of course is my opinion, I do not work for disney. The question would be best answered by guest services at that individual resort. :)

[amw5g]

I hardly think this is an issue of morals or the moral police. In a capitalist system, you are given service in return for paying a fee. If you do not pay, you do not get the benefits of the service. Any other way would be what, class? Communism! ;) I could see perhaps a communist Vietnamese or Chinese person feeling entitled to something for which they did not pay, but anyone else in the free world should be able to grasp the nuances of "Money for Goods" trade.

We have a whole section of local, state and federal laws set aside for dealing with people who believe themselves above this protocol. "Taking property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property" is larceny. If the value of those goods reches a certain threshhold, it is called "grand larceny". When you purposefully walk into the concierge lounge and deprive other guests of using the service for which they paid, whether it be a cookie, a glass of water or occupancy, you are committing a fraud against those rightful owners.

This August, when I'm staying at Wilderness Lodge concierge level (probably the only time) for my honeymoon and you decide that your perfectly adequate standard room entitles you to partake in the concierge perks for which I have paid, I am going to make sure you hear the full length of my disgust for your larceny. You will not be allowed to leave until the I have exhuasted all available sources of wrath. You will also know what it means to be called a thief in front of any nearby friends and family. Should you have children in the room, I will ensure that they forever understand how their mother or father stole property that did not belong to them and how they should be ashamed to share a name and genetic makeup with the perpetrator! All bow before my tirade! Well, maybe not quite that far....

This is not morals ladies and gentlemen- morals imply room to argue and dicker based upon intanigble sets of values. There is no way to justify theft of concierge services. Why don't you go try to take some "unused" money from the bank and se how far your moral argument gets you.

Won't someone think of the children!? ;)

-Andrew

[Patrick IL.]

I think we have pretty much reached impass here. I am locking this since it has more turned into a debate then a simple question and answer session. Opinions are wonderful, but the negitivity is not. Anyone wishing to actually have a debate on this subject feel free to start the topic on our debate board.