Wilderness Lodge Conceirge

[JRoglitz]

Anyone had any experiences with WL conceirge? Would just like to know what you thought...Thanks

[Eeyore1954]

My DW and I did this in May and we thought it was great. The staff were very responsive to our requests and they handled everything quickly. We made a number of PS and PS changes -- everything was handled without a problem or error.

The snacks were good, but we discovered you can't wait around too long or they are gone. The staff was usually pretty good about keeping items stocked. We were at the parks a lot so we didn't eat much there, but when we did it was good. I don't think you could make a meal out of it.

Turndown service was iffy -- sometimes it happened, sometimes not. This was not a big issue with us -- we turn down our own bed every night and I certainly don't need the chocolate! However, for a family this could be something of a disappointment. Depends on how you look at it.

I would give it a thumbs up -- we thought it was worth it for the extra attention.

[Mad4Mickey]

I know this thread was old ( from last summer) but I thought I would see if I could breathe life back into it . I would like to hear what other people thought about WL Conceirge service . What did you love about it ? By posting I know that they do not have a lounge but that it no problem for me . I did not know that they had turn down service , I think that would make the boys who are 3 and 7 feel special . So come on people lets hear it :D

[lornak]

We stayed there in May of '02. We were offered an updgrade at check in (for $40 extra per night) and we felt it was definitely worth it!!! We loved the room as well as the view (could see the CR and the castle...watched fireworks from our blacony).
We took advantage of the food offerings--especially breakfast. It was so convenient to grab breakfast before heading to the parks. There were 4 of us in our group so I felt like the savings just on breakfast was substantial. There are tables scattered around the buffet (down the "hall" area) so we always had a place to sit and eat. We loved the view of the lobby from these tables...it always made for a peaceful meal time. Food service during the afternoon was slim...mostly snacks and beverages, but we enjoyed grabbing an afternoon snack (pretzels, nuts, cookies, muffins, candy, lemondae, tea, etc....). In the evening they added a more substantial item to the buffet. Soups, stews, pulled chicken sandwiches, etc. Evening desserts were plentiful and good. Overall we ate a lot of our meals here (but please note we were a grandma, a mom and 4 and 6 year old girls...there is NO WAY my husband would have thought this was enough food for him!:) To us, the food service was the best part of the concierge upgrade. We never had turn down service or any other special service from the concierge staff. The staff was VERY friendly and helpful but there were no other "perks", if you will.

[Elk34]

We had the upgrade at check in too ($30 from a courtyard view). I asked about turn down service and they had that taken care of for the week also even though we kept our room on the 5th floor instead of the 7th floor concierge level.

And we did eat dinner at the concierge level on 2 different nights. I am 6'9" and 250 lbs. and I was able to satisfy my significant hunger at the nighttime meal. One night there was a hearty buffalo chili and another it was a shrimp soup thing with HUGE shrimp in it. Crustless pb&j sandwiches were a hit with our girls too. This along with a lighter soup, really good cheese and crackers, fruit etc made a perfectly fine meal. Especially if you come back a couple of hours later for the desserts , wine and after dinner luquors.

It is a great deal. We only used the concierge staff a couple of times but they were very nice. Breakfast alone makes it worthwhile.

[turbodisney]

Do they offer the upgrade at check-in or do you ask?

Is there a certain way that you should ask if the up-grade is available?

Thanks

[#1MMFan]

I thought WL concierge was awesome. Would highly recommend. Were fortunate to get the upgrade price, and arranged before going as a special surprise.

Can't wait to go back!

John :bounce:

[Mad4Mickey]

Thanks everyone !!!!
WISHING YOU ALL DISNEY DAYS AHEAD !!!

[luckytso]

Does anyone know the hours for the concierge? How late can you get water/soda? Are they just sitting around or if you have to ask someone for them? Do they provide carton milk? Thanks:D

[Elk34]

I just flat out asked at check-in and the CM seemed like it was a very common question so don't feel hesitant to ask.

The lounge was open from like 7am to 10pm (I think). It had milk with breakfast but it was a carafe and glasses were available. The bottle water was a big glass bottle to pour into glasses and not plastic ones to take with you.

In the afternoon they had juice pouches for the kids and can soft drinks. There was always a food spread out throughout the day. It went from breakfast to afternoon snack to dinner to after dinner. Always plenty of drink selections. You just help yourself and don't have to "order" from anyone. However I think if you ask for something they will get it for you if possible.

[Mad4Mickey]

Lornak , do you remember your RM# ? We have been trying to read over all the old post to see what would be the best one. I guess everyone wants the "best one" LOL . If you do please PM me.Please ,please with sugar on top , and lots of pixie dust around the bowl:)

[Mad4Mickey]

BUMP:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[giatocj]

Being converts from a planned trip next March (2004) to the new Fairytale Package for this Oct. we opted to keep the concierge reservation at WL that we had originally booked. With the package, for 7 nights it was only about $40/more per night.

I can't speak for the WL concierge because this is our first time staying at that hotel, but if it's anything like the AKL I'm sure it's going to be great. The food is out at the designated times, but drinks are available the entire time the lounge is open, which is a huge plus for us...my bf and grandson drink LOADS of water and juice. Plus, we love the small boxes of cereals to use for snacks in the room, at the parks, etc.

Speaking only for myself, I find it well worth the extra cost to have the concierge service. On top of the food/beverage perks I like the fact I don't have to do any of the PS legwork.

Donna C.

[Mad4Mickey]

Well it is all set !!!! Oct 19,-27 ( thanks to the Faireytale Package!)
Conceirge here we come. We are going to go and just live with how it is I get mixed reviews on the conceirge level at WL. BUt we gotts try it ...

Wishing you many Disney Days Ahead !!!!!

[GlennandAnn]

You can ask when you check in what the ugrade rate would be to change to concierge. We did last June and were upgraded for $40 per night. It was well worth it. At the time we were a family of Mom, Dad and 3 y/o DS (we have since added another DS), so we ate a substantial breakfast there every morning. Cold cereals, bagels, muffins, juice, milk, coffee, tea. The afternoon snacks were just things to munch on, nuts, pretzels, PBJ sandwiches for kids, gummy worms, lemonade, Coke, water. The dinner offering was excellent every night. There were 2 soups and an entree from Artist Point along with bread, veggies and dip and other things I have forgotten. At night, there were lots of dessert selections from Artist Point and cordials and wines. There was always plenty of food out at all times, and if there was something you wanted that wasn't out, we just asked for it. The staff was very helpful with PS and suggestions of what to do with DS around the resort. They were always playing with him when we came off the elevators and they remembered his name which made him feel really special. We had turndown service every night, even on the bunk that DS was not using! He loved hoarding the chocolates!! Every day after the room was made up, his stuffed animals were posed and towels were folded specially for him. I do have to add that the concierge amenities paled in comparision to the wake up calls from Mickey for DS!! We thoroughly enjoyed the concierge experience at WL, and would do it again in a minute.

Ann

[BethA]

I saw a post somewhere of someone who stayed in the villas, but added on concierge. Is it possible to pay the extra if you booked with points. We have stayed on the concierge floor and loved it.

[marybdisney]

Do you still have to pay $10 a night to get a refrigerator in your room on the conceirge level or do they let you have it free? Since they provide drinks out in the lobby I realize you really wouldn't need a room refrigerator except that we have baby formula to refrigerate.......

[GlennandAnn]

Marybdisney-

On the concierge level, there is already a fridge in the room. You don't have to ask for it or pay extra for it.

Ann

[Liv2CdWorld]

We just returned from a WONDERFUL trip.....

We originally booked Poly Concierge but missed WL too much. So, we switched resorts. As soon as we walked into the resort, we both said "Aaah".

WL concierge staff were helpful and very friendly. The food was good, but does go quickly. The view from our room brought tears to my eyes.....

The mousekeeping was excellent and so was the turndown service. Our mousekeeper actually asked if we could request her for Saturday because she wanted to continue to make animal towels for my kids and she knew we were leaving on Sunday.

I just love that resort. I was almost crying this morning becuase we were leaving..... :(

[tttdizcrazy]

Are the rooms on the concierge level similar to the deluxe rooms, in that they are larger, or are they standard rooms with concierge amenities?

[catheren]

The rooms are the same size as all other rooms at the WL. The balconies are all dormer style -- you have no view unless you are standing.

There are suites, which are larger.

[hockey mom]

Is there a T.V. in the conceirge lounge? When you say the food goes quickly does that mean that if Breakfast is from 7-10 and you don't get up until 9 you could be out of luck. I would hate to pay for something and then feel rushed to enjoy it.

[floridafam]

There is no tv in the lounge. It really isn't a true lounge. It's more of an area. They may have added a tv recently but not when we were there in October.

I really think WL has a lot of potential. I don't know if it is possible for them to build a true lounge area but that would be nice and they could play Disney videos on the tv, etc.

I often went up for breakfast at 9 or 9:30-I like to sleep in on vacation and there always seemed to be plenty. It's not pancakes, waffles, etc. but if we wanted that on a particular day then we just ordered room service.

The one thing I didn't do while we were there is ask for things and now I know from these boards that most concierges at Disney will get you soda, bottled water, etc. if you just ask and you can also inform them of any special dietary needs and they will do their best to help you.

[catheren]

We were at the WL conceirge last week April, first of May 2003. There is no TV, you have a TV in your room. I am glad, with no TV your family can talk, laugh, and plan together what to do next.

As far as food going quickly, the CM's are constantly replenishing anything that may run out. They do however keep a strick timetable of setting up and breaking down. But that's WDW, think of fireworks and parade times -- WDW is always on schedule!

[Millipore]

Beth

who was your mousekeeper. We had Diane and she made alot of animal towels for our kids... one set was toothbrush holders..



Originally posted by Liv2CdWorld
We just returned from a WONDERFUL trip.....

We originally booked Poly Concierge but missed WL too much. So, we switched resorts. As soon as we walked into the resort, we both said "Aaah".

WL concierge staff were helpful and very friendly. The food was good, but does go quickly. The view from our room brought tears to my eyes.....

The mousekeeping was excellent and so was the turndown service. Our mousekeeper actually asked if we could request her for Saturday because she wanted to continue to make animal towels for my kids and she knew we were leaving on Sunday.

I just love that resort. I was almost crying this morning becuase we were leaving..... :(

[Liv2CdWorld]

We had Diane too! I'll be writing guest services letting them know how pleased I was! She went above and beyond!

As far as my comment above about the food going quickly - during the evening desserts (8:00 - 10:00) the hot cobbler went very quickly. I don't think that was an item they replaced. Once it was gone, it was gone.

Everything else was wonderful. And yes, if you ask them for items not out, they'll do there best to accomodate. Everyday we had to ask them for chocolate milk for my DS.

[gogoofygo]

This was really the highlight of our trip- everyone was so nice and great at remembering your names ect... My son lost his wallet the first day of vacation--with all his spending $$$-- Cocierge service called the stores we had been to and the lost and found to no avail--the next day they came to our room with a "present" and card for my son- a new wallet! He was so pleased--this was really very nice!! We also had Diane- and the towel animals were a real hit. If you book concierge rooms in advance what is the usual cost? Will do it again that's for sure.
:)

[Millipore]

gogoofygo...

did you upgrade to concierge? What level room were you booked in and how much was your upgrade?

[gogoofygo]

We were upgraded at check in for $60 more per night- we had a woodsview for 139 originally. We were in room 7046- could see the castle!!

[Millipore]

gogoofygo

when were you there? we had room 7049 and upgraded from a standard room at 124 per night for 55 per night.

[momtotwinglesx4]

We have a deluxe room (aka jr. suite) reserved for New Year's. Does anybody know if you can upgrade to concierge with these rooms? I know there aren't any deluxe rooms on the 7th floor, but I've heard of people at other resorts getting concierge lounge access even though their room wasn't on the concierge floor.

Sue

[gogoofygo]

$124 plus $55--that was a great deal!! We were there last week.
Do you know the "rackl" rate for these rooms?? When did you go-perhaps the upgrade cost depends on the season?

[Liv2CdWorld]

Originally posted by gogoofygo
$124 plus $55--that was a great deal!! We were there last week.
Do you know the "rackl" rate for these rooms?? When did you go-perhaps the upgrade cost depends on the season?

That is a FANTASTIC rate!! The rack for regular season is $385! I thought I got a deal at $279:eek: !

[Millipore]

GoGoofyGo

We were there the first week of May. Most of the upgrades I read about were $35 on a woods or courtyard view room. I wonder why it cost you $60?

Beth

Don't forget that we upgraded the room. I'm sure you can't book a conciere room in the $180 - $190 range. If you don't book upfront, you take the chance of there not being an upgrade available. But I guess you could always add concierge access to any room from what I have read.

[Mad4Mickey]

BUMP



:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce:

[dizneykid]

does wl conceirge have bottled water? i thought i read a trip report that they did and that the family would grab a few before going to the parks.

just wondering.:D

[Liv2CdWorld]

Originally posted by dizneykid
does wl conceirge have bottled water? i thought i read a trip report that they did and that the family would grab a few before going to the parks.

just wondering.:D
Yes, they have bottled water, but you have to ask for it. They don't have it out. They have a large bottle of water out for concierge guests to poor into a glass.

[dizneykid]

thanks, beth

by the way, i love your bouncing hidden mickey. :D

[Liv2CdWorld]

Originally posted by dizneykid
thanks, beth

by the way, i love your bouncing hidden mickey. :D
Thanks! But I actually can't take the credit. I got it from another person on this board......I can't remeber her name for the life of me though!

Just an FYI about WL concierge.....DH and I stayed at WL the last 4 visits.....I have to say that I love the resort. However, we discussed the concierge and for us, it really wasn't worth the almost double amount we paid in comparison to a woods view (with a discount).

If your heart isn't dead set on WL, maybe you could book your woods view and then ask for the upgrade when you check in.

[MrsPete]

I asked about upgrading to concierge level when I checked in, but they said that the cost to upgrade is now $60/night. That was just a little too much for me. I can buy quite a few snacks for $60, and my PS were already made.

My theory: people were willing to pay $35 or $45, so they've upped the price. Supply and demand. I suspect fewer people will be willing to pay an extra $60/night. That's a whole room (off season with discount) at the All-Stars.

[BCVNovember]

Hmm. I have 2 woods view rooms booked (FTP) for the end of October. If I change the reservation now it will cost me a difference of $131 (Rack rate of $385 regular season concierge minus $254 regular season woods view) x 2 rooms x 4 nights for a total of $1048. If I wait until I check in and there is availability it would cost me $60 x 2 rooms x 7 nights = $840. So the difference to do it now is $208 and that would guarantee me the 2 rooms plus the planning services (I know PS's are easy to do, but I would really really like for someone else to do it for me). Does that sound right? Does that sound worth it?

I am thinking it might be more difficult for me to upgrade at check-in as I have 2 rooms booked and I'm going Halloween week(MNSSHP)/Food&Wine Fest/end of the PGA tournament.

Finally, do the concierge rooms include robes at WL? (Just curious, but for some reason I really want one of those robes in my room!!)

Thanks.

[Liv2CdWorld]

BCV November,

If you have your heart set on the concierge services, then you should book now.

Yes, you get robes at WL :)

[floridafam]

BCVNovember,

I would book concierge with the FT package. Your saying it will cost you an additional $1048 to do this, correct?

I wouldn't chance getting an upgrade at check-in. For some reason, I feel that upgrades aren't going to be as plentiful with FT packages because people will just book concierge with the FT package because it is such a good deal and I just don't see Disney giving a lot of upgrades on top of the deal they are giving with the FT package. This is just my opinion.

I think you have the right idea about upgrading now and not waiting until check-in.

Yes, they do have robes. They are really nice and soft. They should be hanging in your rooms when you check-in.

WL Concierge is not known for calling people ahead of time. If you do book concierge make sure you contact them to get the ball rolling, so to speak.

We were at WL Concierge last October and enjoyed it. Kids loved to watch the EWP from the 7th floor while having a snack.

Let us know if you decide to make the switch.

[giatocj]

We're doing concierge with our Fairytale Package and it only cost an additonal $ 300 for the 8 nights we'll be there. I would definitely give it a try...nothing ventured nothing gained, right!!!:)

Donna C.

[PrincessAurora]

If you book conceirge, what do you get aside from the food that is put out?

[floridafam]

You get help with PS's, the food offerings, robes, concierge services at the touch of a button-help with answering questions, special things for special events, etc.

It really is a matter of personal choice.

They can help you with pretty much anything but only you can decide if it is worth the extra money.

I must say there is just something about WL in October. It is an awesome hotel to stay in that time of year. Maybe it's because I'm from the North but it's just awesome to be in the lodge that time of year.

[BCVNovember]

Well I finally called just now and concierge is completely booked for the week we'll be there at the end of October. Rats!!

Do you think it is worth it to call back periodically to see if they've had any cancellations?

[dizneykid]

bcvnovember,

don't give up. i would try and call again. it happened to me with the courtyard view in wl. one day they were booked and the next day they were not. and now i just looked and they had all views available.

so try and call again. and good luck.:D

[Mommy Poppins]

Can someone please confirm for me that the balconies on the concierge floor are the ones that you can't see anything if you are sitting down? I think I read that somewhere, but want to be sure.

Thanks

[Liv2CdWorld]

Mommy Poppins,

The rooms that we looked at in concierge (3 in total) all had enclosed balconies.

BVCNovember,

You could always see at checkin if you can have concierge access added to your card. You'll get all the same benefits, you just won't be on the 7th floor.

[Gail T AGAIN]

Yes, the balconeys were all enclosed on the concierge floor. I kinda liked that it was that way. it is up so high, or at least to me gave me a secure feeling out going out and looking down. The people that were a few rooms down to ue made me nervous with their kids when the water parade was going buy, they were up on chairs and I didn't see any adults with them, mad me nervous. :D

[BCVNovember]

Liv2CdWorld - Yes, I guess there is the possibility that they would let me add concierge access to my woods view room, but I really wanted the added convenience of having the food on the same floor. I have 3 little kids (7, 5 and 2) and having to go up and down the elevators with them to get to the concierge floor would certainly take the convenience out of it for me. Also, my dad is going with us and he is diabetic, so I thought it would be good for him to have quick access to food throughout the day. Plus I wanted that ROBE, and someone to make my PS arrangements!! The CM I spoke with yesterday basically said that booking anything at the WL in the month of October was now extremely difficult.

Now I guess I need to decide if I will be satisfied with the woods view rooms or if I need to consider other resorts again...

If WL is really crowded in October is it going to be as relaxing as I want/need it to be??

[floridafam]

I don't think WL is too crowded in October but that could change with the FT package.

We were there last October and sometimes we were the only people in the concierge area for hours.

Just keep checking to see if something opens up. You never know, someone may cancel.

We stayed on the 2nd floor because I thought 7 was too high for me and our kids. It was a hike to the lounge and I think if we do it again we will stay on 7. We still got the robes and everything.

We had booked concierge outright and switched floors when we arrived. If someone does what we did then there will be an open room on 7.

What about AKL Concierge? I'd give it some serious thought. The rooms on the concierge level are bigger at AKL than at WL I think. The concierge service is MUCH better at AKL than WL.

Have you thought about AKL?

[BCVNovember]

Floridafam - Well, I've considered AKL, but my dad really doesn't want to stay there. He just is not interested in the theming there at all. His first choice would be the Contemporary (or really any other monorail resort), but it is also booked solid. The Poly is showing lagoon view (but it wouldn't be concierge) availability, and BC and BW both are showing concierge rooms so I guess I'll have to think on it some more.

[floridafam]

For any of the resorts you mentioned I would just keep checking.

I think BW Concierge sounds like a good idea.

Do you have your heart set on WL Concierge? We loved it but I wouldn't rate it as one of the best concierges on property.

You need 2 rooms, correct? Have you checked out suite prices and how they compare to the price of 2 rooms with the FT package?

You booked the FT package, correct? Does this mean you have to make a decision by June 29-when they stop booking the FT package?

Remember, what they show as availability on the website and what they may tell you over the phone can very drastically. Were you told the CR and Poly Concierges were booked over the phone?