Suite guests vets...a question - The DIS Discussion Forums

ppony · 11-09-2009, 11:42 AM

I promise, I really did try the search function.

I know there is a separate welcome aboard area for suite guests to sit and eat upon boarding that first day, but is it a place you can stay until the rooms open up or are you better off going and grabbing a bite there and getting up to deck 9 to grab a table for swimming? OR is there plenty of time for that after you get to your room that day. OR am I overthinking this?

I admit, I'm trying not to over think or over plan ANYTHING this trip. It's kind of irritating to me, reading the 60% of posts that do. Life's too short to sweat the small stuff. But...I'm an anxous type, so just a little familiarity goes a long way w/ me. I'm hoping to not be shlepping more than a few bags around w/ me...but I have a toddler. Neeed I say more?

THANKS!!!

kcashner · 11-09-2009, 11:55 AM

The concierge reception is really a place that you can come and go...meet the team, etc. It's not a full lunch, it's more of snack food. Most people go to lunch first.

There is no need for you to be carrying more than your day bag and possibly a diaper bag. Don't know where you are coming from or how you are getting to the port, but your real luggage will be in the hands of DCL either from the time you get to MCO or get to the terminal depending on your transportation choices.

I don't mess with a purse. I have a travel bag that serves ALL functions--purse, small piece of luggage, etc. All you need to have with you are those things that you'll want on the first day. Medications, travel documents, camera, perhaps swimsuits, change of clothes for the kids (for when they spill something all over the first outfit), snack for kids before boarding if needed, etc. Really only the stuff you'll need that day.

OK, here's the drill. You get on the ship about 11:45. Your room will be ready about 1:30. In between, you'll have a leisurely lunch where you will sit like a civilized person and make polite conversation for a while. You will have very little time to need to lug your stuff, and by minimizing the stuff, it is quite manageable. If your toddler will be using a stroller, bring an umbrella stroller and use a bag that can hang on it!

You CAN hang out at the concierge reception as long as you choose. You can also change the kids into swim suits and sit on deck 9 while they are in the splash area, etc.

cindy18 · 11-09-2009, 12:27 PM

Just to echo this: remember that concierge guests board the boat first, no matter what time they check in (that is, after the family of the day boards), and so you will be basically on the boat before everyone else. What we have done is go straight to the concierge lounge set up to make sure the plans we made on line (excursions, tours, Palo, etc) is what we want and that there isn't anything else we should consider booking. Then we've up and gotten some lunch outside, maybe purchased a water package, checked out the spa offerings, that kind of stuff. By the time all that is done, the rooms are open, and it may even be that your luggage has arrived. I'm a fiend about getting unpacked as soon as possible. If you think the kids are going to want to hit the pool right away, then by all means, bring some bathing suits with you, but otherwise you should be just fine. It's really very relaxing almost from the get go!

Andrew DEREK UK · 11-09-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppony

I promise, I really did try the search function.

I know there is a separate welcome aboard area for suite guests to sit and eat upon boarding that first day, but is it a place you can stay until the rooms open up or are you better off going and grabbing a bite there and getting up to deck 9 to grab a table for swimming? OR is there plenty of time for that after you get to your room that day. OR am I overthinking this?

I admit, I'm trying not to over think or over plan ANYTHING this trip. It's kind of irritating to me, reading the 60% of posts that do. Life's too short to sweat the small stuff. But...I'm an anxious type, so just a little familiarity goes a long way w/ me. I'm hoping to not be schlepping more than a few bags around w/ me...but I have a toddler. Need I say more?

THANKS!!!

Some of it has been answered.

We went to Diversions straight away, there was quite a lot of food and drink there, now we like Topsiders, but there was enough for our family, and my kids.

We went there straight away, and checked our reservations and changed them as our cruise was altered form a Eastern to a Western at sort notice. So a lot of things shore trips palo all had to be changed.

They were very nice to us, there was a kids counsellor there so if you need to register kids you can do it ''personally' there.

We go on at 11.40am, and stayed to about 1pm, we could have stayed to 1.30pm but had a quick walk around got an ice cream and went to our room.

Everything is personal, but I personally would encourage you to go straight to the concierge meet, to ensure you get your Ressies, they hold back these but if you want a day and time its always subjected to availability.

kaseyC · 11-09-2009, 02:17 PM

We always have enjoyed Parrot Cay for lunch, so we go there first and have a nice leisurely lunch. After lunch DH takes the girls up to Deck 9 to swim and hang out while I go to the Concierge meet. The one time we took the kids to the meet, they were bored and antsy. They just wanted to get to the pool.

Usually after I finish with the meet it's about 1:30. I then drop off the carryon bags in the room and go and join my family on deck 9.

outahere · 11-09-2009, 02:50 PM

A couple of times we've gone to the Concierge meeting place and left our carryon there while we went to Parrot Cay for lunch. After lunch, we went back, met with the Concierge, had a couple (ok a few!) cookies and snacks and by then the rooms were ready.

Andrew DEREK UK · 11-09-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outahere

A couple of times we've gone to the Concierge meeting place and left our carryon there while we went to Parrot Cay for lunch. After lunch, we went back, met with the Concierge, had a couple (ok a few!) cookies and snacks and by then the rooms were ready.

Sounds like a plan,,, didnt do that but thought of it.

ppony · 11-09-2009, 03:24 PM

That helped IMMENSELY! THANK YOU. Just having an idea of what is normal or what to expect helps anxiety suffers like me SO MUCH. Obviously there is no crystal ball but DCL is at least far easier to predict as a regular course than any given day at WDW. That good to know it's not a full lunch and that we can come and go. that gives me a game plan that I desperately need. It took a LOT of convincing to get me on a ship.

I tried to post earlier but I was getting an error message.

I feel MUCH more prepared! THANK YOU!!!

wideeyedwonder · 11-10-2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppony

I know there is a separate welcome aboard area for suite guests to sit and eat upon boarding that first day, but is it a place you can stay until the rooms open up or are you better off going and grabbing a bite there and getting up to deck 9 to grab a table for swimming?

The party was basically a way for us to get a quick bit to eat, refresh ourselves with some drinks, ameet the concierge staff (AWESOME!), and have the staff help us with scheduling additional activities (wine tastings, etc.)

After they helped us with the bookings, we went off to the pool to just relax.

SevenSeasLagoon5 · 11-10-2009, 01:51 PM

Does the concierge have beer and wine like concierge floors at the WDW resorts?

Also, what can we book last minute with the concierge as opposed to booking far in advance? In other words, what do we need to book in advance of the cruise, and what can we wait until onboard to book?

TIA!!!

Martian767 · 11-10-2009, 04:48 PM

I must admit, I'm a little disappointed at this time with the Concierge service. Maybe I'm mistaken, but I was under the assumption that I would hear from the Concierge staff prior to sailing to ask if they can assist me with anything. Embarkation is November 28th and I'm the only one who has been in contact with them. Now, I consider myself very self-sufficient however a quick phone call to check in to see if I have any questions prior to sailing would be nice.

On our last cruise we upgraded to the Concierge level at port so we were none-the-wiser, but, again, I'm just a bit disappointed that they haven't "reached out."

CzyDsnyFan92 · 11-10-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martian767

I must admit, I'm a little disappointed at this time with the Concierge service. Maybe I'm mistaken, but I was under the assumption that I would hear from the Concierge staff prior to sailing to ask if they can assist me with anything. Embarkation is November 28th and I'm the only one who has been in contact with them. Now, I consider myself very self-sufficient however a quick phone call to check in to see if I have any questions prior to sailing would be nice.

On our last cruise we upgraded to the Concierge level at port so we were none-the-wiser, but, again, I'm just a bit disappointed that they haven't "reached out."

I am not sure if this is normal or not since it is our first cruise and we sail on Thursday but I believe Concierge called her 2 weeks ago to see if they could help out with anything. I wasn't really expecting the call and the kids were very excited that "Mickey's Assistant" wanted to see if we were ready for our cruise. LOL Hopefully they will be calling you soon.

ppony · 11-10-2009, 05:09 PM

Hmm. I sail on Sunday and I've not gotten any calls.

I wasn't expecting it but admit, it would be nice.

kcashner · 11-10-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SevenSeasLagoon5

Also, what can we book last minute with the concierge as opposed to booking far in advance? In other words, what do we need to book in advance of the cruise, and what can we wait until onboard to book?

TIA!!!

Book in advance anything that you KNOW you want (you can cancel most if you change your mind). The concierge does hold a significant number of reservations till the end of the embarkation day, but that doesn't mean that they will have every date, every time open. If you want Palo at 8 pm on day 4, book in advance. If you want Palo "sometime during the cruise" you can wait.

So with basically anything, if you care about the time or day, book when your booking window opens. YOU can call the concierge and ask her to book them for you if you wish.

11-09-2009, 11:42 AM	#1
ppony My Stitch painting in oils Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Cottage Grove, MN Posts: 2,205	Suite guests vets...a question I promise, I really did try the search function. I know there is a separate welcome aboard area for suite guests to sit and eat upon boarding that first day, but is it a place you can stay until the rooms open up or are you better off going and grabbing a bite there and getting up to deck 9 to grab a table for swimming? OR is there plenty of time for that after you get to your room that day. OR am I overthinking this? I admit, I'm trying not to over think or over plan ANYTHING this trip. It's kind of irritating to me, reading the 60% of posts that do. Life's too short to sweat the small stuff. But...I'm an anxous type, so just a little familiarity goes a long way w/ me. I'm hoping to not be shlepping more than a few bags around w/ me...but I have a toddler. Neeed I say more? THANKS!!! __________________ Stephanie (a.k.a.ppony) DH Brian , Nicholas (DS9), Daniel (DS2) "Common sense is often less common than you think." ~Bazooka Joe ~1994, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2009 DCL, 2010 HOME! AKV Kidani Village

11-09-2009, 12:27 PM	#3
cindy18 Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 446	Just to echo this: remember that concierge guests board the boat first, no matter what time they check in (that is, after the family of the day boards), and so you will be basically on the boat before everyone else. What we have done is go straight to the concierge lounge set up to make sure the plans we made on line (excursions, tours, Palo, etc) is what we want and that there isn't anything else we should consider booking. Then we've up and gotten some lunch outside, maybe purchased a water package, checked out the spa offerings, that kind of stuff. By the time all that is done, the rooms are open, and it may even be that your luggage has arrived. I'm a fiend about getting unpacked as soon as possible. If you think the kids are going to want to hit the pool right away, then by all means, bring some bathing suits with you, but otherwise you should be just fine. It's really very relaxing almost from the get go! __________________

11-09-2009, 02:17 PM	#5
kaseyC Mother of Three Lovely Princesses DVC Owner - BWV Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Lake Villa, IL Posts: 2,581	We always have enjoyed Parrot Cay for lunch, so we go there first and have a nice leisurely lunch. After lunch DH takes the girls up to Deck 9 to swim and hang out while I go to the Concierge meet. The one time we took the kids to the meet, they were bored and antsy. They just wanted to get to the pool. Usually after I finish with the meet it's about 1:30. I then drop off the carryon bags in the room and go and join my family on deck 9. __________________ BC/ Disney Wonder 2000 ~ Poly Concierge 2002 ~ BC Concierge 2003 ~ SSR 2004 ~ BWV 2005 ~ WL Concierge 2006 ~ Disney Wonder/BWV 2006 ~ BWV 2007 ~ Disney Magic Trans-Atlantic Repo 2007 ~ Disney Magic W. Caribbean 2007 ~ AKV 2008 ~ BWV F&WF 2008 ~ Poly CL 2008/2009 ~ BCV/ Disney Magic E. Caribbean 2009

11-09-2009, 02:50 PM	#6
outahere Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Suburban Boston - West Posts: 3,442	A couple of times we've gone to the Concierge meeting place and left our carryon there while we went to Parrot Cay for lunch. After lunch, we went back, met with the Concierge, had a couple (ok a few!) cookies and snacks and by then the rooms were ready. __________________ WDW - offsite, more times than I can count since 1978 S/S Norway - 1984, 1985, 1991 Disney Wonder - September, 2002 / April, 2007 / April, 2008 / Thanksgiving, 2009 Disney Magic - April, 2004 / The first EB Panama Canal repo - CA to FL - Aug. 2005 / Thanksgiving, 2006 / April, 2009 Polynesian LVC - August, 2004 VWL - August, 2006 Norwegian Pearl - Alaska - August, 2007 Upcoming Wonder cruises - April, 2010 and August, 2010 Going on the Dream - April, 2011

11-09-2009, 03:24 PM	#8
ppony My Stitch painting in oils Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Cottage Grove, MN Posts: 2,205	That helped IMMENSELY! THANK YOU. Just having an idea of what is normal or what to expect helps anxiety suffers like me SO MUCH. Obviously there is no crystal ball but DCL is at least far easier to predict as a regular course than any given day at WDW. That good to know it's not a full lunch and that we can come and go. that gives me a game plan that I desperately need. It took a LOT of convincing to get me on a ship. I tried to post earlier but I was getting an error message. I feel MUCH more prepared! THANK YOU!!! __________________ Stephanie (a.k.a.ppony) DH Brian , Nicholas (DS9), Daniel (DS2) "Common sense is often less common than you think." ~Bazooka Joe ~1994, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2009 DCL, 2010 HOME! AKV Kidani Village

11-09-2009, 11:55 AM	#2
kcashner DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 15,731	The concierge reception is really a place that you can come and go...meet the team, etc. It's not a full lunch, it's more of snack food. Most people go to lunch first. There is no need for you to be carrying more than your day bag and possibly a diaper bag. Don't know where you are coming from or how you are getting to the port, but your real luggage will be in the hands of DCL either from the time you get to MCO or get to the terminal depending on your transportation choices. I don't mess with a purse. I have a travel bag that serves ALL functions--purse, small piece of luggage, etc. All you need to have with you are those things that you'll want on the first day. Medications, travel documents, camera, perhaps swimsuits, change of clothes for the kids (for when they spill something all over the first outfit), snack for kids before boarding if needed, etc. Really only the stuff you'll need that day. OK, here's the drill. You get on the ship about 11:45. Your room will be ready about 1:30. In between, you'll have a leisurely lunch where you will sit like a civilized person and make polite conversation for a while. You will have very little time to need to lug your stuff, and by minimizing the stuff, it is quite manageable. If your toddler will be using a stroller, bring an umbrella stroller and use a bag that can hang on it! You CAN hang out at the concierge reception as long as you choose. You can also change the kids into swim suits and sit on deck 9 while they are in the splash area, etc.

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11-10-2009, 01:51 PM	#10
SevenSeasLagoon5 Mouseketeer Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: right next door to the Magic Kingdom Posts: 85	Does the concierge have beer and wine like concierge floors at the WDW resorts? Also, what can we book last minute with the concierge as opposed to booking far in advance? In other words, what do we need to book in advance of the cruise, and what can we wait until onboard to book? TIA!!! __________________ DVC Founding Member Bay Lake Tower Countless visits to WDW Resort since 1974 Disneyland CA Disneyland Paris ...AND a couple trips to WDW in between! Me DH DS DD DD and 2 big dogs!

11-10-2009, 04:48 PM	#11
Martian767 Earning My Ears Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 34	I must admit, I'm a little disappointed at this time with the Concierge service. Maybe I'm mistaken, but I was under the assumption that I would hear from the Concierge staff prior to sailing to ask if they can assist me with anything. Embarkation is November 28th and I'm the only one who has been in contact with them. Now, I consider myself very self-sufficient however a quick phone call to check in to see if I have any questions prior to sailing would be nice. On our last cruise we upgraded to the Concierge level at port so we were none-the-wiser, but, again, I'm just a bit disappointed that they haven't "reached out." __________________ Michele

11-10-2009, 05:09 PM	#13
ppony My Stitch painting in oils Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Cottage Grove, MN Posts: 2,205	Hmm. I sail on Sunday and I've not gotten any calls. I wasn't expecting it but admit, it would be nice. __________________ Stephanie (a.k.a.ppony) DH Brian , Nicholas (DS9), Daniel (DS2) "Common sense is often less common than you think." ~Bazooka Joe ~1994, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2009 DCL, 2010 HOME! AKV Kidani Village

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