Anybody stay concierge at GCH - comments?

[Lives4Disney]

Hi Lives4Disney~ I usually posted to you on the WDW boards. Still love your dog! We also are going to DL for the first time in March/April. My kids are younger 3 under 6 yrs old but we thought that there are alot of rides for younger kids that WDW doesn't have ~ Rodger Rabbit,Monsters inc,a bigger a Toon Town,Alice in Wonderland,Pinnocchio,Casey Jr, a whole area dedicated to Its a Bugs Life and of course Mr.Toad. Not to mention Matterhorn which my oldest will love. We are looking at it as going to Walt's special place. It would be nice to feel your walking where Walt walked.

I also wanted to mention DL has a really cool tour for teens~ 2-3 hour thrill ride tour where they go on all the thrill rides with a guide and you can go relax. Sounds like a great idea!!!

We are split staying 5 nights at DLH and last 4 nights at GC concierge. I own DVC so we are using our points.

Happy planning and enjoy!!

Hi, TwingleMum!! OK, just curious how you got the tour info? I am not getting too much info from my two guidebooks. Is there a better one than Birnbaums and Unnofficial? I need a bookstore trip. That is wonderful that you get to spend so much time there. I am worried 4 nts won't be enough for us as we are lovers of all things Disney. We have to meet my parents in San Diego for the first half of our trip and I am actually worried they won't want us to leave SD for more than the last 2 nts.....THEY do not do Disney. I haven't told them I am planning on the last 4 at DL. I was thinking with the AAA special fastpasses DL would be a breeze, but now that those are not available, I am not sure how it will go.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[MATTERHORN]

What about what I read on another post regarding the "Main lodge" at the GCH?? I wasn't sure what that meant as I thought the GCH is one large building. Is the main lodge maybe overlooking the lobby? What rooms would those include? I think I would like that best due to location - which brings up another question.....Is one location of rooms better than another and should I request a certain area or building or wing??

THANKS & Happy New Year!

Lives4Disney

It is all one big building. There is no main lodge, it is all connected. Granted some of the hallways can get long, but it's really not that bad. There is a link of a map to it I believe at the Resort Hotel sticky at the top of the page. Location depends on what view you want. We usually get standard as we book with AP rates, but I have stayed once with a Theme Park view.

You have two choices with that, Paradise Pier view and Grizzly River Run. I prefer Grizzly/Soarin area because I can get a Paradise Pier view staying at Paradise Pier I wanted to feel like I was staying in the park and a Grizzly view does that for me. Don't get me wrong, I love any view, we stayed once over the Worldl of Disney Store and although it was a long walk, it was great and all lit up at night. Don't worry though, we heard not a single noise if we shut the sliding door.

I'll go look for those pictures right now. Our last room was in the courtyard and we had the monorail whizzing by right outside our balcony!!

Andrea

 

[MATTERHORN]

Here is a picture of the lobby from the door to our room and from our balcony last time! The kids loved being out there watching it go by!!

 

[TwingleMum]

Hi Livs4Disney~ We usually do a minimum of 7 days at WDW. We love to take it slow and really enjoy the resorts and parks. We are definately not commandos. My kids are still young so we don't like to stress them rushing. And they love,love,love WDW. I was worried about not having enough time and the plane trip is soo much longer from NY that I wanted plenty of park time. And I wanted to make sure I had time to do the parades and the Alladin show. I figured 3 days each park, a shopping day and 2 relax at resorts days. I know at WDW the longest we've stayed is 2 weeks and that was still not enough. I don't know if I would ever say that not matter how long I stayed.I also am toying with doing the FantasMic dessert buffet. My DH and I have never been to DL either so we're really excited. I didn't find the UG too helpful. I did get Disneyland & Southern California w/kids by Michael and Trisha Knight (for Fodors) I think its better than UG and almost 450 pages. I also found that neither can beat this board for info. The info and pace has really been picking up on here too. I think more people like us that normally do WDW are trying DL for the first time or returning after long absences.The people on the Dis are incredible. I saw the Roller Coaster tour during Samatha Brown's Great Hotel episode on the Grand Calif. It sounded soo cool. And I think they get Front of the line access. Maureen

 

[MATTERHORN]

TwingleMum, you are going to have a great time!! How exciting, a first trip for all of you to DL! I can't compare as I've never been to WDW (yet, 5 months to go!) but DL is my home. It has heart, character, it's charming, I like the closeness of it and it's just where all my memories are. I hope you will have happy ones from there also!

Have a great time!!

Andrea

 

[MATTERHORN]

I am worried 4 nts won't be enough for us as we are lovers of all things Disney. We have to meet my parents in San Diego for the first half of our trip and I am actually worried they won't want us to leave SD for more than the last 2 nts.....THEY do not do Disney. I haven't told them I am planning on the last 4 at DL. I was thinking with the AAA special fastpasses DL would be a breeze, but now that those are not available, I am not sure how it will go.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

You will be okay with four nights due to the fact that there will be longer hours when you are there. During busy times, just do as you planned and hit as many rides as you can in the morning and collect fastpasses all morning. Save all of them, go back to your room, swim, relax, and then head back for nightly entertainment and use up all the fastpasses you collected during the day. This works well and I think you'll be fine, but I wouldn't go any less than 4 days!

Hope your parents will understand, mine still don't so I don't even tell them about every trip as I just don't wanna hear it! Here I am married with a family of my own and I'm still scared to tell my parents things I know they won't approve of! Gotta love it, right?


Andrea

 

[TwingleMum]

TwingleMum, you are going to have a great time!! How exciting, a first trip for all of you to DL! I can't compare as I've never been to WDW (yet, 5 months to go!) but DL is my home. It has heart, character, it's charming, I like the closeness of it and it's just where all my memories are. I hope you will have happy ones from there also!

Have a great time!!

Andrea

Thanks Andrea, I am sooo excited. We didn't tell the kids ~ the twins are 3 and would ask everyday if today was the day and my 6 yr old would bust and probably not be able to sit still in school. So we thought it would be better to surprise them. I can't believe its only 3 1/2 months away.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Maureen - Thanks for the info on the book.. I have seen it at B & N and will pick it up today or tomorrow. I need the So Cal info, too, so it's perfect. I will check into that tour! We just did 8 nts at WDW and it wasn't enough. Due to the Xmas crowds I feel so unsatisfied, lol. We know we'll be back, though.....we always return.

Andrea - great pics! I love the monorail view and the room above the lobby. Did you request the lobby room? I need to talk to my parents (Oh, yes I am in the same boat you are with not telling them stuff) I just don't want to hurt their feelings by "ditching" them halfway thru the trip. My mom already basically rolled her eyes that they wouldn't want to do Disneyland. They don't care for it or WDW, either. I figure 5 nts/4.5 days in San Diego is good. Zoo, Seaworld, relax time, enough. Time for Disney! If we don't get enough Disney time, we will be back.


How far in advance can you book dining and things like that Fantasmic dessert package??? My 2 books give conflicting info!!! One says to book it ag Guest Relations THAT day. I just feel almost panicky about planning this trip. Ours is 3 months away & if it were a WDW trip, all my ducks would be in a row by now. That is the only reason I feel like some concierge help is needed, but then again I read about "personal planners" a while ago. NO clue what they are or how I get one, but that idea sounds wonderful!

Lives4Disney

 

[MATTERHORN]

Yes, of the standard views I like courtyard view the best which overlloks the monorail as it passes by so I requested that and I requested close to the elevator which usually puts you pretty close to the lobby if you get it.

5 nights in San Diego would definitely be plenty for me! You could even do Sea World on two different days since you pay for one day, and it's only like a dollar or two more to get ticket where you can come back for the rest of 2007 for free. I wish Disney had a $56 annual pass!!!

I'm trying to scan in some more pictures to post! Isn't it a shame we are grown adults and I still don't want my parents to be dissapointed in my decisions! Sad really, I hope my kids don't feel like that later!


Andrea
'

 

[ericamanda01]

I just wanted to jump in here and say thank you to everyone on the DL boards. I have learned so much about the GCH congierge from this thread. DH and I will be going for your first trip in Sept for 4 nights. I can't wait and I really want to get the Fantasmic dessert buffet as a surprize for DH. I read in the UG that I can book the Fanstimic seats 30 days prior to the show, does anyone know for sure?

 

[blackjackdelta]

I just wanted to jump in here and say thank you to everyone on the DL boards. I have learned so much about the GCH congierge from this thread. DH and I will be going for your first trip in Sept for 4 nights. I can't wait and I really want to get the Fantasmic dessert buffet as a surprize for DH. I read in the UG that I can book the Fanstimic seats 30 days prior to the show, does anyone know for sure?

30 days on the dot..0800. Sometimes very hard to get the front row, but well worth the experience.

Jack

 

[Lives4Disney]

OK, I just got off the phone with DL reservations. I booked concierge courtyard view because that's all they had that had the two queens and daybed.

What do you look at with "Courtyard View"??? Matterhorn, I saw your monorail view was Courtyard. Makes me feel a bit better, but I really wanted Theme Park View.

When you stay at a WDW resort on the concierge level, they have a preplanning service to help get all your dining reservations and extras taken care of. Basically you tell them what you'd like(by phone or email) and they make the reservations and you're done. They then email you the confirmation numbers. No worries. The nice DL lady I spoke with had never heard of this before. She told me I'd have turndown service which is nice. Don't you get turndown service in the standard GCH rooms?? I thought you would.

Does GCH concierge help in the planning or is it just for the basics - bfast, snacks & drinks??? I got AAA rate which was still out of this world sky high (IMO) I don't know if it would be better to save my money and just go with the Costco package (they don't have concierge, though) Costco has Downtown Disney View, tickets, $170 in gift cards, extra morning stuff, luggage tags, little misc. extras. I really enjoy concierge, but don't know!!! Part of the reason I enjoy it is the preplanning, so if doesn't have this, I just don't know......

Thanks in advance -

Lives4Disney

 

[MATTERHORN]

OK, I just got off the phone with DL reservations. I booked concierge courtyard view because that's all they had that had the two queens and daybed.

What do you look at with "Courtyard View"??? Matterhorn, I saw your monorail view was Courtyard. Makes me feel a bit better, but I really wanted Theme Park View.

When you stay at a WDW resort on the concierge level, they have a preplanning service to help get all your dining reservations and extras taken care of. Basically you tell them what you'd like(by phone or email) and they make the reservations and you're done. They then email you the confirmation numbers. No worries. The nice DL lady I spoke with had never heard of this before. She told me I'd have turndown service which is nice. Don't you get turndown service in the standard GCH rooms?? I thought you would.

Does GCH concierge help in the planning or is it just for the basics - bfast, snacks & drinks??? I got AAA rate which was still out of this world sky high (IMO) I don't know if it would be better to save my money and just go with the Costco package (they don't have concierge, though) Costco has Downtown Disney View, tickets, $170 in gift cards, extra morning stuff, luggage tags, little misc. extras. I really enjoy concierge, but don't know!!! Part of the reason I enjoy it is the preplanning, so if doesn't have this, I just don't know......

Thanks in advance -

Lives4Disney

Yes my view was courtyard. It is really pretty but you never know, you may get an upgrade or a chance for one when you get there. You should also be getting hte $150 gift card for booking four nights! That is a Disney promotion, not just one for costco!

I have used DL vacation planning many times. They are very nice and helpful and got me all the reservations I needed. But that is open to anyone staying at the resort, not just concierge! So if you don't need the snacks or video rentals, you still get turndown service, vacation planning to make and help with reservations and PS's and all the benefits.

For us it doesn't make sense as we dont' spend $150 a day on snacks/food so we don't feel it's a deal to do concierge. If it works for you and that's what you want then do it! If not, don't feel as if you are terribly missing out if you don't do concierge. You can still get almost all other services with a regular room.

Also don't forget you should be getting the giftcard from Disney no matter what since you are staying 4 nights!!!


Andrea

 

[MATTERHORN]

For instance, I got a quote for you!

4 nights at Grand - standard room
$150 gift card for staying 4 nights
Total =$1806.52

4 nights concierge room
$150 gift card for staying 4 nights
Total = $2971.28

That is quite a difference and I just don't see you eating $1000 worth of snacks in 4 days! Other than that, it would not justify the cost to me!

You can get a whole package with tickets for all 5 of you for just the price of the concierge room would of cost you! You are still on property and still get all the benefits of that!


Andrea

 

[MATTERHORN]

Sorry now I am addicted to helping you!

$2485 for Grand Californian - no concierge March 19-23, with 5 day park hoppers for entire party. THis includes all taxes and lanyards and pins for entire party.

Just something to consider!


Andrea

 

[blackjackdelta]

Maybe this link can help...http://www.mouseplanet.com/dca/nyeg1.htm

Jack

 

[Lives4Disney]

Sorry now I am addicted to helping you!

$2485 for Grand Californian - no concierge March 19-23, with 5 day park hoppers for entire party. THis includes all taxes and lanyards and pins for entire party.

Just something to consider!


Andrea

Andrea, thanks for all the help! I am glad you're addicted to helping me. I need somebody to hold my hand thru this, lol!!!

You know, the DL rep told me I would NOT get that $150 gift card because that is ONLY for packages. Hmm.....

Well, I am going to cancel what I booked (room only) because I just booked a package thru AAA late today. I am not saving a whole lot at all, but get a few perks. My DH really did want concierge. Bfasts are easy & taken care of and we aren't big bfast people at all anyway.....we just like the little niceties of concierge and really love the Grand Floridian's concierge, so hopefully the GCH will compare to that.

I bought a Passporter DL edition and am enjoying the info in it. Not too far into it yet, but it gives much better & clearer info than Birnbaums or Unnoficial Guide. I also bought DL and So CA with Kids.

Thru AAA (and I asked about the fastpasses and was told AAA as of now still has them available, maybe not when we go, but they are bargaining to keep them with their packages...so we will cross our fingers ) I get a few of the package perks I was afraid we'd miss by booking room only, requested Theme Park View w/ the bedding I want. I WONDER if I will get the $150 gift card with THIS AAA package. That would be great. I thought there was something not quite right about the DL rep's info that I wouldn't get it with my room only ressie because I looked on Travelocity and with 4 nights room only it was included. Go figure. I have never booked thru AAA before so I don't know what to expect or when to expect it. Would the gift card and extras be given at check in??

I was told by the AAA rep that concierge would send a letter explaining their services and such. They do have a preplanning, so that is great to hear. My AAA rep also said she would book dining etc for us. I need to know now what to book and when. That's my next step.

I am feeling much better just having the GCH taken care of. If you have more info to share, I would LOVE to hear anything!

THANKS all!!! Now on to worry about San Diego!! Paradise Point, anyone??

Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

Maybe this link can help...http://www.mouseplanet.com/dca/nyeg1.htm

Jack

That is awesome!! THANKS so much!!

Lives4Disney

 

[MATTERHORN]

Hooray!!! Atleast one part is taken care of! I am sure you will enjoy concierge and put it to good use. I used to really want to try it, but I like to eat at Storyteller's and others for breakfast so then I would be paying twice to eat!!!lol!

So what view did you get with the new package? That would be great if you get the enhanced fastpass, especially for your time of travel, it would help immensely I think!

San Diego is great also! We love the Zoo and Sea World, I can't wait to get back down there again! San Diego is even more expensive for us, for some reason I can't seem to find a decent hotel for under $100 a night and that's in the off season. Mostly we don't get there very often because it's an extra hour further than DL and after almost 4 hours, my kids are ready to get out! So am I, I guess because I just never want to drive that extra hour.

I would love to hear more about your hotel down there after you get back. I am always looking for good ones down there. Take care!

Andrea

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Can someone correct me if I'm wrong.. but I thought I remembered someone else a while back asking about the preplanning services like WDW has. I was pretty sure others had confirmed that there was nothing like that. I mean they do have the dining phone numbers and such where you can make reservations ahead of time. But no one service where you just tell them all what you want to do and they plan it for you. I'm pretty sure that's what was said. Someone else know for sure? I thought it was because DL simply does not have the dining choices and such like WDW does.

If your getting a park view room, I recommend one looking over the Grizzly River Rapids ride. We had that once, it was beautiful! We would sit out and watch the people on the ride whenever we were in our room. I enjoyed that so much! I'll have to post a picture of the view we had. It was really awesome!