Benefits of concierge?

[ducklite]

I see what you are saying about that, however wouldn't WDW want the Club Level Cast Members to get them ADR's at restaurants in WDW and not at Universal Orlando City Walk, which is their biggest competitor. So I can see why A Cast Member would not do that. Yes they maybe helping the guests out, however do you think WDW managment would be happy about that?

A TRUE concierge would get a reservation anywhere the guest wanted. I've asked a concierge in a hotel in Dallas to secure a reservation for me at a restaurant in Chicago three days later. Management should be happy when their guests are happy, even if it means that they eat at the competition one night, because the guest will continue to return to that hotel. And return guests/customers are the life blood of any business, something that WDW has unfortunately lost soght of.

 

[ducklite]

As for club level, one of the greatest things they offer (espeically to people who don't know Disney very well) is the IPO service. The IPO offices can help you plan your trip day-by-day and provide you with park hours during your stay, ADRs, and even any information you might want about the various shows and attractions.

I've used IPO with varied success--they've made a mess of my reservations in the past as well as booking them, so they are far from the end all be all at times. And if there's a really unique thing you want to do (ie Grand One, Breathless, Chef's Table, etc.) you're better off booking it yourself, because they won't make the call at 12:01 am (Grand One) or the second reservations opens (Chef's Table) and you'll miss out to someone who was on the ball. That's the difference between them and a true concierge who will set their alarm to do it for the guest in the middle of the night on their own time.

My last three CL stays at WDW I was less than impressed by CM's who either didn't want to or were unable to accomodate very small requests, including getting housekeeping to bring robes for our room that should have been there to begin with. That's the type of thing that has made me decide that the value is just not there anymore for the absurd prices they are charging.

 

[ConcKahuna]

A TRUE concierge would get a reservation anywhere the guest wanted. I've asked a concierge in a hotel in Dallas to secure a reservation for me at a restaurant in Chicago three days later. Management should be happy when their guests are happy, even if it means that they eat at the competition one night, because the guest will continue to return to that hotel. And return guests/customers are the life blood of any business, something that WDW has unfortunately lost soght of.

Sounds like you got a CM who didnt know what they were doing in thier position. Unfortunatly it happens, even at WDW.

 

[ducklite]

Sounds like you got a CM who didnt know what they were doing in thier position. Unfortunatly it happens, even at WDW.

It wasn't a single CM. I've had the same type of problems over and over. And they weren't major requests. And for the price we are paying for that service, there should be no excuse of having a CM who didn't know what they were doing. The CM's in those roles should be extremely knowledgeable about WDw and the surrounding area, including other attractions and restaurants, guest service oriented, and have a "can do" attitude. Unfortunately most of them have a basic knowledge of WDW, and sometimes not even that.

 

[grannyminnie]

Speaking for myself, I do it for the extra food, as I hang around the resort more than some, and don't eat alot. I do understand that, as some have said, perks are being taken away slowly and that might dissuade some from staying. That being said, I'd do it again, if I can share the cost with someone else.

 

[frdeb1999]

We always stay CL regardless of whether it's WDW or other. And your 100% correct when saying that they don't compare. Although we stay at WDW for totally different reasons also. As far as declining, yes it has quite a bit....but still very worth it IMO. The CM's are always more then happy to do pretty much whatever you request....you just have to ask. We stay CL level while at WDW for a variety of reasons....lounge, service, snacks, ADR ressie's ect..

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

A TRUE concierge would get a reservation anywhere the guest wanted. I've asked a concierge in a hotel in Dallas to secure a reservation for me at a restaurant in Chicago three days later. Management should be happy when their guests are happy, even if it means that they eat at the competition one night, because the guest will continue to return to that hotel. And return guests/customers are the life blood of any business, something that WDW has unfortunately lost soght of.

I still say there is a difference in a Cast Member making an ADR for a restaurant which could be on 192, Lake Buena Vista/535 or International Drive like Macaroni Grill as ConcKahuna has seen this happen, compared to Emerils which is located inside WDW's biggest competitor.

If you asked or anyone else asked a Club Level Cast Member to purchase theme park tickets for Universal Orlando, do you think they would do that? So I will say there are a few things they know they should not do and helping their competitor is one of them.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Don't forget that if any guest were to request Pepsi products the Club Level Cast Members can not accomodate that request, because of WDW's contract with Coca Cola. So that we know for sure is one thing they can not do and correct me if I am wrong, if a Cast Member went around this rule couldn't that mean them being fired?

 

[ClareH37]

I stay CL because I like the more personalised service. By that I mean staying on a CL floor with keyed access with CMs right there on hand to help. It's also nice being able to pop along to the lounge for a soda or a snack.

But for me the main benefit is the IPO. The best IPO I've encountered has been the Yacht/Beach/Boardwalk IPO, they are amazing. I've requested the Breathless twice, and each time I've got it - whatever I've requested, they have managed to come through for me. I've not had to 'chase' for action/responses (unlike at some of the other resorts), they've always been extremely prompt in replying to me.

 

[ducklite]

I still say there is a difference in a Cast Member making an ADR for a restaurant which could be on 192, Lake Buena Vista/535 or International Drive like Macaroni Grill as ConcKahuna has seen this happen, compared to Emerils which is located inside WDW's biggest competitor.

If you asked or anyone else asked a Club Level Cast Member to purchase theme park tickets for Universal Orlando, do you think they would do that? So I will say there are a few things they know they should not do and helping their competitor is one of them.

You are missing the point. A true, professional concierge WOULD book a reservation at the competition if that's what the guest wanted, and would do so with a gracious smile.

 

[livie1205]

i do not pay for club level most of the time, this year i will because i got a discount but I would not pay rack rate for it, the only reason i stay at wdw resorts is because it is right there...the hotels at universal are deluxe hotels and are cheaper than wdw resorts most of the times, they are just better deluxes BUT i will not give up staying on site at disney as long as i get ok rates.