Benefits of Concierge?

[O&WMOM]

What are the benefits of concierge level? Is it worth the $$$.

Thank you in advance

 

[noahsmom]

Since we have only stayed concierge I can't compare to regular rooms. However, it is very nice to be able to tell concierge what things you want to do (character meals, golf, special dinners, etc.) and they book these items for you. They will also put things in your room if you request it (cake for birthday, mouse ears) so they are in the room when you arrive.

There is a concierge lounge where soda and water are almost always available (no extra charge). There is continental breakfast, evening snacks and desserts. These are nice extras. The concierge rooms are usually in the best location also.

My dh won't even consider staying in a regular room anymore.

 

[goodferry]

The benefit of concierge is a higher level of service. The planning staff will assist you before your arrival with all your ADR's, spa appointments, tours, etc. They will arrange for surprises in your room and transportation from the airport. Once you are there the concierge rooms are usually in a special building or floor that has keyed access. There is a lounge for the use of concierge guests that has drinks and snacks, breakfast, appetizers and desserts. Some concierge lounges serve beer and wine. The staff is there to assist you with any last minute arrangements, and will even help you get your boarding passes for your return trip, ship home souveniers etc.
I don't know that you can save money staying concierge, but for us it is definitely worth it. I like being spoiled on vacation My dh also refuses to stay anywhere but in a concierge level. It's so much easier, especially when you have young children!

 

[ducklite]

If you are willing to pay for a higer level of service, then you'll enjoy it. Otherwise the entire time you might be thinking "I could ahve done this for myself and not paid for it." So it's really subjective depending on YOU.

In addition to some light snacks, evening cordials, etc. (NOT a meal plan!!) you get amenities such as nightly turndown service, robes in your room, and depending on the resort, extra concierge only activities or better room views or additional toiletries.

Anne

 

[Thekidsmom]

Yes, it is nice to have them get you PS reses, but when you are traveling with a larger group we saved money on food. We went in June and saved a ton on food with the concierge floor. It was myself, husband, two sons and niece. We stayed at the CR, 12th floor. Every day we ate breakfast (except one day at chef mickey's) at the concierge lounge and had snacks during the day. When you are traveling with kids they can eat alot of snacks, and drinks. We got all our juices and soda there. It was totally worth it for us.

 

[lovesdumbo]

We enjoy the convenience of the lounge. One adult can take the kids to the lounge in the morning as the other gets ready for the day. Also very convenient for snacks.

 

[kirbsam]

Love the convenience. I stroll down to the lounge while the rest of the family gets ready for our day and read the paper while having toast or cereal or fruit or yogurt. When we get back from hte parks we stop in for a soda or snack. We grab some hot food in the evening on our way out for the evening. Grab a beer or a kahlua and cream or bailees and go down to the pool and watch the kids have an evening swim. Never even think of the money once I decide to go all out. It is nice for our family.

 

[DisneyFans4]

For my family concierge is definitely worth the extra $$$$. The concierge staff makes all my dining arrangements for me so I don't have to spend time on the phone doing it myself. I just tell them where I want to go and at what time and they set it up for me.
It is also a must to start the day off with a good breakfast and the lounge has a wonderful assortment of foods and drinks so I don't have to spend that money at either a restaurant or at the park. It's also nice to grab a few drinks on the way and take to the park or to have a couple in your room and keep in the fridge for when you return.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I have 3 children I like to use the lounge as an extension of our room. We don't feel cramped when some of us can go to the lounge and spread out. Sometimes it's nice to get away from family members for a few minutes! My children like the snacks and meeting other children from around the world.

I have never felt that I didn't get what I paid for and more with concierge level. When we go to WDW we enjoy the resort just as much as the parks. I also travel alone with my children on occasion and I like the private floors that CL offers. My husband appreciates that little bit of extra security when he's not with us.

I think the best service that CL offers is the Continental breakfast. It gets us out of the resort and on our way to the parks quickly.

Lori

 

[disneyw/kids]

For my family concierge is definitely worth the extra $$$$. The concierge staff makes all my dining arrangements for me so I don't have to spend time on the phone doing it myself. I just tell them where I want to go and at what time and they set it up for me.
.

Will they make CRT for lunch and Princess Storybook Dinner, any experience with that.

 

[mars315]

I have thought of doing Concierge, but I like to be at the parks before they open. What time does the concierge lounge open, specifically at the Yacht Club?

Thank You, Michelle

 

[TammiMcMan]

Disneyw/kids, there is no guarantee that they can get every reservation you request, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who's been let down. They've even managed to get us the CRT Princess breakfast, last minute after we arrived at the resort.

Mars315, all the lounges are set up a little bit different. Some are open all the time, but have set food service hours and others are only open during those specific food service hours. Not sure if that made any sense. As you asked about the YC, theirs is a lounge that is only open during certain hours. At 6:30am, they set out a coffee and tea carafe in the hallway outside the lounge. At 7am, the lounge doors open and continental breakfast is available until 10:30am.

Tammi

 

[kirbsam]

The lounge is the best way to make sure you get to the parks after eating breakfast. Get to the lounge right at 7 by 720 you are on your way. Walk to epcot or mgm for early emh. or bus to mk or ak. You will get there on time, and with a good breakfast, if you go concierge.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

I would have to agree with all of the previous posts about the convenience and access to the lounge. We stayed concierge at the Polynesian the previous two years - and standard this year at the Wilderness Lodge. While the Wilderness Loge was nice we did miss the lounge and dedicated concierge staff. All of that being said I think it also depends on what you enjoy. If you are the park commando type (as my brother and wife are - they think I am nuts for spending the money) it might not be for you, however if you enjoy a quieter pace and will be spending time in the room and lounge you can not beat it.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

i have a ? when you check in for CL i was told they take you to cl and do the check in there
how do they know at valet that you are CL
i always read trip reports where peope are like we were whisked away to CL how do they know your CL
you dont go to the front deska dn tell them do you ?
thanks

 

[WIDisneyFan]

Our experience at the Polynesian has been on arrival we metioned we were staying CL to the bell staff as we exited our car and they immediately called the concierge staff - a cart arrive shortly to take us to the concierge building where we were taken to our room and told to wander down to the concierge desk to check in at our leisure

 

[MECH8T7]

i have a ? when you check in for CL i was told they take you to cl and do the check in there
how do they know at valet that you are CL
i always read trip reports where peope are like we were whisked away to CL how do they know your CL
you dont go to the front deska dn tell them do you ?
thanks

At the AKL, there is a security booth at the driveway entry to the resort. Our names were on the security guard's list and we were issued a parking pass that identified us as concierge guests. The guard called ahead to bell services at the main entrance. The bellman was waiting for us when we drove up to the entrance who unloaded our luggage and escorted us up to our room.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Alicnwondrln, each resort seems to do things a little bit differently. At the YC/BC, the IPO staff sends you an elevator key which will gain you access to the 5th floor. When you arrive at that resort, you simply bypass the registration counter and go upstairs. At many of the others, when you pass through the security gate, they will notify the concierge staff that you have arrived. It could be someone from the bellstaff who takes you up, or we've been met by a concierge greeter who escorts us over for private check-in. Again, it varies, but we've had concierge check-in done at the CM desk, at the lounge and even once right from our room.

 

[poohluvrs]

Alicnwondrln, each resort seems to do things a little bit differently. At the YC/BC, the IPO staff sends you an elevator key which will gain you access to the 5th floor. When you arrive at that resort, you simply bypass the registration counter and go upstairs. At many of the others, when you pass through the security gate, they will notify the concierge staff that you have arrived. It could be someone from the bellstaff who takes you up, or we've been met by a concierge greeter who escorts us over for private check-in. Again, it varies, but we've had concierge check-in done at the CM desk, at the lounge and even once right from our room.

How do they know whether you're staying CL or not? We're taking ME to the resort, Id be shocked if they were "waiting" for us....seems strange

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Alicnwondrln, each resort seems to do things a little bit differently. At the YC/BC, the IPO staff sends you an elevator key which will gain you access to the 5th floor. When you arrive at that resort, you simply bypass the registration counter and go upstairs. At many of the others, when you pass through the security gate, they will notify the concierge staff that you have arrived. It could be someone from the bellstaff who takes you up, or we've been met by a concierge greeter who escorts us over for private check-in. Again, it varies, but we've had concierge check-in done at the CM desk, at the lounge and even once right from our room.

thanks tammi you are always so helpful
i have been reading thru the GF FAQ and that has been very helpful