Big changes in concierge

[TammiMcMan]

I wish I had been to the YC previously, but this December was my first time. I know that YCFAN was one who responded to posts by other DIS'ers questioning what the YC lounge was offering, especially the fact that there were no more cakes or pies during dessert. I'm sure now that you've brought up the changes, many more will be reporting back on the other lounges and amenities. With the new dining program and concierge guest services now being available to anyone on site, perhaps that is the better way for a lot of people to go now.

I think the wine confusion did come from your original post. You must have been tired, because before editing it, the post did read "at night the wine is gone". That's why I thought they were perhaps changing it to light concierge, which is offered at the CR and GF. Glad to hear that it still remains. Where do you think you might try next? I'm still undecided. A few years ago we rented a house offsite and that was actually a great experience. I know in some rental locations, you can see some of the fireworks even. The kids loved having their own pool and we were nicely spread out. Too many options and just not enough vacation time or vacation funds.

Tammi

 

[hedwig]

PatriciaH- My family stayed on 14th CR in Jan- and before that in 9/03- We love it- and we love the CM's there! You guys are the greatest. And I agree, the view beats any on property!

For anyone who is staying there, you will have a great time and great service. When we go as a family we don't want to stay anywhere else. I almost feel like I'm cheating on them by staying at the YC for my fall trip.

Thanks!

 

[mlwear]

I noticed what mom rules writes, also. When I booked Poly (not long ago) the listing included much more than what it does now. I checked a couple other resorts and saw the same thing. YC was the exception. My assumption was that they just hadn't updated that listing on the site for YC. (I did not check all resorts)
I am glad to read that others have had the additional items/service that were previously listed/promised/advertised. Maybe its a CYA for Disney now so they have the option to cut back.
Part of the reason I chose concierge was for the lounge and the snacks. Not the only reason, but definitely helped make the decision. I don't plan to make it a meal plan (I bought the dining package for that), but did think we could get a quick breakfast and head out to the parks early on some days, have a lighter dinner and enjoy lounge offerings maybe a night or two. (I also have an evening sweet tooth and enjoy a glass of wine). It just seemed convenient -- the purpose of concierge IMO. IF there are cutbacks, I have to say that it is quite disappointing and I don't feel like I'm getting what I paid for, which just isn't right.
I am very encouraged to read the positive reports and hope that any changes are minimal.

 

[cjsmith]

I wish I had been to the YC previously, but this December was my first time. I know that YCFAN was one who responded to posts by other DIS'ers questioning what the YC lounge was offering, especially the fact that there were no more cakes or pies during dessert. I'm sure now that you've brought up the changes, many more will be reporting back on the other lounges and amenities. With the new dining program and concierge guest services now being available to anyone on site, perhaps that is the better way for a lot of people to go now.

I think the wine confusion did come from your original post. You must have been tired, because before editing it, the post did read "at night the wine is gone". That's why I thought they were perhaps changing it to light concierge, which is offered at the CR and GF. Glad to hear that it still remains. Where do you think you might try next? I'm still undecided. A few years ago we rented a house offsite and that was actually a great experience. I know in some rental locations, you can see some of the fireworks even. The kids loved having their own pool and we were nicely spread out. Too many options and just not enough vacation time or vacation funds.

Tammi

You know what it is, the wine used to be left out during the evening with the cordials and it wasn't this time around. The only thing that I edited in my OP was that I had mispelled concierge and simply changed it.

I don't know where we'll try next. The Yacht Club has been like a second home to us so that's why we love it so much. I love some of the staff there and love the location. I don't care about the pool only because we have our own and the kids don't even use that!
We're actually going to take a break from Disney. We're taking a big trip with the kids to Europe in July and that needs to get my attention and money for now!
I loved this last quick trip with my mom, it was fantastic. We had a great dinner at Le Cellier and an amzing dinner at the California Grill. Watching them tape 2 Live with Regis and Kelly was great, we really enjoyed it. The parks were not overly crowded and we got to do what we wanted. The summers are just too hot and crowded at Disney so I'll probably not be going back up until the fall.

 

[TammiMcMan]

We're actually going to take a break from Disney. We're taking a big trip with the kids to Europe in July and that needs to get my attention and money for now!
I loved this last quick trip with my mom, it was fantastic. We had a great dinner at Le Cellier and an amzing dinner at the California Grill. Watching them tape 2 Live with Regis and Kelly was great, we really enjoyed it. The parks were not overly crowded and we got to do what we wanted. The summers are just too hot and crowded at Disney so I'll probably not be going back up until the fall.

We were supposed to be in Europe this April, specifically Ireland for a wedding. I had spent the better part of 8 months planning it out and trying to squeeze in as much as possible. Unfortunately, we had another obligation come up and we had to cancel the trip. I'd love to hear about yours when you come back. That is so exciting. I will admit that we were looking forward to it as a year off from Disney, but that didn't stop me from requesting all the literature from Disney Paris and trying to work a day trip in.

We've spent a lot of summers in Florida and I really do try to avoid those months if at all possible. It's so hard when you have school aged kids though.

Have a great trip and I can't wait to hear all the details.

 

[cjsmith]

We were supposed to be in Europe this April, specifically Ireland for a wedding. I had spent the better part of 8 months planning it out and trying to squeeze in as much as possible. Unfortunately, we had another obligation come up and we had to cancel the trip. I'd love to hear about yours when you come back. That is so exciting. I will admit that we were looking forward to it as a year off from Disney, but that didn't stop me from requesting all the literature from Disney Paris and trying to work a day trip in.

We've spent a lot of summers in Florida and I really do try to avoid those months if at all possible. It's so hard when you have school aged kids though.

Have a great trip and I can't wait to hear all the details.

Isn't that funny, my husband and I spent a week in Paris without the kids and went to Disneyland Paris for the day! I spend about an hour in the nurse's station sick after riding their version of Space Mountain. It was fun trying to break the language barrier and explain to them that I needed a bathroom quickly as I was about to be sick!
We're doing 5 days/ 4 nights in London followed by a 10 night cruise on the Golden and then 2 nights in NY. One of our stops is France where we'll be heading to Paris for the day. I wanted to try and get to Disneyland Paris either that day or take the Eurostar from Londong and my husband told me that I had lost my mind!
Sorry to hear you had to cancel your trip. We were supposed to go with our friends to Ireland last summer as we had bid and won a stay in a house there for a week at a non-profit event. They're using the house this summer but we can't join them as it's in the same time frame.

 

[spoon full of sugar]

Does anyone know what food offerings AKL conceirge has now? I had heard they had skewred meat from Jiko's. Is that correct? I have many food sensitivities and meat and fresh veggies without sauces are the only completly "safe" things for me to eat. No bread, pastries, cookies, etc. please! Hate to spend my vacation in the restroom!

 

[TammiMcMan]

I have many food sensitivities and meat and fresh veggies without sauces are the only completly "safe" things for me to eat. No bread, pastries, cookies, etc. please! Hate to spend my vacation in the restroom!

If you haven't mentioned this to your pre-planners yet, I would advise you to do so. They should be able to make sure that you have other, more friendly food on hand.

 

[Angel16]

Good News

I called AKL IPO and spoke with Sue. I am sure many of your remember Sue. She has been with AKL for quite some time. Sue was quite surprised by my phone call. She said she had received one other phone call and some e-mail requests for information on AKL concierge changes.

Sue ask me to let you all know that there have NOT been any food or drink items removed from the lounge. She even put me on hold and called up to the main chef to see if any changes were coming. They have no notice or plans to decrease, limit or change any of the items served in CL. In fact Sue stated that they have added additional wines and beers including light beer.

The only change she knows of was back last year when they had to give up the fresh homemade oatmeal and small plastic bottles of bottled water.

I have several friends that are at WDW now or will be in the next few days. They all usually stay concierge. They are going to check out all the resorts while there (or at least the ones they are staying at).

Spoon full of sugar There were meat items placed out on my last visit in October of 2004. They were chicken, or beef. They were very good and did not have a sauce, however they did have seasoning on them. I have a very bad allergy to nitrates (either in food or sprayed on food) I did not experience any problems at all during our two week vacation at the world. I agree with Tammy. You should let your pre-planners know about your allergies. In the past the lounges have been know to stock special items for guests with food allergies.

 

[budwmn]

Angel16-

Thanks for taking the time to check! What a relief!

 

[goodferry]

When we were at the Poly last June, the wine was not out with the cordials, but it was available if you asked one of the CMs. Since that was my first stay in a concierge room at Disney, I have nothing to compare it to!

 

[mlwear]

Being that this is my first trip, will someone please tell me what kind of wine is served in CL?

 

[goodferry]

All I ever drank at the Poly was a Berringer White Zin.

 

[Hunter's Mommy]

Thank you CJSMITH for sending the information. yc cl is our favor.
We have stayed there 2x before and have loved it.
We have also stayed at the BWI CL and the Poly CL in September.

YC was the best! The people and the offerings. I e-mailed the YC CL and they say there are no changes. I do believe what you are saying and can not believe that they are saying things haven't changed if people who have been there before can see the changes. Betty is great and I can't imagine that she would tell you to complain it there was not a change. The CM"s on the flooor must be tired of hearing people complain. I hope they change back. I am planning on going in September for my and DD's birthdays and was planning on staying at YC CL

Thanks for the info.

 

[spoon full of sugar]

TammiMcMan: Thanks for the advice.

Angel 16 : Thanks for all the info.

I'm not actually booked now, I am thinking of taking my mother to AKL for her birthday next September.

 

[Angel16]

Mlwear, There are different wines in the different CL lounges. We are staying this fall for the first time at the Poly CL so I will find out what wines they serve there. We have been to AKL CL and they serve Africian wines, however they have recently added some other wines as per Sue in our conversation. I am looking forward to sampleing when we are there also this fall. There has always been Cab, Merlot, and different white wines and I believe they have a blush. Hope this helps answer your question to a point. I can tell you the wines have been very good. DH and myself are wine snobs

Spoon full of sugar, If you are referring to September 2005, you might want to get going on the ressies. It is always wise to book early even for next year. If you are booking a room only reservation you have up to 5 days before arrival to cancel without a penelty. Happy planning.

 

[Traveliz]

When we were at the Poly last June, the wine was not out with the cordials, but it was available if you asked one of the CMs. Since that was my first stay in a concierge room at Disney, I have nothing to compare it to![/QUOTE

Wow I was there in July for 8 days and it was out every night from 5-7 ... I know because I definitely took advantage of it - I was there with a 4 & 6 year old alond so it was a nice treat for me!

And I also know it was out in October for three nights we were there and the four nights in December....I am not a wine drinker at home but I do enjoy it there!

Going again in less than a month so I hope to still find it out - only during 5-7 though.

Liz