Can concierge actually SAVE you $$$

[Lisa3]

We stayed concierge at the Polynesian last Nov. for the 1st time. Before reading these boards I had no idea this even existed (we don't get out that often). This was a treat for our 20th anniversary. I too tried to "justify" the extra cost by what we would save and I think we probably broke even (they had bottled water then).

That being said there are several things to consider. First, although breakfast was convenient and did save us our usual $30 at the snack shack, it did become tiresome eating the same thing day after day (even the kids got tired of it). We did still go out for a real breakfast twice during our stay.

Second, I really believe that we were seated faster and in better locations because our PS were made through concierge. We never waited longer than 5 minutes even during busy times. At some restaurants the characters seemed to hang around just a little longer at our table than at others (could have just been a coincidence).

Third, it was wonderful to come back and let the kids go in the pool while DH and I enjoyed some wine and appetizers pool side. The deserts were also delicious. It did take some planning to be back at the resort during this time but it was worth it.

The kids really enjoyed the "turn down" service with chocolates on their pillows. I would love to stay concierge again for many reasons but would only do so if I was able to get a great rate like the one we had.

 

[webray]

Nope, concierge does not save you money on food.

Nice try, but no.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

It does not save money, however it does save time. For this family time is of the esscence when at Disney. The mere convenience of the concierge lounge is worth the price for us. However if you are looking for a meal plan then you will be disappointed.

 

[susy]

That's another thing... who wants the same breakfast every day? I would still go out for breakfast a few times... and I've heard that people make (read this on another thread- the poster saw it happen) their kids eat PB &J every night, even when the kids complained about it. You can have turndown at any deluxe by asking. As for a robe, I don't care to wear one that everyone and their brother has worn (I bring my own very nice one). Nothign against concierge, but liek everythign else at WDW-if you are trying to get your $$$worth, forget it!!! It will NEVER happen! After you accept that, then you can relax and have fun!

 

[deedee67]

My only experience with concierge level was at the Hard Rock Hotel last summer. We were given an upgrade at a really great rate so it was well worth it to us (family of 4 - 2 adults, 2 children). According to the trip reviews that I have read, the Hard Rock's concierge does not really compare to Disney's concierge services, food offerings, etc. As I said, it was my only experiece so I don't know first hand. I did, however, love it. I loved being able to go somewhere in the morning to have coffee and read the newspaper while my family was still sleeping (I get up way earlier than them on vacation!). I also loved having a glass of wine in the evening before heading out to dinner. This was usually during the 5:00 rainstorm that happened every night of our August vacation. I am trying to talk my DH into upgrading to concierge this summer during our BC stay. I know it won't save us any money but it sure would be a treat!

 

[magsmom]

I just returned from WL concierge. On check-in we did an upsell and stayed for $185 per night ($125 woods view with an AP rate plus $60.00 upsell). I kind of balked on check-in, but little did I know that DH would be sick the entire time of our vacation with an ear infection and things needed to be taken a little slower than usual. DD and I did things, but the convenience of breakfast and dessert not far away was very helpful to my situation.

The staff was great, too.

Yes - I did see people make their kids eat the PB&J for dinner. People could not carry their dishes 2 feet to the tray for the staff to take.

I would only do it again if the price was right, however.

 

[tjmw2727]

Just to clarify I LOVE CL and there are many great reasons to stay concierge - IMHO saving money is not one of them.

TJ

 

[Aisling]

I originally had AKL concierge booked, but then changed my mind, because for our family, it just isn't worth it.
The price wan't an issue, because I was prepared to pay rack rate, but I knew I'd be wasting that money.
The amenities like turn-down service, bed gift placement, PS help, etc. you can get for free in non-concierge. I truly felt pampered, even without concierge, because most WDW CMs aim to please.
There are many lounges to relax and have a drink in, so we didn't need to be given a special lounge for that.
The convenience of walking down the hall to the lounge was not there for us, since many of the concierge rooms are on another floor anyway.
We like to eat in Disney restaurants, so the lounge bagels and tarts didn't seem worth the extra $150 a night. Especially 'Ohanas and Boma buffet breakfasts! Yummy!

I think concierge has changed from it's original purpose into a way for people to try to save money on food. I know that this does not apply to many Disers, but it does indeed apply to a lot, as I have been reading.

If we were bringing my elderly father or very small children, or if we were planning on spending a lot of time at the resort, then concierge would have been a wise choice for our family.

 

[Pig Pen]

Just ret'd from AKL concierge - we treated my parents (who think the Holiday Inn is "luxury"). It cost a fortune even at AP rates, but the looks on their faces every minute of the stay was worth every penny.

We definitely didn't save a penny on anything, but we just enjoyed the idea of it.

 

[4greatboys]

When we stayed at the YC with the AP discount the concierge room was probably about $60 per night more than the regular room. There are six of us (and yes 1 was under 3) so your talking about $10 pp per day. I can assure we would spend more than $10 pp per day on breakfast staying in a regular room plus when you add in drinks and a snack we definetly saved some money. Now we were planning on staying at the YC anyway--if your talking about someone who would be staying All Stars vs concierge then no your not going to break even or save money but if your planning on a deluxe room anyway with a good AP discount you can save money or for some atleast break even. Staying concierge rack rates--no your not going to break even or save money.
We always figure it out by looking at the cost pp above what we would be paying for a regular room.

 

[magicmouse2]

I dont think it saves you money.
5 of us for breakfast @ food court= $35-$40
water = $10.
Snacks wont fill you up unless you are a very light eater! Concierge rooms are normally $70 more.
It can even out if you take advantage of this + evening drinks and desserts.

 

[CEDmom]

We actually did save $ staying concierge at WL last May. It was $55 to upgrade. DD and I are more grazers throughout the day then we are big meal eaters. I also don't get that excited about food (with the exception of chocolate ) . So for us having breakfast there, grabing a piece of fruit and some nuts midday (if not in a park) and making the evening refreshments dinner (a bowl of soup, crudites, cheese and crackers) was plenty. DH was the only one that needed a little more substance and that was easy to do at Roaring Forks or at a park counter service. We didn't look to stay concierge in the hopes that we would save $. It was more for the convenience and for a little pampering.

 

[Disneyhappy]

When we started staying concierge, it was more for convenience and we may have been close to breaking even. However, our last trip in 2002 at YC concierge, I think we may have made out on the deal without expecting to, and this was when they no longer provided bottled water. My DS and nephew were both 10 years old and they seemed to have bottlomless pits. They may have both going through a growth spurt and/or the extra calories that they burned off from my commando style touring, but boy could they eat! Please don't think I was using concierge as their only food source. We had at least one priorty seating everyday and they were allowed to order what they wated. They filled up on breakfast in the lounge, we would tour the parks, have lunch at counter service or sit down and they were hungry by the time we got back to the resort. They loved the Fruit by the Foot and other snacks, coolikes, lemonade, sodas etc. Before we would head out for the parks and priority seatings, they said they would meet us in the lounge. I would warn them not to ruin their appetite. I learned by day 2 or 3 that nothing could ruin their appetite. Please don't think they went in the lounge and horded food. They are very respectful boys and I did start to monitor them just to be sure. I was just amazed at how much they could eat. I had never experienced my son having such an appetite before. In fact, after eating lunching and snacking in the lounge, they would order food from the pool snack bar. I really have no clue where it went. After we came home, he went back to his normal eating habits. Oh, and he didn't gain a pound! It must be something in that Disney air!

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by Disneyhappy
When we started staying concierge, it was more for convenience and we may have been close to breaking even. However, our last trip in 2002 at YC concierge, I think we may have made out on the deal without expecting to, and this was when they no longer provided bottled water. My DS and nephew were both 10 years old and they seemed to have bottlomless pits. They may have both going through a growth spurt and/or the extra calories that they burned off from my commando style touring, but boy could they eat! Please don't think I was using concierge as their only food source. We had at least one priorty seating everyday and they were allowed to order what they wated. They filled up on breakfast in the lounge, we would tour the parks, have lunch at counter service or sit down and they were hungry by the time we got back to the resort. They loved the Fruit by the Foot and other snacks, coolikes, lemonade, sodas etc. Before we would head out for the parks and priority seatings, they said they would meet us in the lounge. I would warn them not to ruin their appetite. I learned by day 2 or 3 that nothing could ruin their appetite. Please don't think they went in the lounge and horded food. They are very respectful boys and I did start to monitor them just to be sure. I was just amazed at how much they could eat. I had never experienced my son having such an appetite before. In fact, after eating lunching and snacking in the lounge, they would order food from the pool snack bar. I really have no clue where it went. After we came home, he went back to his normal eating habits. Oh, and he didn't gain a pound! It must be something in that Disney air!

Sounds like my DS and his best friend!

We're going back within the month and concierge does help with those little "bottomless pits" boys!

Other than that, I book concierge because I love the pampering and service. Not to save money. It costs more to stay at CL.
with or without discount, it just costs more.

We're also the type of family that orders alot of room service, even while on the concierge level.
CL is not a meal plan....it is service, pampering, and food/drink supplements.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Originally posted by BambiTamby

CL is not a meal plan....it is service, pampering, and food/drink supplements.

I LOVE your quote about food and drink supplements! Those growing boys sure do eat a lot, and often!

I would like to add to the original question that when I went with DS I loved having the lounge as an extension of our room to relax in, talk to other adults, and feel "safe" in. No, I have never NOT felt safe in Disney, but I let my guard down in the lounge and it was much more relaxing since the rest of the family wasn't with us.

No, you won't save money upgrading to concierge, but you will love the experience and will suddenly HAVE to go back!

Debbie

 

[mwalsh]

October 2003 I went Grand Floridian Concierge and it is not worth it unless all of the reservations like Cinderella's Breakfast any and all days of stay are a must. The concierge will get you any and all reservations - no problem. Or if you need to see the castle from your bed side each day during your stay. That was a must for us with a 3 yr old princess. But I have to say, my brother's family was in the Polynesian concierge the same week and paid ALOT LESS and they received far better food and beverage benefits than we did. However, the view was not quite as good. The best bet was how my friend got concierge at the polynesian - at check in. She asked for an upgrade and received concierge for the week for an added $25 per night. That was definitely a deal that was well worth it. Chancey - but what a reward.
Hope this helps.!!

 

[BambiTamby]

mwalsh......in case, no one has done so......

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[TigrLvsPooh]

Let's face it folks... the only way to "save money" is to STAY HOME!

 

[mwalsh]

Me again - with more details. My brother's family was a family of four with two kids 7 and 10. They definitely got more than just breakfast and a handful of fish out of the concierge. They ate dinner out of it two night - and they can eat. They had a full bin of sodas and water 24-7 which we even liked since the Grand Flor. does not offer this. You can do it - definitely if you want to utilize it.

The Poly Concierge has better food and drinks avaiable than the others.

My vote - go for it - and if you don't want to commit now, ask for a concierge upgrade at check in!

 

[MrsPete]

If you want to save money, bring your own sodas and breakfast bars from home. That'll save big bucks.

Concierge will never SAVE you money. It's a luxury and lots of fun, but only if you can easily afford it. If staying in concierge means saving for a long period of time, you'll probably be disappointed.

By the way, I can afford concierge, but I'm a breakfast-bar-in-the-room person anyway. I have enough "concierge moments" in my life to make me happy, but I'm just as satisfied with a budget trip.