Concierge Etiquette

[cmonroe]

Kudos to you, for your devoted parenting. It's truly profound to behold the effectiveness of seemingly simple (Magical) words such as "please, thank you, excuse me, and I'm sorry." These words work WONDERS in places like the Concierge lounge! Our family uses these manners in the home on a daily basis, with one another. It is instrumental in implementing such skills. My DD is also one to follow rules. She has never caused any problems in school (or anywhere else for that matter). We are blessed to have such conscientious & caring children. We have never had to worry about her behavior in public, (restaurants, concierge lounge), as we are cognizant of her behavior in the home.

*My favorite concierge lounge remains the CL in the WDW Dolphin.

*Ducklite...Since I truly detest flying, I choose to fly FC. I also enjoy the perks of frequent flyer miles, and reduced fares on some destinations whenever possible. I thought I'd seen it all, until I recently saw a gentleman get up from his seat (suite/bed) to use the bathroom~in a complete state of "undress." My mouth fell agape, as I tried to look away...but couldn't!?! In true "trainwreck-style" I stared in a fixated manner. He apparently "forgot" where he was, after ingesting one too many cocktails prior to passing-out! The flight attendant used great discretion in taking care of the matter, (but this didn't lesson the effects!). I was just thankful DD was asleep. Never a dull moment...

Holy smokes! That must have been interesting to say the least.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

If LindaR and some of the other posters on this thread had been in the right position of power, I'd have been denied a truly wonderful blessing last month.

I didn't know what "the concierge level" was! I can imagine the mouths gaping... No, I wasn't born in a barn, and not that I have a problem with mobile homes, but I don't happen to live in one. On real estate ads, our developement is called "highly exclusive" - but I guess not quite exclusive enough - because I live here - and I didn't know what the concierge level was!

I had a room I had booked with a promo code (ehhwww, stop reading now if you're starting to feel ill, LindaR) at the WL. We got off of our cruise ship in Ft L and drove to Orlando. When we went to check in, they said "Congratulations, you've been upgraded to our concierge level" I said "How nice, Thank you" But, I didn't know what I was thankful for. When I realized what had been done, I went back and told the cm thank you - I was so touched. (Little did I know, if LindaR was there, she'd have sent me right back down the elevator to a lower level where I belonged!)

There were 4 of us, all adults and we enjoyed it very much. We didn't steal wine bottles and we didn't hoard food or try to sneak doggy bags. (There was one father who watched as his daughter coughed all over the fresh fruit, but I stood there, and politely warned a couple people - and the cm brought a fresh bowl out at my request)

I am really surprised some of you mix with the commoners at any amusement park. I mean, really - people as a rule can just be so tacky - I'm shocked you've survived it at all.

YES, yes yes! YOU see it too!

 

[QueenOfCelts]

Chucknjulie.........personal attacks show a lack of class.......I didn't say wealth, I said class.

I hope you got it out of your system and feel better now!

Hello pot, meet kettle...........................

 

[jenjersnap]

Kudos to you, for your devoted parenting. It's truly profound to behold the effectiveness of seemingly simple (Magical) words such as "please, thank you, excuse me, and I'm sorry." These words work WONDERS in places like the Concierge lounge! Our family uses these manners in the home on a daily basis, with one another. It is instrumental in implementing such skills. My DD is also one to follow rules. She has never caused any problems in school (or anywhere else for that matter). We are blessed to have such conscientious & caring children. We have never had to worry about her behavior in public, (restaurants, concierge lounge), as we are cognizant of her behavior in the home.

Ok, this really touches a nerve with me. Yes, there is much bad parenting everywhere and rude parents usually raise rude children. We work diligently with our two small boys and - referring primarily to our older DS who is 4, the other one is still too young though he says "please" and "thank you" perfectly in sign language - we too are lucky that he is a social, polite, caring soul. My older son has been to Europe 3 times and can eat in any fine restaurant with more finesse than most adults I know. As I said in an earlier post, however, they are both still young and learning impulse control (it's a process, not a switch you can turn on and off). We also strive to be conscientious of the people around us so we remove them from the situations on the rare occasions when something goes wrong. One our first family trip to WDW that happened exactly once in 11 days - at Brown Derby and we promptly removed him until he improved. Neither DH nor I got to eat much but that is the job of a parent.

Also, I have seen for myself kids who have terrific parents who, because of personality, genetics or whatever else goes into the creation of child's temperament, have difficulties with proper behavior in public and rule following. I think it's often but not always, neglect of social niceties on the parents' part so I can't judge based merely how things appear to me, an outsider to the situation. KWIM?

My point? Not sure I have one, but I feel like my previous post may have contributed to these comments and that bothers me. I have no reason to believe my kids would misbehave in the concierge lounge but I cannot guarantee that from my little "works in progress". I do know without a doubt that my DH and I would handle it appropriately. I am glad for you that your DD is seemingly perfect - thank your lucky stars there and I thank mine too, for sure.

Still not staying CL anytime soon, but hope everyone who is has a wonderful experience.

 

[dreamflight99]

Dreamflight99, your post reminded me of something that happened last summer to my daughter! I thought it was funny!

She was flying by herself to Washington DC for a student conference type thing.

The flight attendent for fc kept asking and asking her if she would like wine, champagne, or a mixed drink. DD was 15 at this time! She kept saying that her water was fine but he frequently kept trying to give her alcohol! She ended up giggling every time he came around. She couldn't wait til she landed to call me. She kept saying, "Mom can you believe it! I had a chance to taste champagne and I turned it down! AND the flight attendant thought I was RUDE cause I kept giggling!"

On her return flight, different attendant, walked thru the cabin while they were boarding, asked dd if she would like something to drink...........then did a double-take and said that she was gonna keep an eye on her cause she didn't think she was old enough to drink (dd confirmed it) and didn't want a drunk and disorderly teenager in fc.........there were enough adults to fill that category!

What a cute story! My DD is tall, behaves maturely and has always appeared "older" than her years. She too, is frequently asked if she would like a cocktail, etc. whenever flying. This is done with ME seated next to her! We were discussing school on our last flight, and the attendant overheard our conversation. She politely interjected to ask what year of COLLEGE DD was in, her major, etc.!? When DD informed her she was in HS...she appeared stunned. DD always finds it amusing. Yet, on our flight (VA) to London last fall in fc...she was actually LEGALLY permitted to consume alcohol (must be 17). She was delighted, and joined me in celebrating with one small glass of OJ/champagne (mimosa). She said it was truly
nice to see what "21" feels like. Well...It subsequently resulted in making me feel OLDER than I am too~!

jenjersnap~I'm happy for you, and your efforts with respect to your parenting. My post used a quote from Nik's Mom, and was personally directed towards her and her situation. I never, ever...stated my DD is "PERFECT." In fact, I refrain from using such a vernacular term when referring to ANYONE. I regret you misunderstood my post.

cmonroe~ ...more than you can ever imagine!!

 

[ducklite]

Jennifer,

It's realistic to think that ANY child can act up out of the blue at any time. It happens. On a plane, in a theme park, in a restuarant, the mall, the concierge lounge, it happens.

I have never gotten upset when a kid begins to act up. Notice teh word begins. What upsets me is when the parent doesn't either stop the behaviour (such as in the case of food touching or licking or roughhousing) or taking the child to a more appropriate place in the case of a meltdown, continued fussiness, or again, roughhousing.

Kids are kids, they have bad hair days too, and that's to be expected. Especially in an overstimulating environment like WDW.

When parents ignore inappropriate behaviour, or worse yet ENCOURAGE it, that's when I, and I think most other people, get annoyed, and rightfully so.

Regretfully I think some parents are afraid to correct or discipline their kids, or are just too lazy to bother. Too bad, because in the long run those kids will suffer for their lack of manners and social skills.

Anne

(PS--I have no problem with roughhousing--maybe because I have five brothers! I think as long as no one gets hurt and it's all in fun, it's a great release of energy. Roughhousing on the lawn of your resort is fine. Roughhousing in the middle of the restaurant aisle while the parents obliviously look the other way is not.)

 

[dijojosh]

I stayed at the polynesian concierge August of 2003. I did not find it relaxing or enjoyable. The people were racing to the food and letting kids push in front of people. No CMs around do to anything. The tables were always dirty so I never sat in the lounge. I was really turned off. I think Disney had a lot of great offerings and it could have been really nice if not for all of the rudeness. I have to say I stayed on the same trip at the Royal Pacific club level and it was an awesome experience. There were always attendants to keep things in order and people seemed to be more respectul of each other and their environment. I think the staff should do more to curb this bad behavior. Maybe signs about respect and some dress codes.

 

[jenjersnap]

jenjersnap~I'm happy for you, and your efforts with respect to your parenting. My post used a quote from Nik's Mom, and was personally directed towards her and her situation. I never, ever...stated my DD is "PERFECT." In fact, I refrain from using such a vernacular term when referring to ANYONE. I regret you misunderstood my post.

No, I didn't misunderstand your post. You didn't explicitly state that she was perfect - that was my word, for sure - but you did spend several sentences detailing all of her wonderful traits. So what, anyway? I honestly didn't intend for it to be pejorative, you can and should feel proud of her and I agreed that I feel lucky with my kids too. Yes, you were referring to another post but I felt that my earlier post may have contributed to the attitude. I regret you need to feel defensive. I do, however, regret posting my thoughts to this thread, obviously they were not wanted. Have a great day.

 

[dreamflight99]

I think the staff should do more to curb this bad behavior. Maybe signs about respect and some dress codes.

Hmmm...not a bad idea. Gentle reminders are usually well-received and heeded by most. Perhaps a sheet with appropriate "guidelines and expectations" could be handed out with room keys during check-in. The CM could ask the guest to kindly "review" the material with each member of the family intending to use the CL lounge. Perhaps this would improve all the negatives posted on this thread.

*jenjersnap~wishing you the same. Not defensive...only responsive. FWI...I never read your "earlier" post.

 

[DizBelle]

I have a co-worker who is utterly class-less in every way and am typically surprised at the things that she just plain doesn't know because she has never been taught properly. She could easily afford a CL trip to WDW and would probably do several of the things mentioned in previous posts such as inviting her non-CL guests to get food, pile her plate and wear a bathrobe and no shoes to the lounge because she just doesn't know better. Until Disney posts a sign in the Concierge Lounge with rules (much like the sign at the pool), these people aren't going to know what is expected of them. The hardest part of expecting people to behave like a member of polite society is that many of them don't know what that entails.

Out of curiosity, how does someone with such little regard for others get into a position where they can afford WDW CL so easily?

 

[TaurusSES_Sport]

All I can say is, I think I'm glad I decided to stay at one of the value resorts! I know it won't be quite up to the "standards" of the concierge resorts, and I'm sure I'll see plenty to gawk at there, but at least I won't be as offended as I would if I paid the price I would at the upper echelon resorts

Is that the girl from the lounge that was licking the donuts in your sig?

 

[ducklite]

At some of the WDW CL's there are sheets you get when you check in advising such things as children should be accompanied by a parent, shoes required, no wet bathing suits, etc.

I'm positive YC is one of them, pretty sure there are two or three others, CR 14th floor might be one.

YC has an engraved plaque on the wall spelling some of this out as well.

It amazes me that they'd actually ahve to put it in writing though...

Anne

 

[mycropht]

Out of curiosity, how does someone with such little regard for others get into a position where they can afford WDW CL so easily?

Keep in mind these ARE NOT generalizations, or stereotypes. They are actual relatives of mine, either by blood or marriage.

1. Be a bankruptcy attorney who thinks that the world owes you everything because you are wuuuunderful.

2. Marry a young woman whose first husband was electrocuted by a downed powerline. You and she can live pretty high off the hog from the $3million dollar insurance settlement.

3. 12 of you sneak into a concierge level room meant for 5 people, and budget to eat all of your meals in the lounge. Split the cost for that concierge room and an off-property Best Western, so each "family" pays only $40/night. Some of you can sleep in the $30/night BW, but you will all spend most of your time at the Poly---in their pool, in their lounge, in their room. There are only 4 guests "technically" registered at the Poly, though, so......

4. Have the same name as your dad (Robert L. Smith I/Robert L. Smith II) for example. Sometimes credit card companies confuse your credit with that of your father's and send you a platinum card with a $10,000 credit limit. You can either snip the card up because you know it's a mistake, or....BLOW IT ALL on a Disney Vacation!!!!!

Yes, These are all actual people that I know. Yes, I am embarrased to be related to them. And yes, that may be why I'm so sensitive about this whole thing.

 

[macfamily]

Is that the girl from the lounge that was licking the donuts in your sig?

My daughter, you mean? No, my daughter would do no such thing. I brought her up correctly, even though we haven't the means to stay at the higher-end resorts. Go figure!

 

[ducklite]

Wow, and I thought I had it bad...my SIL's cousin is married to a guy who's legal name is "Booger".

Anne

 

[Julia M]

Keep in mind these ARE NOT generalizations, or stereotypes. They are actual relatives of mine, either by blood or marriage.

1. Be a bankruptcy attorney who thinks that the world owes you everything because you are wuuuunderful.

2. Marry a young woman whose first husband was electrocuted by a downed powerline. You and she can live pretty high off the hog from the $3million dollar insurance settlement.

3. 12 of you sneak into a concierge level room meant for 5 people, and budget to eat all of your meals in the lounge. Split the cost for that concierge room and an off-property Best Western, so each "family" pays only $40/night. Some of you can sleep in the $30/night BW, but you will all spend most of your time at the Poly---in their pool, in their lounge, in their room. There are only 4 guests "technically" registered at the Poly, though, so......

4. Have the same name as your dad (Robert L. Smith I/Robert L. Smith II) for example. Sometimes credit card companies confuse your credit with that of your father's and send you a platinum card with a $10,000 credit limit. You can either snip the card up because you know it's a mistake, or....BLOW IT ALL on a Disney Vacation!!!!!

Yes, These are all actual people that I know. Yes, I am embarrased to be related to them. And yes, that may be why I'm so sensitive about this whole thing.

ANd I thought MY family had some "unique" characters!!

Julia

 

[areno79]

Wow, and I thought I had it bad...my SIL's cousin is married to a guy who's legal name is "Booger".

Anne

Thanks for the laugh today, Anne! Booger--I love it!!

 

[TPCShauna]

Originally Posted by lfontaine
Out of curiosity, how does someone with such little regard for others get into a position where they can afford WDW CL so easily?

My now ex-coworker was promoted into her position as a fundraising manager because our supervisor liked her. She did a great job in her administrative position where she rarely dealt with the public. My supervisor was left with an open position for a territory that no one wanted and offered my co-worker the position because she grew up in the area.

On the bright side, she grew up in the rural area she works in so she relates very well to the people there. On the down side, she regularly offends and alienates people due to her abrasive personality and lack of manners. She has been placed on probation for her position because of her personality issues and there is every chance that she won't be there much longer.

However, while she remains in the position, she earns a very comfortable salary. She has good credit and could do what many do to go to WDW. By budgeting and saving, she would easily be able to afford a CL stay. And while she was there, she would surely do something utterly offensive to someone because she was not taught better.

And yes, in case you were wondering, this person is one of the reasons that I list her as my now ex co-worker instead of a current one. Hope that explanation clears things up a bit.

Cheers!!

 

[dreamflight99]

At some of the WDW CL's there are sheets you get when you check in advising such things as children should be accompanied by a parent, shoes required, no wet bathing suits, etc.

I'm positive YC is one of them, pretty sure there are two or three others, CR 14th floor might be one.

YC has an engraved plaque on the wall spelling some of this out as well.

It amazes me that they'd actually ahve to put it in writing though...

Anne

You are correct Anne, CR 14th floor is definitely one of the resorts which hands out such a sheet. Just as they have to place "rules" of expected behavior on pool fences...they do the same for CL lounges. Now..if they would just place some plaques in front of the LINES/ATTRACTIONS in the parks...


*(BOOGER?!? Gross.... )

 

[marycaym]

I thought I was the only one who was shocked & disappointed by the folks who stay concierge at WDW!

On a recent short stay (sat to mon) after our disney cruise, we stayed at the beach club we were upgraded concierge, we have never stayed concierge at WDW before either due to price of the upgrade or availability. I tend to stay concierge/club level when I travel for work and have always enjoyed it, nice calm, interesting people, nice glass of wine at the end of the day, good company when traveling by yourself on business.

Just my two cents, but I don't think I will ever stay concierge at WDW again, I was shocked at the behavior of the folks staying concierge and it was not just the kids. Several adults would tend to hover at the end of "snack" time, and notice I say "snack" it is not a meal, and overheard them say to the CM's if you throw that food away at the end of the shift I will just take it back to my room w/me. Several would "load up" for the evening - 2 or 3 trips back and forth for beer, wine, soda, appetizers, etc. These same folks also treated the CM's horribly, well don't you have more, I don't like that what else do you have.

Overheard a horrible/nasty conversation by a gentlemen to the CM at the concierge desk, "I can't reservations at Shula's tonight so you get them for me", she told him she had tried but couldn't not for tonight, he got right in her face and told her this is what I am paying for, you get it for me!

Unfortunately, I feel that some, not all, who stay concierge feel entitlement - entitlement to whatever they want whenever they want.

I for one don't want those type of people on my vacation and will think twice before I would book concierge at WDW.