Concierge questions...

[blondemom]

Hi, all. I just booked my first (and probably only) concierge trip for next summer at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have a few questions, and I apologize for my ignorance.

I am assuming that if we check in early, we can still have our luggage stored until our room is ready? And, we have a separate check in area??

Also, what exactly would I use the itinerary planner for besides booking the sunrise safari?

And...again, excuse my ignorance...when we help ourselves to the offerings in the lounge, ummm...are the alcoholic beverages included? Do we need to pay for them?

I would appreciate any and all tips you can give me for make my first time a success. I don't want to embarrass myself by overtipping, undertipping, etc. I feel like a child, I am so excited!!!

Thanks to all my informative friends!

 

[Chuck S]

The planner will also make any dining ADRs for you. While I have never used concierge, I understand that the luggage service is separate from the rest, and will be handled for you.

I think they may have some wine in the lounge, along with snacks and soft drinks.

 

[quirty30]

There are alcoholic beverages in the evening - beer & wine with the appetizers in the early evening, and cordials like Grand Marnier & Amarula with the desserts later at night.

I don't recall how the luggage was handled as we checked in at 2AM and we had to check in at the regular desk as the concierge personnel were all gone for the day.

The IPO will make any arrangements for you - Sunrise Safari as you suggested, but would also help you with any tours, meals, etc. you would like to book. Now that there are online ADR's, I honestly prefer to make those myself. I have used the IPO to help me shop and plan surprises in the room for my kids - concierge level is one of the few exceptions to the rule of not having anything placed on your room before check in. I didn't do this at AKV, but I did do this at BC on a previous stay - I made arrangements to meet the woman from the IPO office who helped me and I did give her a thank you card and a generous tip (in the form of a giftcard so it wasn't obvious.) It is not necessary or expected to tip the other Concierge staff throughout your stay, however, some people like to give a collective tip or gift to the entire staff when they depart. But I think this is more typical when there is an "above & beyond" situation during your stay. I really haven't experienced that on Club level so I did not tip.

 

[adminjedi]

I use IP for all of our ADRs and activities. Why? Because they are guaranteed! You can email them once with all of your requests and sleep in every day until your trip! This is the time to do all of the "hard to get" reservations (please note I did not say "ressie" out of respect for certain disboard members ). We loved the Wanyama Safari and dinner at Jiko. Reserve the Illuminations boat or Wishes boat, or CRT, or an Illuminations reservation at the new La Hacienda, etc etc etc!
They send you a nice itinerary document with everything on your schedule. They will also, at your request create individual "invitations" for your safari tour for you to give to your kids! Probably for other activities as well!
Enjoy the ease!

 

[DebbieB]

I use IP for all of our ADRs and activities. Why? Because they are guaranteed! You can email them once with all of your requests and sleep in every day until your trip! This is the time to do all of the "hard to get" reservations (please note I did not say "ressie" out of respect for certain disboard members ). We loved the Wanyama Safari and dinner at Jiko. Reserve the Illuminations boat or Wishes boat, or CRT, or an Illuminations reservation at the new La Hacienda, etc etc etc!
They send you a nice itinerary document with everything on your schedule. They will also, at your request create individual "invitations" for your safari tour for you to give to your kids! Probably for other activities as well!
Enjoy the ease!

I don't believe they guarantee ADR's or reservations. Especially for something that is very limited like Fireworks Cruises. You could very easily have more people staying concierge across the entire WDW property who want the cruise than there are boats available.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The seperate check-in area is the Cast Members desk in the lounge area and when you arrive a Club Level Cast Member will be there to meet you and to take you up so you can check-in. If your room is not ready you still have access to the lounge right away, so it's a good place to get some of their snacks while you wait.

 

[bobbiwoz]

The concierge person has always gotten us an ADR for Le Cellier! It's not guaranteed, but they've done it.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When it comes to them getting ADR's the Club Level Cast Members you see working at the Deluxe Resorts (not the IPO Cast Members) can usually get you an ADR at a restaurant in the resort you are staying at, if you were told by a WDW-Dining Cast Member it was sold out. We were told that when they log onto their computer system it knows they are doing it from a Club Level lounge, which makes it easier for restaurants located at that resort only.

 

[mdsd8700]

We have stayed concierge level at some of the other hotels before. Never AKL or as part of DVC. However we have always gotten all of our reservations including CRT without any issues. Don't know if we were lucky or the other posters stated Club Level gets special consideration when they are making the reservations. Enjoy your trip!

 

[blondemom]

Thanks, all!

Do I contact the itinerary people close to my 180 day mark with my requests? Or sooner to introduce myself, etc.

Have a wonderful day.

 

[pyrxtc]

All the stuff in the lounge is free. I have stayed there about 8 times so far and will be there again in January. If you have any questions, please e-mail and introduce yourself to them. Include your dates and reservation number. I usually send my e-mail 100 days out for that and then send another one about a month before arrival. I love being welcomed back.