Concierge Service

[SailorSam]

Noting this forum’s profusion of complaints concerning concierge service at WDW, some observations come to mind. I am not a Disney employee, shareholder, or relative of either – nor have I ever been one. And no one from Disney has in any way encouraged this post. I’m simply a life-long aficionado. I love Disney, both the vision and the expression of that vision

Some of us remember when all airline passengers ‘dressed up’ when flying – and first class travelers invariably turned out in semi-formal dress. (Yes, I’m dating myself – I have stood and had a cocktail at a 747 piano bar in the ‘upstairs’ lounge). Then, airline deregulation resulted in prices that turned air travel into a commodity and ‘frequent traveler’ programs made an over-abundance of weekly business travelers eligible to upgrade to first class at no cost. I don’t need to describe to anyone on this forum how today’s airline passengers compare, both in appearance and demeanor.

The same thing is, I suggest, occurring with the Disney resorts. The number of posts on this forum expounding on the deep discounts being offered, both to attract new guests and to upgrade those from value and moderate resorts, speaks to the issue. Deluxe resorts will, inevitably, become ‘less deluxe.’ As concierge service, for example, becomes ubiquitously affordable, it will inevitably deteriorate – and not necessarily due to any action on the part of the provider, but rather because too many guests will view such service in ways inappropriate to its intended aim (e.g.; as plunder or entitlement instead of as a courtesy).

 

[wdisneyaholic]

I totally agree with you. Even though I have never stayed concierge, I get the picture. It is just like anything else.

 

[Kimkimba]

I've never flown first class, and probably never will. But I've flown dozens and dozens of times, both for pleasure and business. I don't need first class on a plane for the few hours I'm on one. Now if I'm off to Hawaii or Australia, that's a different story. I'm also more comfortable in a nice pair of jeans; I play dress up 5 days a week for work - that's enough for me.

I like nice hotels. I'm probably average middle class, and have worked all of my adult years out of necessity. We like to spend time at our hotel when we're on vacation, and over the years I've learned that if we are going to travel, it's much worth it to my family to stay at a nice hotel. This is just us.

This is the first time I'm doing Concierge at Disney. Yes, I booked it with a code and we are going off season. But it's still not cheap. I am not demanding in anyway and expect little in order to not be disappointed. But I have a feeling my family will be pleasantly surprised. I think every family is entitled to this. Sometimes it may take years of saving and saving, but it probably means more to me than it does to you.

 

[dandave]

Well. I'll try to say this so as not to be deleted, seen as sarcastic, or seen as trying to start an argument. It is not my intention to do any of these things. That said...
To have money does not necessarily equate to having class, and having class does not necessarily equate to having money.

 

[zagafi]

Hmmm...that's interesting. I simply never understood it to be part of Walt's dream that Disney resorts get priced out of the average family's reach. Silly me.

 

[wdisneyaholic]

I'm sure it was not Walt's dream to charge$2.50 for a bottle of water either. Unfortunately, Walt never made it to see this part of his dream come true. So this has become a business like any thing else, to make the most money you can. I would be curious to see what Disney would be like if Walt was still here.

I also agree that having money does not give you class. I think that sometimes the people with the most class don't have the money.

 

[Rneighh]

Having money does not mean that you have to be a snob. My hubby is an attonrey and we live a great life. However, I try very hard to teach my children to appriciate what we have and not look down on other people.

I won't pay for first class flights unless it is a very long flight (Hawaii/Europe). In six trips to Disney, we have never stayed in a deluxe. Not worth it to us on our past commando-style touring. Our next trip we are staying AKL conceirge. Even after that trip we still won't be snobs. My money could be gone tomorrow but how people view me will be with me for a lifetime.

Renee

 

[jennymouse]

Originally posted by Rneighh
My money could be gone tomorrow but how people view me will be with me for a lifetime.

Renee

I don't think I've heard truer words ever spoken on these boards...thank you.

 

[dandave]

I agree Rneighh, great post. I've never cared much about how people view me, however. To look at the way I dress, you probably wouldn't think I could afford to park at WDW much less enter the parks. I'm a shorts and T-shirt kind of person, and my favorite old Birkenstock sandals go with me everywhere. I dress so that I am comfortable, which makes me happy. I'll never dine at V&A, because the thought of putting on an evening gown ruins my appetite.
I take more stock in the way I view other people. I try not to judge anyone by where they live, what they drive, or how fat their wallet is. Like you said, the money may be gone tomorrow. Goodness is inherent.

 

[Kimkimba]

Originally posted by dandave
I take more stock in the way I view other people. I try not to judge anyone by where they live, what they drive, or how fat their wallet is. Like you said, the money may be gone tomorrow. Goodness is inherent.

So well put; hope you don't mind me quoting you; my father would be proud. It's not how big our house was, or what college we or our kids went to, or what our title and paycheck was at work. It's where our heart is, and from what I can tell from these Disney boards, it's about making our next trip a little more magical for those in our hearts. Memories are everything - it's what we fall back on when times are not perfect (almost always). To me, Disney gives us the "ideal situation" to make those memories. How we handle that is up to us. Thanks for letting me share.

 

[dandave]

Kimkimba, I am honored that you would quote me. It seems that we were raised in very similar fashions.

 

[Trekker]

I really do not see any value to this thread on the resort board. It certainly is not intended to share any valuable information about any WDW resort - so another one is now closed.....