Concierge - switching to Main Seating

[Marthasor]

Hi! We sailed concierge on the Dream last year and although we booked over a year in advance, only Second Seating was available when we booked! When our concierge reservation window opened, I called concierge to see if they could switch us and the response was, "Of course! You are staying concierge!"

My question - is this standard procedure? I have a friend who is about to book Magic concierge with 3 children under 5 and second seating is only available at this point. I would love to tell her she will have the same experience I had and they will switch it as soon as she asks, but feel like I can't guarantee it. I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience in switching or if they were given a hard time. Thanks!

 

[EAP'sDAD]

I spoke to the Concierge team the other team to ask for a rotation. I was told that it wont be a problem and asked if I was happy with Late seating, which I wanted, or if I wanted to change. So I guess its a service that they do provide.

 

[kcashner]

Absolutely. You will also get any reservations you want, tickets for anything, etc. provided you request them by the first day of the cruise. The only exception is that they CAN run out of cabanas.

 

[TweedleDee/Dum]

Should I worry about making reservations for excursions if we have concierge's services?

 

[outahere]

Should I worry about making reservations for excursions if we have concierge's services?

Yes..... excursions are one thing that the Concierge team has no control over. Most excursions are contracted vendors at the different ports, and once the limit is reached for an excursion, the Concierge team can't do much about it.

 

[kcashner]

Should I worry about making reservations for excursions if we have concierge's services?

Absolutely, you should book your excursions at 120 days to be sure that you get what you want. You should also book Palo, Remy, spa, or anything else that you know you want. The concierge will hold some spots for booking after boarding, but that doesn't mean that you'd get your preferred times, etc. The more you can do ahead, the more likely you are to have exactly what you want.

You don't have to worry about tastings, Tea with whomever (Alice, Disney Friends, etc) as the concierge will hold these for you.

 

[TweedleDee/Dum]

Should I worry about making reservations for excursions if we have concierge's services?

Thanks for all of the advice. We traveled with DCL on a double dip 2 Summer's ago. I did not feel like we really took full advantage of the concierge service. I am sure there were perks that we were not taking advantage of. I really want to relax when we go to Alaska. We having been planning this trip for several years!! Soooo excited!

 

[Marthasor]

Thanks everyone! Shortly after I posted this, I called DCL for them and the CM consulted Guest Services. Within 30 seconds of being on hold, she got back on the line to say they were switched and a new confirmation would be sent! They haven't even booked yet - their reservation is simply on hold. I was incredibly impressed and she was thrilled. Second seating was a deal breaker for them, so Disney truly made this cruise a reality for them and won over some more Disney converts.

Their 120 day window opens next Thursday, so time to read up on spa services and excursions - not to mention Palo dinner and brunch!

Another question - their reservation window opens on Jan. 26 - does that mean 12 am on Jan. 26? Want to get her prepared to be at her computer as soon as it opens!

 

[kcashner]

Yes, it means 12:01 am but with a concierge booking it isn't like the same rush there would be at 90 days.....and their TA should have known how to get them main seating with a concierge reservation!

 

[Marthasor]

Yes, it means 12:01 am but with a concierge booking it isn't like the same rush there would be at 90 days.....and their TA should have known how to get them main seating with a concierge reservation!

Thanks! She'll probably be at her computer then! Why wait and worry!!

Interestingly, when we did concierge on the Dream, our TA said we were wait listed for Main Seating and our best bet was to get a medical form signed by my husband's doctor explaining why we needed Main Seating (my husband had a few health issues which are now under control thank goodness!) I had the form ready to go when I simply called concierge and asked to be switched - so she didn't even know we could do that!! Now I know how simple it is!!

 

[EAP'sDAD]

While its true for most items you do not need to be on the computer at 12:01 because there will be availability for Palo/Remy and any spa or excursions you wish to do. If you want a specific cabana I would get on right away. The Family beach cabanas booked before I got on at 7:00 am on my 120 day. I wasn't that disappointed since they are quite pricey but if you have your heart set on one I wouldn't wait