Concierge - what is it?

[Jackie H.]

What exactly do you get for that extra cost? I would greatly appreciate as much information as I can get!

 

[ducklite]

Before you leave on vacation you'll be contacted by the pre-planning staff who will assist you in setting up your PS's, taking care of special needs, golf tee times, fireworks cruises, transportation to and from the airport, ordering gift baskets or flowers for your room, etc.

On arrival at the resort you tell the guard at the gate that you are a concierge guest, and the valet/bell services people will meet you and take you directly to the concierge lounge, or in some cases your room. If you go to your room you'll be invited to "get settled in" and then head to the lounge at your leisure for "check-in". Once int eh lounge you'll be able to help yourself to food and beverage offerings which vary by resort but are generally as follows:

Pretty much always: Coffee, tea, milk, juices, soda, water

In the morning: Cereals, assorted pastries/bagels/breads/donuts, fresh fruit, yogurts, etc.

Midday: Soda, snacks such as M&M's, mixed nuts, Goldfish, pretzels, etc.

Afternoon: Tea and snacks

Early evening: Appetizers (NOT A FULL MEAL or dinner replacement!), cheese asortment, fruist fruit and vegetable assortment, wine selection

Later evening: Dessert bar and cordials.

Some lounges are now offering beer in the early evening. Some don't have desserts or cordials at all. Some have small sandwiches and/or scones at tea time. Some have bottled water for you to take to the parks, others only have it in large bottles to be poured into a glass.

The lounge itself can be a wonderful place to relax--most are furnished with a sofa and comfortable chairs, plus tables and chairs for eating. All have a TV which often shows either the Disney Channel or CNN or ESPN, dependent on the demographic makeup in the lounge and/or time of day. Some have small toys and games for children to play with, or offer craft activities in the afternoon for kids. Generally they offer a relaxing palce to meet other guests and escape from the frenzy of the hotel lobby.

Generally speaking the toiletries are upgraded and include more items, which vary from resort to resort. You'll also have bathrobes in your room for your use during your visit.

Nightly turndown service is included. They turndown the bed, leave a piece of chocolate (salt water taffy at the BWI) on your pillow, replace used towels, and leave a light on to welcome you back.

The rooms are often in somewhat better condition, or in some cases have some of the best views in the resort.

Other amenities vary by resort, but include things such as free strollers a tthe Polynesian, and the Sunrise Safari at the AKL.

Generally speaking, PS's booked by the concierge staff get better tables.

When you book concierge you are booking a service, not a meal plan. If you are wondering if it will save you money on food, no, it won't. What it will do is possibly make your trip a bit smoother, or give you some extra pampering.

If you plan on spending from early morning to late at night commando touring the parks, and will only sleep and shower in teh room, it's not for you. If youa re planning a more relaxed visit with plenty of time at the resort, and do'nt mind spending extra money for pampering, it's something you should look inot. Generally it's $100 or more per night over the rack rate for any room.

Hope this helped answer your questions

Anne