Concierge?

[sm4987]

Give me some of your opinions on the concierge service available at the Disney Resorts. We stayed in the Contemporary 12th floor light concierge, and I was thinking about trying the 14th floor. However, I would be willing to try some of the other resorts concierge level if the food offerings were better and great service.

 

[ducklite]

My two favorites hands down are the AKL (the absolute BEST!!!!!!) and the Polynesian.

At the Polynesian, we had a lagoon view room. It was August, hot and sultry, and the atmosphere at the Poly lent itself to the weather perfectly. This resort is very romantic IMHO, and we love the view from the lagoon view rooms in the Hawaii building. We only had two problems that I can recall--one, there were kids running like wildebeats in the hall one night. They wer eliterally out playing in the hallway. DH finally stuck his head out the door and told them in no uncertain tems to return to their rooms and be quiet. I was a little annoyed that the concierge staff hadn't done so, but it seems that WDW concierge staff never interfere unless someone is in danger. We also didn't get turndown service one night, and had no clean towels (we had showered before going to dinner.) I don't blame the concierge for that, and towels were eventually brought. We loved the staff, theywere very pleasant and seemed to really want to go out fo their way to make your stay the best possible. We also loved the bottled water and soda out in the lounge..a huge plus. And the concierge rooms all have minifridges, which are great for us--We bring any leftovers from dinner back to the room for our teenage DS to raid when he gets back from DQ every night

AKL concierge is even better. The staff there are simply incredible. Andrea, Sue, I can't say enough about all of them. Sue even offered to help with some personal business we had in the area even after we went home! From your first contact with them they make you fell welcome. The AKL lounge and staff are like a warm blanket on a cold day. After your visit you will get phone calls wishing you a happy birthday and anniversary, and a Christmas card from them during the holidays. The resort itself is incredibly beautiful, it's the only place that has ever simply made my jaw drop when I entered the lobby. The lounge is very nice, overlooking the lobby area. Although they don't always have soda and water out (sometimes they do) you can always ask and they'll give it to you. They don't have minifridges in the rooms, and the rooms are considerably smaller than at the Polynesian. That is the biggest drawback to the AKL. But oh, the view. Sit on your balcony and watch the animals. Incredible. I have twice stayed at the AKl in concierge, and have absolutely no complaints at all.

Others:

The BWI would be my third favorite. Think more along the lines of a B&B. That's the way we felt there, with extremely personal and attentive service. The theming of the rooms is a little too busy for me, but that's my taste. The rooms are gorgeous, very bright and airy. Larger than at AKL, but smaller than at the Polynesian. The concierge lounge reminds me of the Garden View Lounge at the GF. The offerings here seem a little smaller in comparision with the other lounges we've been to. You have to ask for bottled water and soda here as well.

The YC wasn't the best. While there were one or two outstanding CM's, most were indifferent at best. We didnt' care for the lounge, it was very formal and "stiff", more along the lines of what I'd expect to find in the concierge lounge at the Four Seasons Philadelphia than a vacation resort at WDW. The rooms are the same size as all the rooms at the YC/BC/BWI. Bottled water isn't available, and soda must be requested. Comfortable, but not my favorite decor. Would I go back? Only if it were the only concierge room I could get.

The GF. I'm not going into detail, but I'll never go back there on a concierge level due to extremely rude staff. The rooms were lovely, and the castle view was very nice, but they can't make up for uber poor service. We checked out after the first night of horrors. 'Nuff said.

Hope this helps!

Anne

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by sm4987
Give me some of your opinions on the concierge service available at the Disney Resorts. We stayed in the Contemporary 12th floor light concierge, and I was thinking about trying the 14th floor. However, I would be willing to try some of the other resorts concierge level if the food offerings were better and great service.

We stayed AKL Concierge this past Feb and loved it. The staff and service are great. Big thumbs up to Don. who remembered what wine I liked to have during the 5pm offerings.

I do not know what they offer for "food" over at the CR but the "food" is not the reason why we stayed Concierge and is not the reason we will return. There is good cold breakfast foods and if you are light breakfast eaters like we are then you can use the lounge as a replacement for breakfast.

There is drinks and snack food out throughout the day and at 5pm finger food is put out with wine. From 8pm to 10pm is cordials and deserts. I so do miss the Zebra Domes.

There is a cappaciono(sp?) machine that is out of this world. Bottle water is on request only but they were great about getting them for my husband. That is just about all he drinks besides orange juice.

The Sunrise Safari is only open to Concierge guests but it is an extra fee. We feel it was the best $100 we have ever spent.

We feel that Concierge to us gives us a sense of relaxation and pampering. It was very relaxing to sit in the lounge during our afternoon breaks with a cup of cappaciono(sp?) and a news paper with Disney cartoons on the TV.

Having packages delivered to your room directly and nightly turndown service just a couple of little extras that we enjoy.

I know that many people feel as if "they have to get their money worth" but I do not feel that is the purpose of Concierge, at any resort not just Disney. The purpose is to provide extra pampering to people who are looking for and or accustomed to a little higher leavel of service.

I hope this helped. If you have any follow up questions about the AKL please feel free to PM, email or just ask in this thread.

 

[LvsTnk]

If the search function is working I know there have been some excellent reports on the 14th floor. Otherwise I would have to agree that AKL would be a great experience!

 

[sm4987]

Thanks for the comments. I'm not wanting concierge for food, but more for the experience. This was my family's first time, and I must admit it was great. I am just thinking about extending the experience and visiting another Disney resort (maybe) at the same time.

 

[lvs_eeyore]

We just got back from the Poly Concierge and had an absolutely fabulous time. The resort is sooooooo romantic yet relaxed, the staff was beyond nice and helpful to us, the offerings were very good and plentiful, housekeeping was wonderful, turndown service was great. The whole experience was just a dream vacation for us and we are planning to go back next year!

 

[lentesta]

Hi sm4987,

I think the AKL concierge is by far the best value in WDW concierge facilities- the food and service were very good. I don't think the GF concierge is worth the extra cost *at all*. The food is less varied than that at the AKL and the cost is significantly more. I've stayed at both, and just don't see anything justifying a stay at the GF other than the view. Just my opinion, not necessarily that of the Unofficial Guide.

I wasn't especially impressed with the food offerings in the Contemporary during the couple of times I managed to sneak up to sample the snac... ummmm..... to do research. I've heard nothing but good things about the Poly. Isn't it going through some sort of rehab now, though, that's re-routing the concierge service around?

Sincerely,

Len