GF choices: LV standard vs Concierge "light" (Sugar Loaf)

[triplefigs]

We are currently booked in 2 GV rooms. My parents are giving us some extra money for the trip (our Christmas present). Now we're thinking of upgrading to 2 LV rooms or 2 rooms in Sugarloaf (it's concierge "light"- no wine/cheese service at night or alcohol).

Which one would you choose and why?

Thanks!

 

[johnsonet]

Hey~
I would really recommend upgrading to the Lagoon view. It really is fabulous. Have you stayed at the GF before? If not, go for the lagoon view I've stayed there 7 or 8 times in most categories (suite; lodge concierge; garden and lagoon view) and I love the garden view (staying there again July 4th weekend w/ friends) but the lagoon view is definitely more magical (staying LV in early August w/ my DD)
I would save the money Lodge concierge is going to cost you; those rooms don't even HAVE lagoon view rooms - plus one of my favorite aspects of concierge is having a glass of wine in the evenings in the CL lounge; w/ Lodge concierge you won't be able to do that.
My vote is upgrade to lagoon view room. I would also request the Boca Chica bldg.
Good luck to you

 

[2pirates&2tinks]

Triplefigs I have faced this same question. I have 2 lagoon rooms booked for my family of 6 at the GF. I too wanted concierge RPC, but couldn't justify the additonal 300+ a night difference for the 2 rooms. Sugarloaf didn't have the same appeal to me because I wanted my husband to be able to get a "free" glass of wine in the evening when the kids were in bed and I couldn't get it at Sugarloaf. So it made sense to try to get a 1 bedroom suite with a view of the MK -- but there are none available at this time. I am pretty certain they are just blocked off, as is RPC, for the time we are visiting. The price difference of the 2 LV rooms and the suite is less than 100 dollars a night. This I can deal with since we would get access to both concierge buildings. I am hoping something opens up, but if not will be very happy with our LV. If I were you I would stick with the LV and hope that a 1bed suite opens up. If you are "stuck" with LV it would be great to watch the fireworks from your room at night and still get the kids to bed at a reasonable time. That factor alone, earlier to bed, outweighs any benefit our family would receive from Sugarloaf. Also some disagree with me, but I think you and I have received the same info on connecting rooms. They are guaranteed with young children (my 4 are under 8) and it says so on my confirmation. I know nothing in life is guaranteed, but I am willing to believe this should not be an issue.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Also some disagree with me, but I think you and I have received the same info on connecting rooms. They are guaranteed with young children (my 4 are under 8) and it says so on my confirmation. I know nothing in life is guaranteed, but I am willing to believe this should not be an issue.

It's not that I don't believe your confirmation, but there have been too many posts about DIS'ers not getting their guaranteed interior connecting rooms. The most recent was a guest who went through Special Services for medical reasons and the resort still couldn't accomodate her. She has been posting the responses she's gotten from corporate and the bottom line from them is that irregardless of what the confirmation says, it is not guaranteed. I imagine that if it's 1 adult travelling with more children than what the room can occupy, they have to definitely make other arrangements (like providing a suite or moving the party to another resort). However, if there are 2 adults, they would probably stand by their "nothing is guaranteed" statement and expect the adults to split up between the two rooms. I don't mean to throw cold water on the thread, just playing devils advocate.

 

[triplefigs]

It's not that I don't believe your confirmation, but there have been too many posts about DIS'ers not getting their guaranteed interior connecting rooms. The most recent was a guest who went through Special Services for medical reasons and the resort still couldn't accomodate her. She has been posting the responses she's gotten from corporate and the bottom line from them is that irregardless of what the confirmation says, it is not guaranteed. I imagine that if it's 1 adult travelling with more children than what the room can occupy, they have to definitely make other arrangements (like providing a suite or moving the party to another resort). However, if there are 2 adults, they would probably stand by their "nothing is guaranteed" statement and expect the adults to split up between the two rooms. I don't mean to throw cold water on the thread, just playing devils advocate.

Tammy, do you have the link to that post? That would totally mess up all our plans!!!!! There are no suites at GF available. There is a Deluxe Garden 1BR at the CR. Do you know anything about it?

 

[2pirates&2tinks]

Tammy I understand what you are saying and although you mention posts were this was a problem, I have also many seen posts were many peoples need for connecting rooms were guaranteed. As I stated I know nothing is guaranted in life, but this issue is one that I feal comfortable taking the risk on. The OP has stated that she wants 2 rooms, not 5 in one room and other than a suite she too would have to make the decison to have faith in getting 2 connecting rooms. As for a suite at the GF it is possible still that something may open up -- could it be that RPC and the suites are blocked off for the parade taping and maybe things will open up? Yes no guarantee that this will happen, but might be worth waiting on.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Triplefigs,

I would probably go with Sugarloaf.

I also would have your TA call Special Services and ask them about the connecting rooms. I had no problems with 3 rooms together last year Nov.26-Dec.3. We had them at 3 different resorts. You could also call the GF Room Assigner a few days before your arrival. They may also be able to help but sometimes CMs can't change what SS has done to your reservation.

We stayed LV and we were looking at the Poly and Wedding Chapel. I think having 3 rooms kept us from getting castle view. My priority was having 2 connecting rooms with the 3rd near by. So I could live without getting the castle view. I was bummed about it though considering how much money I was spending.

I think being in SL Concierge will give you a better chance of getting connecting rooms. They really want to meet your needs. You can stress to your planner how important the connecting rooms are to your family. You're going during slow season and I don't think that you are going to have any problems.

Lori

 

[jjohnson]

It's not that I don't believe your confirmation, but there have been too many posts about DIS'ers not getting their guaranteed interior connecting rooms. The most recent was a guest who went through Special Services for medical reasons and the resort still couldn't accomodate her. She has been posting the responses she's gotten from corporate and the bottom line from them is that irregardless of what the confirmation says, it is not guaranteed. I imagine that if it's 1 adult travelling with more children than what the room can occupy, they have to definitely make other arrangements (like providing a suite or moving the party to another resort). However, if there are 2 adults, they would probably stand by their "nothing is guaranteed" statement and expect the adults to split up between the two rooms. I don't mean to throw cold water on the thread, just playing devils advocate.

I'm glad to see this post this morning Tammi - I was biting my lip last night.

I personally won't take a chance on not getting a connecting room. It's just too big of a risk for me & would ruin my vacation.

 

[jjohnson]

Sorry to have to show you this triplefigs but this is why I'm not staying in 2 rooms at POR:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=8215890#post8215890

 

[TammiMcMan]

2pirates2tinks, I certainly do hope that it works out for you and I'm sure more times than not, they are able to meet this request.

Triplefigs, Here is the special services post that I was referring to, http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=785797&page=1&pp=15 . Also, this site has some 360 degree views of the 1 bedroom garden suite. I don't know if all the suites at the Contemporary come with concierge service. If you'd like, I can send you a private e-mail with the name of someone to contact in regards to this. I can't post it publicly, but she is very familiar with that resort and can probably better answer any questions you might have. Just let me know.

Hi JJohnson. Great minds think alike and both of us thought of the same exact thread and posted it at the same time.

Tammi

 

[triplefigs]

I actually forgot about Taximom's post. I even replied to her post! I am still completely flabbergasted by the service and way they are handling a complaint of such a SERIOUS nature!

You all are wonderful with all the help, etc. I can't tell you how much it means to me. Well, DH and I really want RPC and not SL. So we have decided to go with a split stay and do the CR Tower for our 1st 3 nights and then do GF LV for the last 4. However, we will be calling and checking and have Merrie (DU) check for openings in RPC for us. If it opens up, we will switch to RPC (one room) for the last 4 nights. So keep your fingers crossed for some PD that someone cancels!!! If not, we'll be happy with LV. We're keeping our requests through Medical Reservations as is for the GF (Sago Cay because of closeness to Main Bldg and Bus/transportation). If we luck out and get Sago Cay with a LV room, we should have a good view.

Oh, and concerning the connecting rooms, we discussed and realize there is a possibility that it could be messed up. If it does happen, we'll probably just cancel one room and stay in one. At least we have that option with the CR and GF (hold 5 very comfortably).

Again, thank you all for your help.

 

[jana]

If "consierge light" is a deciding issue on these decisions, I would suggest calling the GF and asking them if they can tell you if/when the Sugarloaf consierge is being upgraded to full consierge service. I believe that fairly soon that upgrade is taking place and there will be no additional charge for the upgrade. So you'll be getting the full consierge service, the rooms are the same size and layout, just Sugarloaf is considerably cheaper. I believe the room rates will converge after Jan 2006.

Sugarloaf consierge looks like it could be a great value for the next 6 months.

 

[triplefigs]

If "consierge light" is a deciding issue on these decisions, I would suggest calling the GF and asking them if they can tell you if/when the Sugarloaf consierge is being upgraded to full consierge service. I believe that fairly soon that upgrade is taking place and there will be no additional charge for the upgrade. So you'll be getting the full consierge service, the rooms are the same size and layout, just Sugarloaf is considerably cheaper. I believe the room rates will converge after Jan 2006.

Sugarloaf consierge looks like it could be a great value for the next 6 months.

Thank you. It isn't just the "light" (although I love a glass of wine!). Rather, we'd love to be in the Main bldg for the Christmas decorations and music. I just think the size of the Concierge lounge, the ambiance, etc can't be beat. I do appreciate the tip! Something to keep in mind!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Sometimes I feel like the proverbial "wet blanket", but I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for SugarLoaf to become full concierge. The rumor was that it was going to happen last summer and then maybe by January 05.

I honestly hope it doesn't happen because it gives people a less expensive option for enjoying concierge. The CR offers the same two levels of service in their resort also. If it does happen though and they eventually want to charge the same amount for either location, then they better do some major renovations on Sugar Loaf. Even with the addition of late night desserts and the alcohol, the existing lounge is very much lacking in terms of seating and space. There is absolutely no view and with the way Sugar Loaf is situated on the property, you only have garden or marina room views available. I think they will find it very hard to fill those rooms if guests are expected to pay the same as the main building. I sincerely hope they keep it as is for a secondary alternative.

Tammi

 

[triplefigs]

That's why we're going to hold out and hope for RPC! I sure hope someone cancels!!! PD please!!!

 

[magical4us4]

If they say they are booked, they are booked! I have had many troubling times trying to get rooms at RPC and have failed. I always had to rebook for other times when the rooms were available. Good Luck.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Actually they may not be "booked" and just "blocked" for a convention, wedding, Christmas parade taping, any number of reasons. I belong to a large group that has travel needs during the year. One person will call ahead to the hotel and block a number of rooms that we might possibly need. The hotel will hold them for a certain period of time while they are transferred to actual reservations. Those rooms that are no longer needed are reopened to the public. I've had that happen to us on a few of our Disney vacations. Luckily, Dreams Unlimited keeps an eye open and knock on wood, we've never had to cancel. Good thing, because between the kids school and social obligations, it's nearly impossible to reschedule .

 

[BCV23]

I've always thought that the GF holds some suites, etc. for last minute VIPs. We've been there when Sen. Edwards was staying there and one time some of the Bushes (supposedly anyway). The Edwards thing was for sure. Anyway, with all the rooms available at WDW, it makes sense to me that the flagship resort would hold some rooms for last minute VIPs.

That post that Tammi linked about connecting rooms is really strange. I didn't read all the responses but we have booked rooms through special needs and the rooms are locked....the front desk can't touch them.

Anyway, we have also booked connecting rooms and had no problem although I think Lori has a good point about reducing your chances of connecting rooms and a MK lagoon view.

If it were me, I think I might go with Sugar Loaf for that reason. Also I would not want to pay lagoon view at the GF and not have a MK view. Subjective reason though of course.

 

[jana]

I honestly hope it doesn't happen because it gives people a less expensive option for enjoying concierge. The CR offers the same two levels of service in their resort also. If it does happen though and they eventually want to charge the same amount for either location, then they better do some major renovations on Sugar Loaf. Even with the addition of late night desserts and the alcohol, the existing lounge is very much lacking in terms of seating and space. There is absolutely no view and with the way Sugar Loaf is situated on the property, you only have garden or marina room views available. I think they will find it very hard to fill those rooms if guests are expected to pay the same as the main building. I sincerely hope they keep it as is for a secondary alternative.

I fail to understand why anyone would hope that they don't raise the service level of consierge in the Sugar Loaf buildings. As I said, for the time being, the prices will remain as they have been advertised, just the guests will benefit from full consierge service for the same price they were previously paying.
As for the future and what the prices will eventually be. While I understand what you are saying about the views , I think it certain the cost for SL isn't going to be the same as the cost for the main building I am confident that the prices will find their "right level" . The market will decide what level of cost can be demanded by a Sugar loaf building with full consierge , but limitted views. If you want to stay at the GF but don't make use of the consierge services there will still be options for you to book rooms without consierge services. My guess would be that SL lags a long way behind the RP consierge options in room occupancy %ages and Disney are trying to work out if it's the lack of full consierge that is a driving factor or if there are other things they need to address ( the view aspect would require the demolishing of one of the wings so I doubt that idea is going to fly).

If it's more popular than the previous set up, it will become permanant. I'm all for the option that's more popular with the paying/voting public being taken up, we do live in a democracy afterall. Let the market decide what it wants and I think that is what Disney is trying to do.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Right now there is only a $50 difference per night between a lagoon view room and lodge concierge, but it's nearly $200 more a night to stay in the main building. My opinion remains, that I hope they keep Sugar Loaf as is and make it an affordable option for guests wanting to experience concierge service. And the only addition that would bring it up to full service is that of a more extensive late night dessert offering and the addition of wine/beer & cordials in the evening. For the $150 dollar difference over just one night, guests could purchase a case of beer, a few bottles of wine and order a dessert tray from private dining. Obviously, my opinion didn't translate very well from my mind to the keyboard, but that's all I meant.

Then again, this change was reported to be in the works for last summer and then by the end of 2004. When I talked to a CM there in May of last year, they didn't know anything about it. I actually just noticed that you were from Florida, so perhaps you are a CM there with some inside knowledge? We typically receive a random survey after staying at the GF, but I don't ever recall being asked about this in particular. It will be interesting to see what comes out of it. I do love Disney, honestly.