GF Lodge Concierge

[boomer626]

I've booked 7-night FTP in Sep-Oct. I've seen several negative posts about the Sugarloaf Concierge, but wanted to take the chance to stay at the GF given the great deal with this package. Does anyone have any recent experience to share. Me, DW, DD (13 & 7), & DS (11). Thanks!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I think the GF is great! I've stayed there 3 times and always have enjoyed it. In Sugarloaf you'll either be overlooking the marina or the quiet pool. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic trip!

 

[boomer626]

Thanks Erika. I've always wanted to stay there, and figured this is probably the opportunity to do it.

 

[*123JOANNA123*]

Boomer- we stayed there last year (got upgraded) and liked it so much we're going back this year for a longer stay. One thing I have noticed from reading these boards, is that if you have used another concierge service, you may find sugarloaf disappointing.

We've never stayed at the poly or AKL concierge (which by all accounts are amazing- lots of food offerings, dessert and cordials offered, a chef in the lounge), so we're pretty happy with what we get at GF. From what I remember, the breakfast is pretty extensive- I think you will really make up some of the extra money feeding your kids at this meal alone. There are cereals, oatmeal, lots of fresh fruit, juices, tea and coffee (here's a photo of my dh and dd in the lounge at breakfast). I think you also get a newspaper, but I'm not sure about that one.

They'll give you sodas and iced drinks in paper cups with a lid and a straw that you can take with you to the park. There are also cookies and brownies out most of the day and a huge bowl of fresh fruit - great to grab a couple of bananas or slices of melon for my young ones on the way out to the parks. We filled the kids insulated cups with iced lemonade or water and tossed them in the back of the stroller, so we never needed to stop and queue up for an overpriced soda while touring in the morning.

Another big bonus I found with lodge concierge was the afternoon tea. We were coming back from a morning in the park so that the kids could nap, and on passing through the main building, my mom spotted the afternoon tea being served. We both agreed that when the kids were settled, dh would look after them and we would head back for tea and scones. We checked out the menu and saw $25 a head and thought, hey, we're on vacation, why not? Imagine our surprise when we got back to the lodge to see the same food (scones, chocolate mousse, sandwiches and trifle) all laid out!! I know we didn't get the whole afternoon tea experience, but it was really nice to sit in the cool lounge and enjoy the break.

Anyway, sorry this is a bit long, we only stayed one night, but I was pretty impressed- feel free to ask any questions and I'll try to answer them for you. I think you'll really enjoy your stay!

 

[BCV23]

We've had two stays in Sugar Loaf. One was nine nights and the second was for eight. We enjoyed both very much although as Joanna indicated the food offerings don't compare to the Polynesian concierge other than at breakfast. After tea they offer hors d'oevres which vary each night. At the top of this board under resort FAQs, California Dreaming has an extensive resort FAQ on the GF.

The staff is helpful and attentive although rather reserved. I actually think they are probably encouraged to be that way.

 

[boomer626]

Thanks! (I appreciate the detail and picture Joanna). I'm saving your post.

I checked out the GF FAQ - it is great, but wanted some recent feedback. Looks like we'll have a great time.

 

[BCV23]

Our stays were January of 2002 and Dec./ Jan. 2003. Perhaps someone else has been there in the last couple of months.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We'll be staying in Sugar Loaf in July. We'll let everone know.

 

[phyllis1966]

We LOVE the GF, although we have not stayed concierge. What I can't understand is how the most expensive resort in WDW has the least available in food offerings at the concierge lounge (according to most of the posts I've read on the subject). All the resorts are Disney resorts, so why the discrepancy?

I was thinking of staying concierge for next year's vacation, but because of so many negative posts re: the GF concierge, I may stay at the Polynesian instead, even though it's not my 1st choice of resorts in general. It certainly is not the worst dilemma, but a dilemma nonetheless!

I'm eagerly awaiting Deb & Bill's review...

 

[Joan S.]

123JOANNA123, Thank You so much for posting this info! I just changed my stay at the GF to the Lodge Concierge! This will be perfect for my family of 5. We like having the Continental B. in the AM so we can get going quickly and we always come back in the afternoon for a Pool/Rest time. And in the evening we are usually in a park and do a sit down dinner. Thanks again!! Joan

 

[BCV23]

In Sugar Loaf's defense, I don't think they have too much room to work with. Also everything is very pretty! The hors d'ouevres are obviously not meant for a dinner and no one could mistake that. With three fine dining restaurants to fill at the GF I imagine they don't want people filling up on chicken caesar salad and skipping dinner which is what people post about doing at the Polynesian (no criticism intended so please don't flame me). They have various syrups to add to your coffee or tea (a la Starbucks).

We have enjoyed Polynesian concierge three times and Sugar Loaf twice. Loved them both. I will have to say we've encountered more rude and/or thoughtless people at Sugar Loaf than at Hawaii. That is probably the biggest negative to me.

 

[Joan S.]

BVC23, Do you remember if the Lodge Concierge has mini-bars in the rooms?? When I booked a stay for July the CM asked if I would like a fridge? I said no without thinking and I was wondering now if I should have said yes, because the Poly has a small fridge right in the Concierge rooms. THanks, Joan

 

[BCV23]

The rooms do have minibars which we never even open! We did request and receive a little refrigerator which we use for insulin as well as cold drinks, leftovers, etc.. They are the dorm size ones that sit on the floor. Bigger than the concierge ones at the Polynesian.

I'm sure you could e-mail or call them and let them know you've changed your mind or even request one at check-in. Have a great time!