Have you been "Bitten" by the Concierge "Bug"? aka The LIZARD LOUNGE!

[TammiMcMan]

Steffy, the service or lack of, that you're receiving is definitely not the norm. Sorry you had to get up early and make those phone calls yourself. I find it odd that the Poly folks have not gotten back to you, from what I understand, they are some of the best people. Have they been in touch with you at all?

In answer to your question, I believe your PS confirmation numbers are tied to your reservation, so the concierge staff will automatically see them.

Janet, I've been following your trip report regarding the planning of this memorable trip. As always, you describe everything in great detail and I can't wait to see how it all turns out.

Tammi

 

[QJ411]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to stop in and say HI. I have one quick question...in the middle of Aug. we rcv'd a letter from GF planning and we emailed them regarding some of the PS we'd like and they were SO helpful in making all the PSs for us. It was a little over 90 days out and they said they'd make the PS asap.

I haven't heard from them regarding any confirmation, and I feel bad if I email them again, I feel like I'm pestering them...but I wanted our anniversary trip to be special so I don't know...will they email me about the confirmations or should I just go ahead and email them to follow up?

Thanks everyone...have a GREAT Friday and a WONDERFUL weekend!!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Queenie, go ahead and e-mail them. You are paying for their services, so I wouldn't worry, you're not bothering them. Just ask if they could send over an updated itinerary for you. You should definitely have one for any additions or changes that you make, just to make sure that they're all okay.

Ease your mind and send them an e-mail.

Tammi

 

[DisneyNotes]

I would email them and follow up. They are there to provide peace of mind.

 

[tammy]

Thanks guys for the compliments on the photos. I knew you all would love them. I will have a few more photos in a couple of days.

Matty, Tyler and Eddie are my babies.

#1Hockeymom: I think you will love Pop Century not as much as AKL but it will do. Did I tell you how much we LOVED AKL, I can't wait to return. If you have any specific questions about PC, please ask away. We had rooms in the 90's section and the 60's section. I think we liked the 90's better as it was so much quieter.

Have a great day, Lizards!

 

[QJ411]

Re: GF/PS
Yea, I think I'm gonna email them, I just needed some reassurance (sp?) from you experts...

THANKS!!!

 

[lindeyspol]

I would definitely email GF too. I talked with Renee (she called us) prior to our 90 day mark to find out what we'd like. A while after our 90 day mark I was curious to find out if we had the times we had requested. Renee apologized (said she thought we already had our itinerary) and emailed us very quickly with our copy. Good thing I checked because somehow one of our changes was CRT earlier in our trip (while at AKL which they took care of) so we now have 2 CRT 8:05 ps's for our Dec trip! Renee has always been very helpful and quick to reply. She is also our planner for our last night CR 14th floor which makes that transition easier.

Now, tell me I have the greatest hubby. I started thinking of a weekend away when I found out he was supposed to have a meeting in Orlando next month. Then found out oldest son has no school on Friday that week, so he could go without missing school. Then, we saw the terrific fares on Southwest. Combined with the fact that Friday will be my birthday and we have our ap's still, how could he say no to another trip?! (Actually, pretty easy since we spent 9 days in June and are going for 6 more in Dec!) Well, he said yes and we are going again Oct 14-18th! I got WL std view (all they had) for 1st 2 nights and CR 12th floor 3rd night. I'd love to do concierge the whole trip but promised to be more budget minded this time.

We've never stayed at WL (this leaves YC as our last dlx to try). What are our chances of upgrading at checkin---since nothing is available now and what should I ask for. I am travelling down a day earlier with the kids so convenience is important.

Also, has anyone done the Party for the Senses at the F&W? I'm thinking of this for Sat night but would love to hear first hand reports.

Thanks for any help!

Lisa

P.S. Debbie--I know how hard it is not to book AKL----I just keep saying "we've got to try WL, we've got to try WL...."

 

[johnsonet]

Lisa Yes-you have a great husband! How awesome to plan a last-minute trip You will LOVE Wilderness Lodge and so will your boys.

QJ411 Definitely email GF and ask them to email you your itinerary. Let them know (again) that you want to be sure that your anniversary trip is special

Janet I really loved your photo I'm a ride chicken so I've never seen that before

Steffy Too bad Poly IPO is not pulling it off! I hope everything gets resolved. If not, switch to AKL CL or BWI CL. They know how to treat their guests like royalty

samnbilly I am sorry about your DD's teacher. That is going to be tough on the kids - but they are sooo resilient...probably tougher on "Mom" PD for your DGM! What an insane hurricane season this year! Oh yes - and Alana is awesome

Have a good day Lizards

 

[VAgal76]

Janet2k - LOL! My DS chickened out on me as we were BOARDING Tower of Terror. I was so disappointed I didn't get ride. He's a little young to walk back by himself to find DH so I had to go out with him.

Tammy - Loved the pictures & thanks for sharing!

Someone asked about bunkbeds at WL - Yes, they do, but it is a request only with no guarantee. I like this resort, but I don't think I'd do CL there again. I just didn't have the best CL experience, but others have loved it. It's a beautiful resort with good restaurants and in a nice location convenient to MK. I don't know if it was a fluke or what when I stayed, but I do hope you have a much better time!

DH is shocked that I even thought of going to WDW without him ! What's the consensus been on a time frame for this LL dismeet - May or Summer months? I could really use a weekend by myself for rejuvenation/relaxation, but I may have to let DH tag along.

Debbie - I'm glad to hear you're getting better! Cont'd p and PD for a full recovery.

MMause - I hope your injections and PT is going better for you. I hope your boo-boo thumb is also doing better.

BT - How are you, girl?! I hope your trip is going well!

Well, unfortunately, I must get back to work to pay the bills and pay for the next awesome adventure of ours at WDW!

BIG ROOM WAVE to all you lizards out there!!!!!

 

[ead79]

originally posted by VAgal
What's the consensus been on a time frame for this LL dismeet - May or Summer months? I could really use a weekend by myself for rejuvenation/relaxation, but I may have to let DH tag along.

I think a weekend of rejuvenation sounds in order to me! Basically, there are 2 different lizard meets in the works. There is one in May (week of the 15th) and one in the summer (I don't think a firm date has been set for that yet). Hope you can join us (I'll be at the May meet, but not at the summer one)!

 

[ead79]

Taratink,

Staying concierge has several benefits that are a nice addition to any WDW trip. You get a pre-planning staff to assist you with any dining reservations you might need as well as special requests (like getting gifts for your kids delivered to your room before you arrive, arranging for special celebrations, etc.). The rooms are usually the same as regular rooms at the deluxe resorts, but you do get bathrobes and upgraded toiletries. There are also deluxe concierge rooms at certain resorts that are larger than regular rooms, but these cost more than normal concierge rooms. Also, you get use of the concierge lounge. The lounge has food and beverage offerings out from breakfast to midday snacks, evening appetizers, and desserts and cordials. This is very convenient, not to mention delicious! Staying concierge is a pampering experience. Feel free to ask any questions you might have!

 

[Taratink]

ead79- I will be traveling with my DH, DS 5 1/2 DD 31/2 and myself. We will be visiting the WL the first week of Feb 05. Would Concierge be worth it for us? I know we would eat there for breakfast and evening snacks. I figure that breakfast would cost us $35.00 a day and probably take us an hour to eat. Snacks would probably cost us another $20.00. I figured that I could try to get an upgrade at check in and add it if it was cheap enough. This is our first onsite trip so I could be dreaming here. We are slow movers in the a.m. and I hate to waste time at breakfast. Do you know if the winter codes include concierge level?
Blah blah blah! What do you think?
Thanks,
Tara

 

[VAgal76]

Taratink - Concierge is not going to save $$$, but does save time and relieves some of the stress of making PS's, running to breakfast, hard to get activity ressies, etc. They have nice continental breakfast assortment, snacks, drinks, etc. throughout the day. If you can fit it in your budget, I feel you'll find it "worth it" once you try it. And "YES" there are discounts that apply to CL rooms also if you are lucky to get one. Most frequently, the AP rates apply. Disney Visa and Dreammaker packages also apply to regular CL rooms. Keep an eye out & never forget to keep calling!

 

[flyball]

We returned from AKL concierge on Sept 9th and we were first timers to concierge. I have to say, I was skeptical (and my husband was REALLY skeptical) before we tried it, but we are now really sold on the experience. While it's true that concierge offers breakfast, snacks, planning assistance, turn-down service, bathrobes, etc., the real advantage for us was the lounge's peaceful setting. We were really able to spend some quality family time together, and our girls truly appreciated the intimacy and comfort of the lounge. When you walk into the lounge, you relax automatically. We played cards, read, talked to the CMs, ate, people watched, and tracked hurricane Frances! I'm not sure any of us can do it justice through these posts, but suffice it to say that I'm certain my daughters will never forget this vacation (and will probably beg to stay concierge again)!

 

[QJ411]

Hi everyone...

Thanks for the tip, I emailed them and I'm waiting for their response. Hopefully all the PS are made and confirmed by GF Planning team. I'm SO excited, I can't wait...I wish we could stay longer though...hopefully next year!

 

[Steffy]

Originally posted by TammiMcMan
Steffy, the service or lack of, that you're receiving is definitely not the norm. Sorry you had to get up early and make those phone calls yourself. I find it odd that the Poly folks have not gotten back to you, from what I understand, they are some of the best people. Have they been in touch with you at all?

In answer to your question, I believe your PS confirmation numbers are tied to your reservation, so the concierge staff will automatically see them.

Janet, I've been following your trip report regarding the planning of this memorable trip. As always, you describe everything in great detail and I can't wait to see how it all turns out.

Tammi

Hmmmm,

Seems they made one or two, just never let me know....

But one that they made is a conflict. Sooooo, it is up at the crack of dawn for me tomorrow. This is a really important ps, so I want to make sure I get it. Then I can almost relax. As soon as I am sure I will have Christmas dinner!!

Yes, I have heard from them. They even tried to call me today, but my cellphone was on silent all day. I had to attend an allday meeting....

I'll be okay. I didn't even know they were in the path of Jeanne! Goodness gracious what is up with these hurricanes???

to all in need.

I think I need to visit the pool bar and get a couple/few drinks in the pineapple!!

on a side note... my DD and I went to the big Mall today.... about an hour away. Huge. Had to go to Pottery Barn Kids to pick up baby shower gifts.... anywho, we were walking, and walking. Finally we looked at the mall map. I said, let's pretend we are walking from Mexico to Canada. That should make it easier. Then we walked back around the lagoon. Then we had to find the family restroom. We were tired. So then I said, we're at America, let's get to the monorail, after Illuminations. In other words, long walk, tired, and very late.

Well, I pronouced us Wal Disney World ready!! No huffing, no puffing, no searching for a park bench!! YEAH!!!!

Nitey, nite.....

 

[Steffy]

So I'm up at the crack of dawn, my DD and I are both on the phone. I make my ps for the Grand Adventure in Cooking for Christmas Eve. I give my cc info, and start to make my ps for Christmas Eve dinner. Something tells me to ask him to look at my ps list.


Poly IPO has been busy. All of the ps I asked for, including the pirate cruise, and CRT were booked. And my Christmas eve dinner. I suppose they just do their stuff in the background and would send me a list after they are done???

I kept reading about IPOs sending emails right after they made ps and got scared.

Well, I'm going to call IPO this morning and speak to someone, so I can release my doubles.....

If any lizards want the Cooking on December 21, let your IPO know. And some happy family will have CRT that Wednesday too! And I will sleep in tomorrow morning and not worry about Christmas dinner!!!!

:thewave: 82 more days to go!!!!

 

[ead79]

originally posted by Taratink
ead79- I will be traveling with my DH, DS 5 1/2 DD 31/2 and myself. We will be visiting the WL the first week of Feb 05. Would Concierge be worth it for us? I know we would eat there for breakfast and evening snacks. I figure that breakfast would cost us $35.00 a day and probably take us an hour to eat. Snacks would probably cost us another $20.00. I figured that I could try to get an upgrade at check in and add it if it was cheap enough. This is our first onsite trip so I could be dreaming here. We are slow movers in the a.m. and I hate to waste time at breakfast. Do you know if the winter codes include concierge level?
Blah blah blah! What do you think?

It sounds to me like your family would benefit from having breakfast available in the lounge. We don't like getting up early either. As far as if concierge is literally worth it from a pure price standpoint, that's pretty hard to say. It's really more than just the food offerings, it's the service. You'd probably have to eat a lot in the lounge to "break even" so to speak. I've never upgraded at check-in, so I don't know how good your chances would be. Yes, the code rates include concierge level. We have annual passholder discounts on our reservations for this winter, thank goodness!

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

Well, Steffy, at least you got your PSs! I'm sure with the hurricanes the CMs don't all have time to email after each PS these days. Great they did them. I'm actually surprised the computer would accept double reservations (same time, same restaurant).

I heard from debbart today - she is fine - and found out that she also did not get her Illuminations cruise from the cl. Very strange because they were so certain before that it would not be a problem. Had either of us known there was a question we would have booked it ourselves. The lesson for everyone here is if it's something truly important like this - and this was important to us, it's our first trip to WDW, we live on the west coast so it could possibly be our only trip, it's a special celebration trip for us and - finally - my MIL is joining us for the last days to celebrate her 74th birthday! Anyway, life will go on but this little cruise was to be the highlight of our trip as it probably is the only time we'll get to see Illuminations. Certainly in the bigger scheme of things, all the upheaval the poor Floridians are going through, it is trivial.

Cappucinos and cinnamon cookies for everyone...

 

[johnsonet]

Steffy so glad you got your PS.

PD to everyone in FLA - especially all CMs

I'm starving! Who's up for Chinese?

Have a good night Evereyone!

CaliforniaDreamer those cookies and caps sound awesome!