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

[steveanddonna]

Just finished reading the "old" thread...

Woody, all I can say is ; you know you're in our prayers!

Tammy that's great news about your mom - hope she keeps improving.

All the other Lizards Happy Birthday, Happy Memorial Day, Happy Ot-of-Town-Visitors, Happy WDW trip, Happy Sidewalk Sale....and if I missed anything, Happy Everything Else!

See you after the holoday!

 

[KerryCM]

mom_rules, I will be there Oct. 14th -21st. When will you be there? I will be with my husband, son, daughter-inlaw, grandaughter and my son's in-laws. I cannot wait to go back. I just love it there. I hope to see you. If you are there the same time as me, we should set a time to meet.

 

[Majestic]

I know you have all been waiting for this so I will make my best attempt to put down in words my experiences with staying at the Polynesian and if possible, I will try to make a fair comparison to Wilderness Lodge. Not sure if my comments will be welcomed but here goes anyway....

I must start by saying that the Polynesian is a great resort. Don't take my critique as totally negative it's just one man's opinion and we all know what those are worth.

We arrived at the Polynesian via Tiffany Town Car (on time and great ride as usual....highly recommended) on Saturday at around 12:30pm. We had a wedding reception to go to asap so I had to hurry as much as possible. We got our bags out of the car and spoke to the desk. I advised that we were staying concierge and they said they will take us right on over. We waited for about 10 minutes then we were off and on to the concierge building. They weren't ready for us as the room was not cleaned yet and I expected that so it wasn't a problem. Tara checked us in and held our luggage in the room so we could go off to do our thing.

We did the reception then came back to the hotel to crash as we were all very tired. It was our first experience at seeing a room at the Polynesian. The room is LARGE compared to other resorts. The view was FANTASTIC. We were in 3508 on the third floor about half way down the hall in the middle of the building and had a perfect view of the castle and Wishes every night. I highly recommend you requesting this room if available.

Here is where I need to rant...sorry to those of you that I know love the Polynesian.

I must say that the cast members at the Polynesian need a little help with making people feel welcome. I felt like a total stranger and out of place the whole stay. For that I could stay off property at any other hotel. We never had this at WL. The cast members on the 7th floor there are absolutely amazing at making you feel like family. I would find it very difficult to believe anyone was not pleased with thier performance.

There are many other things I didn't care for. Here is a partial list.

1) No hot tub. One thing I look forward to after a long day at the parks is a soak in the tub. It really helps my knees. The view from the tub at the main pool at WL is incredible. Especially at night.

2) Buildings are seperated. I didn't care for the fact that you had to leave your building to go to the grand ceremonial hall and then again to go back. At WL I can leave my room and go down the elevator to the Mercantile if I need anything.

3) There are 3 floors of guests in the concierge building at the Polynesian and only one lounge. For the most part, whenever we went to the lounge, most of the tables were taken so we had to go to the 3rd floor lounge. (Which wasn't all that bad really I guess...) People seemed to be very pushy and the whole place gets kinda noisy. It's not very relaxing and you feel guilty hanging out too long as people are waiting for a table. No way to really "lounge" around in the lounge. The cast members here were good though. I enjoyed Ivette, Koolai (sp?), and of course Chef Dick. (Got my picture taken with him!)

4) Whenever I need questions answered, it seems that the cast members on the 7th floor at the WL know quite a bit and are very helpfull. I didn't get that kind of impression when I asked for help choosing a place to dine one night. I got lots of "I don't know" and "i'm not sure...". The CM was alone that night and I can't say wether or not she was new so I can't hold this against everyone there. They just weren't there when I needed them.

5) There were times I would walk in the main entrance and stop. It would be minutes if ever before someone would say hello. Even when they weren't busy. I hate the fact that the monitors are built into the desks because they all look down into the desks when using the computers. Really strange feeling. May just be me.

6) At WL it seems that the cast members go well out of thier way to please my daughter. They play with her and speak to her. They even gave her a giant basket full of toys one time. At the Polynesian, she was given a beach bucket and shovel to play with when we checked in but nobody acknowledged her from that point on. We are there as a family so I wish we would be more accepted as a family. Again, this could just be part of my high expectations of what a Disney World resort should be like.

There are probably more things but I feel so negative right now and I don't want to sound like a total complainer. Don't get me wrong....the Polynesian is nice and I am sure many people like it. It's just not the fit for me and my family. We won't be returning any time too soon. We are already discussing our next trip....to Wilderness Lodge of course.

Fred

 

[steveanddonna]

People seemed to be very pushy and the whole place gets kinda noisy.

Fred - Bummer! Sorry the Poly didn't live up to its reputation for you. We experienced the same pushy crowd while we were there a few days before you, and I have to say, it's the first time it's ever happened to us at the Poly. Must've been something in the air!
Some of the things you didn't like (i.e. separate buildings) are the things we DO like about the Poly, so it just goes to show that there's a resort style for everyone at the World!
I hear you about the demeanor of some of the concierge CMs - there were a few new CMs at the concierge desk during our stay who didn't seem to have the charm or charisma or warmth needed to do the concierge job. Found out later they were college interns from Johnson & Wales majoring in hospitality. (How ironic! ) Our experience with the "regular" CMs has been different from yours, but every guest should get that same welcomed feeling, whether it's their first stay or their 21st stay.
Just keep looking forward to your WL trip and enjoy the long weekend.

 

[BambiTamby]

YEA! I'm so happy that everyone is finding their way to our new digs!

Even if you haven't stayed CL, but have that yearning....
believe me, you're a LOUNGE LIZARD.
It's like we were "born" with the CL gene! LOL!

Majestic....No flames here buddy! I can understand your strong bond with WL CL, just as I do with the AKL CL gang!
It seems as though we bond with some lounges (like this one )
and some just don't hit us quite right.

Now, we're making another visit to both of our CL "homes" in a couple of weeks, and I'm looking forward to the Poly and AKL CLs!

DH and I are going to stay at WL CL...hopefully we can do it during our September or January trip.

The hot tub thingie....yup, that one is one of DH's peeves also.
Think that's why he loves the AKL....great hot tubs and health club.

But, I am finding that there are somethings that make each resort unique...different...from each other, and the CLs follow along that same concept.


kacsmom...you poor baby! Grab a latte and a slice of Italian cream cake....I love that cake from the BC/YC CLs!

Have a happy and SAFE weekend!

 

[sojo33]

Wow--great new lounge. I am a lounge lizard wannabe that is looking forward to being initiated next week.

I am having the fanny packs and goodies delivered to be in the room when we get there. How much guidance do I need to provide on shopping. I am thinking about saying 2 fanny packs, 2 autograph books, 2 pens, and 2 lanyards. Plus maybe some candy or other small goodies. Is that enough for them to go on, or should I try to be more specific?

I think I should start packing now

 

[lindeyspol]

Glad to make it to the new board. Getting very excited for our upcoming trip and concierge experiences.

I hope everyone who needs the prayers and pixie dust gets them. Amazing how long 12 days can seem. Sending you all good wishes!

I do have a question I am hoping someone can answer about the Sunset Safari. I have seen the links to pictures and have a good idea about the Safari part but was looking for more info on the dinner part. This is our early anniversary night out.

I know I must be a lizard now because of all the upgrades I have made since finding this thread! We have pretty much stayed deluxe or home away from home for all my adult trips. Only time concierge was GF RPC for honeymoon 7 years ago but this time with 2 kids will definitely enjoy the perks and pampering. I doubt we will be able to go back to non concierge after this trip. Especially since we did ap's (told hubby it was a break even for 9 day trip!) Maybe back to GF RPC for long holiday weekend?! Always wanted to see Disney at Christmas!

Again, thanks for all the help!

 

[fam4jc]

Hey all you LL's! I've been lurking but not taking the time to post.... getting ready for the Poly on the 6th! Still can't believe we are staying concierge! Gonna be great. Nothing will take the smile off my face
Been a bad week. FIL very ill. He had a brain scan and we are waiting for results. I'm am so afraid, yet trying to put my faith where it needs to be; tough to do.
I made a big mistake at work that cost us 12 months of grant eligibility. I just didn't read the contract close enough
I can't tell you how much I need this vacation at the Poly! It is still a secret and i have NEVER kept a secret
Anyone have some last minute advice for a first time Poly and first time concierge?
Thanks
fam4jc

 

[mom_rules]

Thanks for the report Fred! Putting on the herbal teas for you all for a restful night.

KerryCM we are there Oct 9 to 17-Maybe we will see you in the lounge!!

 

[GoofyJoofy]

Originally posted by goodferry
I feel like we are in a 12 step program lol.

Hi my name is Joe and I am a lounge lizard in the making!

 

[GoofyJoofy]

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom
Hey, guys, what gives?! My house got hit by lightening earlier this week, our cable internet was one of the casualties,

k&a&c'smom - OMG, is everyone OK?
PD and P for you and the family. Hope it was nothing more than an inconvinience.

 

[sojo33]

I am getting so excited that I am thinking of leaving a day early and getting to Orlando on Saturday June 5th. Would it be even worth calling Disney to see if they have a room. I seriously doubt we could extend the CL at AKL on a Saturday night, but maybe another resort???

 

[#1hockeymom]

OH MY K&A&c'smom! It sounds like everyone is fine, but WOW I don't want any of us on the "news" for bad weather!

Fam4jc>> Adding your FIL's name to the prayer list. I do hope he gets to healing up, soon.

Woody'sroundup>> Added... and please keep us updated! I am sure you are just so scared! Here's more prayers for a good outcome!

*clearing throat* Hello, my name is Debbie and I will admit that I love concierge level. Yes, I know I can make my own PSs, that I can turn down my own bedcovers, and that there is a way to only put one light on in the room so you come back to a nice cozy room at the end of the day. I know I can buy snacks at the food court and drinks from there as well. Why don't I do this myself and save the 100 plus dollars? Because I don't have to at Disney! I also don't have to pay the bills, break up fights, fill out any suspension papers, talk with angry parents, scrub my kitchen floor, or break up arguements with my own children! We all work hard, it is so nice to let go and let someone else be totally in charge. It makes it even nicer that this place is Fantasy Land *pun intended* and doesn't resemble work or home in any fashion at all!

Happy birthday to all of our birthday babies here this weekend! Of course they're all babies.. as we're NOT getting any older! I'll try not to hear the Dumbo song in my head or I'll tear up!

BT>> Did you see? Someone this week had AKL pictures online. They were awesome photos! One of the first few of AKL has the Ankole family on it! Not just Ankole.. but the official #1 Ankole family! I bet they miss me! *Lord help me try out a new resort, as I keep on thinking... why not akl concierge again for those last three days!*

Oh, Mickey... carry me away!
Debbie

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by sojo33
I am getting so excited that I am thinking of leaving a day early and getting to Orlando on Saturday June 5th. Would it be even worth calling Disney to see if they have a room. I seriously doubt we could extend the CL at AKL on a Saturday night, but maybe another resort???

sojo....Yes, it WOULD be worth it and I don't see why not?
Just call and see!
We added another night at AKL CL on this coming trip earlier this week!

One time when DH and I drove to Florida, we knew we were going to arrive early and wanted to stay at the Poly since we were checking in the next day. Called CRO and was not only able to score a room at the Poly, but one with the AP rate!

And, as for the fanny packs stuffers, sojo, you really don't have to be specific about candy, unless there's something that they can NOT have..ie, DS can't have cheetos....something about the dye in those makes him bounce off the walls.

lindeyspol...Click

HERE for the Sunset Safari Menu at Jiko's.

You will be escorted there by the guides after the safari and will be greeted by either Chef Annette or Chef Anthony. You all will be seated together and each course is brought out with different wine pairings. Each course will be thouroughly explained by Annette or Anthony.....the culinary secrets, spices from Africa, choice of wine, history of each dish.....it is FABULOUS and you and DH will enjoy it!

Loved it so much, that I added the AKL CL on the end of our trip so my parents could experience this safari!
Plus....I get to meet VAgal and her family as they are joining us to make a full van.

GoofyJoofy...A 12 step program is about right! CLA!
(concierge lizard annonymous)

like steveanddonna...Happy Everything!!!!

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
Lord help me try out a new resort, as I keep on thinking... why not akl concierge again for those last three days!*

Oh, Mickey... carry me away!
Debbie

OMG! Debbie! ROTFLOL!!!!!!

That's what I did....added another three days onto this next trip!

Gosh....we've got it BAD!!!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Whew!! Finally got caught up on all the back pages - that was quite a read!!

Thank you, steveanddonna, BT, GoofyJoofy, Debbie for the kind words. Yes, everyone is OK, and that's the main thing. Our house has been hit several times over the years, the last big one was about 5 years ago, and cost us about $29,000 (ins. pd. $25,000 !) This thunderstorm got us for most of our telephones, several network cards, cable modem and router, Tivo, etc. Mostly inconvenient, we are so lucky, several towns around us were hit by tornadoes this week!

steveanddonna - thought I'd throw in my 2 cents about the August trip. We used to go exclusively during the summer, and it is great, if you enjoy heat (I do too, isn't that odd?) The crowds are manageable, in fact, I thought the Spring Break/Easter crowds were much worse. Just keep hydrated, take long afternoon breaks, and I know you enjoy MK at night, so you're set!!

Debbie - You are too funny - I like your recitation of duties you can perform yourself, but choose not to! And, repeat after me, "I need the Poly, I need the Poly, I need the Poly...!" Oh, BTW, I noticed your favorite ride is my favorite ride - ToT!!

Fred - Yes, I'm a huge Poly fan, but don't worry, you won't make me mad - everybody is entitled to their own opinion, and no resort appeals to everyone. Sorry that the Poly wasn't everything you hoped, and I'm glad you have another trip to look forward to!

Woody - I'll be thinking of you, girl, I know things will be alright!

fam4jc - sorry to hear about your troubles, too, positive thoughts are heading to you for your DFIL. That's too bad about work, but try to remember, nobody's perfect and try not to be too hard on yourself.

DF - I know that you will have a rockin' party for your DD! to her!!

Everybody, have a great weekend, I've been thinking of all of you!

 

[briannesmom]

I need some help from all of you lounge lizards. We are having our first conceirge stay at the Beach Club in July. I have no idea what to expect. We are taking our DD for her 1st birthday and decided to splurge on this trip DH said book whatever you want so I did.
Now for my questions
What types of food do they serve in the lounge? I know kids are allowed in the lounge but are they "welcome" if you know what I mean. We have only been to the Beach Club once for breakfast so I really don't know too much about the resort. I'm hoping it won't be too formal. All I know was I wanted conceirge and the BC had it!


Thanks!

Amy

 

[annamonte]

Good Morning All You Lizards!!!

Hey, no coffee is out yet? OK, I will make it today... EXTRA strong!

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

 

[Tess]

Our first concierge visit was "for the children". How nice it is to have all those drinks and snacks available when the little tots wanted to nosh. The building was so close to the pools and transportation so their poor little piggies wouldn't be too sore by the end of the day. Our little darlings would be treated like the prince and princess we know them to be. We were certain we'd go back to staying "cheap" when they were old enough to walk without a stroller.

Who were we kidding. . .it's been many a year since we needed a stroller and we haven't stayed "cheap" since our first visit to CBR. What did we know. . . We were quick studies though and now we, like so many of you, can't seem to break that concierge habit!

Nice digs here. . .happy to see everyone this morning. Pass the espresso--make mine a double please, it's going to be a long day!

 

[lindeyspol]

BT--Thanks so much for the menu and info. I know we will love it!

If you are looking for extra nights just keep calling. I did almost daily and extended our Poly lvc part of our trip from 2 to 4 nights--at ap rate at that. I gave up worrying about what the cm's thought of all my calls--or the mountain of copies of reservation confirmations coming in my mailbox. I did, however, recently call back just to check and see if they were all correct. Sure enough, I had forgotten to take a night off at BWI and was double booked!

Yes, those AKL pictures posted by Oogie Boogie (I think) were awesome. So excited and glad we will be able to meet Sue before her surgery. She has been so wonderful.

Hoping to meet a few of you while we're there.

Have a great weekend!
Lisa