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

[k&a&c'smom]

lindyspol - I did that exact split last April, and loved every minute of it!! Well, the Poly/AKL part of it! We absolutely love both of these resorts, and it's always great to hear someone really enjoyed them. Sorry about the NC disappointment, and the sitter fiasco. What a nail-biter, I would have been going crazy, not knowing if I would make my PS or the Safari. Very bad service, IMO. One incident might be a fluke, but 2 is unacceptable.

What a cute story about your DS and the cm! That's what makes WDW so great, those personal moments with the cm's. I hope WDW management knows what an asset they are to their business. Sounds like an awesome trip!

 

[VAgal76]

lindeyspol - What a wonderful trip report! I can't wait to get there.

I will see you guys when I return.....8 days!

Yippppeeee - I'm outta here and on way to airport for that jet plane to take me to WDW!!!!

:space: :thewave:

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Have a great trip, VAgal, and tell BT "Hey!" for us!!!

 

[luckywife]

lindeyspol Really enjoyed your trip report. I can't wait to try AKL. Hoping to do a split stay between there and WL next trip. But who knows, we loved the Poly so much it will be hard not going back there.

 

[lindeyspol]

Glad everyone's enjoying the little report. The photo place somehow missed a few pix on processing. Unfortunately, of ds magic haircut (not to be missed!) and the Family Magic Tour. So, pix will be on disc completed tomorrow. Hopefully, I can post them on an album. Luckywife, if you loved the poly you will think you've gone to heaven at AKL! And I was a tough sell. I always considered myself the elegant type--love GF, BC etc but I was completely blown away by the service at AKL. First rate all the way. I just unloaded all our little notes, souveniers, and gifts to get my little fix while doing all the lovely back to reality things like laundry and bills.

In a nutshell, here are the things we loved--

AKL concierge
Sunset Safari
cute ice cream floats with souvenier cup and mickey straw at Tamu Tamu refreshment stand in Africa area of AK
Ice Cream Social at Epcot
Kiddie Kone and all desserts at Kona Cafe
Poly LVC
Wishes
Le Cellier
first kid at Keister Coaster--cute--got to wear clown wig and nose and got certificate being 1st one down (unfortunately another kid but cute anyway)
anniversary dinner at Cindy's
son's 1st dole whip float
2yo excitement at seeing characters
pirate cruise at GF
view from poly room
view from AKL room
nice, nice, nice people we met and fantastic cm's
knowing that we will go back!!

To all of you going soon--enjoy!!!--and be sure to bring your favorite fashion item--your poncho!!

Lisa

 

[#1hockeymom]

I was humming the Mr. Ed song last night! GMTA!
Thank you to everyone for your wonderful, well thought out advice. DD is very happy she gets to show DBF Disney, and she even brought up the sleeping arrangement idea before I insisted on it. DH explained that if we still had our camper, he would have gone camping with us so it will be real similar. You are all right, too, that this might make me closer to DBF since reading between the lines you can probably tell I am not! DS was hilarious last night "Mom? Does ***** know you have to speak in a hushed voice, always use a napkin, use silverware even when you don't need to, and not be a hog in the concierge lounge?" I just totally cracked up! (We worry about the 11 year old, we don't worry about others...LOL)

lindeyspol>> I love your review! What awful luck with babysitters! As someone else said, twice is too much! I am glad you were able to do the sunset safari! I have it on the list. It is a long list! You shared lots of information and I know I wasn't the only one to be so happy to read all of it! Anniversary with a hockey player... My kind of night! LOL OK, so wrong table, but your night still sounded fantastic! Was your trip 2-2-2? How did you like that part of your trip?

VAgal>> Get out of here! You're off to the world and a safari awaits!

DD about to stop over to go over some plans. I think I see more of her now than when she lived here! OHHHH best news of all...I AM FREE! Schools... out..... for summer!
Happy happy Friday!
Debbie

 

[ksy8384]

HockeyMom.... you're just now getting out of school? It seems as though we've been out forever (May 28) and we go back in only 6 weeks.... Aug 2nd.

Glad you are finally free.

Kalen

 

[lindeyspol]

#1 hockeymom--glad you are enjoying it--thought you might like the hockey player bit. Of course, I had no idea who he was but figured it was vip with the two disney ambassadors with them. Then, when they chime the bells and welcome the------family to dinner, my hubby figured it out. I think he's in the background of one of my pix which will hopefully be available soon. Also, aren't you the one who loves the baby ankole? I have a picture of him too from the Sunset Safari--close up. You should definitely put that at the top of your list. I learned so much about the animals and the lodge. The guides and guests were great. I was a little unsure of eating dinner with these new "friends" but they were indeed friends by the end of dinner and we had lots of new information and stories. You also get the best service at Jiko and the chef comes and describes every dish. It is like a mini buffet. You get to try so many things which is great--and of course the wines were wonderful--especially the dessert wine. You could not do this just dining at Jiko. You also get a personalized menu, which we had the chef sign and a great photo with giraffes right behind you. I still would like to try the Sunrise Safari too but this was much more intimate and just what we needed at the end of the trip.

We split our trip 2 nts BWI, 4 nts Poly LVC and 2 AKL concierge. It was just too much moving around. Especially since our rooms at BWI and Poly weren't ready till dinnertime. By then we had been sloshing through the afternoon showers and just wanted to grab a shower and put on dry shoes! If I did it again, I would do 4 and 4 probably. Hubby says he doesn't need to go back to BW but we definitely need a lot more time at AKL. Still so many things to see and do--especially for the kids.

Glad so many people "enlightened" me about the Lodge. I honestly never would have tried it if it weren't for these boards. Still haven't tried CR or WL but again, those don't seem like my cup of tea. Then again, I might be pleasantly surprised!

Everyone have a great evening. I will leave the cappuccino machine on and have left some lovely beggars purse chocolates and zebra domes and pineapple cheesecakes out for everyone.

Lisa

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Ooooh, lindyspol, some of my favorite desserts!! - We adore Jiko, and those beggar's purses are delicious! And, of course, Boma's zebra domes and pineapple cheesecake, thanks for the spread!

Debbie - Glad you're finally free for the summer!!! And your DS made me laugh!

 

[#1hockeymom]

I am so homesick for AKL concierge right now! Yes, I am the baby ankole fanatic! (and the hockey part is obvious!) It started when I took my mother to AKL and mom ankole was still pregnant, then my son and I saw him as a very young baby. During Easter he had grown, but not much! I have only been on the sunrise safari (two different trips). We almost did the sunset, but I knew DS would be heartbroken at not being able to participate.

We just got back from dinner with DD,DBF and crew. I showed DBF all the different resorts, and even he thinks akl looks fantastic! DD has always wanted to go to the Poly, so poly it is! Turns out DBF has been to Disney as a small boy, just not since. I showed them all the picture sites, the menu sites, the brochures I have, etc. I think I will leave my reservations the way they are with Dolphin CL three nights then Poly GV concierge three nights. I was so close to making it 2-2-2 with AKL in the mix but after reading lindeyspol's post I believe it would probably be too much, especially with four of us and all the luggage.

Can't wait to see baby ankole grown up! (well, bigger anyways!)
My baby leaves for hockey camp tomorrow evening! I just get off of school and now he's leaving!

Love the desserts! Thanks!
Debbie

 

[luckywife]

Evening all!

I received a postcard in the mail today from the Poly. It was for a survey that I just completed. Took me a good half an hour to do it but I'm glad they sent it because it gave me a chance to really give certain CM's a big pat on the back and also an opportunity to tell them about some things I wasn't so happy with. I'm not a big complainer and always try to make the best of every situation but when we arrived at the Poly I was kind of upset with the treatment we did (or should I say, didn't) receive. Nothing that ruined the trip, just wasn't what I thought/expected it to be. Other than that one little thing, I had nothing but GREAT things to say about the resort and the CM's we talked to. I made sure to tell them that Melissa at IPO is wonderful and how friendly Chef Dick is.

#1hockeymom...Ooooohhh it sounds like you have an AWESOME trip planned! Is your DD's BF excited and looking forward to it?

 

[steveanddonna]

Welcome to summer, #1hockeymom! Although here in Chicago we're having a beautiful autumn day - highs to be only in the 60's. I am so ready for Florida! wish I were hanging with VAGal & BT!

Thanks for the great trip report, lindeyspol I'm wanting to try AKL more & more. I just have to work on DH, 'cuz it will be hard to get him to leave his beloved Poly.

luckywife it's great that you got to do one of the surveys - you will probably be inundated with them now, as we get them related to golf, making reservations, dining...
Do you plan to write a letter as well, complimenting the positives and noting where there is room for improvement? Our experience is that Disney is incredibly responsive to their guests complaints and compliments, moreso than just about any other large company I can think of.

As a matter of fact, we had written a letter in March in praise of a few CMs. We just received a letter from Executive Offices asking for permission to use our letter in a brochure going out to area community leaders. Every time we have written or e-mailed Guest Communications, we have received an immediate acknowledgement, usually followed by a more personal response later. We love that they make us feel like they are really listening to us. We all like to feel important, right?

Enjoy the coffee, tea and pineapple danish I left out!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

steveanddonna - could you post the address for Guest Communications? I have thought in the past I might write a letter praising a particular cm, but couldn't find where to send it. Thanks!

Debbie - I know exactly how you feel, missing AKL!! I have had to talk sternly to myself to keep the Swan res. and not change to AKL!

 

[ksy8384]

Ok, yet another question for the seasoned pro's out there....

IPO will help you with your PS's and they usually contact you around the 100 day out mark, true? What if your trip isn't paid 100% does that matter? Do they still help you get your PS-ing's in order or do you have to be paid in full? Just a wondering and planning.

I am trying to see the July $$ for concierge for this year (to get a ballpark price for next year) and I can't get a WL room to pop up on Disney's site. YOU HAVE THEM ALL BOOKED!!!!

Can someone give me an idea of the $$ for "value" season concierge at WL?

Also, Contemporary 14th floor vs 12th (I believe). How do you get 14th floor? Call in advance or request at time of booking. Is it any difference in $$ than the other Contemp concierge?

Hope you are all having a great weekend.

Kalen

 

[#1hockeymom]

ksy8384>> Just popping in to say that you can see the actual rates for rooms by going to mousesavers/disney world/ resorts/ then 2004 prices. The AP rate I believe is 85 dollars off, across the board for deluxes, including concierge.

Off to hockey camp! (well, driving him to the coach's house)
Debbie

 

[dreamflight99]

HELLO to all my fellow LL~! My countdown timer is seemingly moving FASTER with each passing second! I have to get some things accomplished, and organize prior to taking OFF!

Hope everyone is enjoying their SUMMER, and the nice comfy lounge. We have planned our visit to AKL, and Jiko's/Boma's too! Mmmm...the DESSERTS are absolutely the best part...so I plan to EAT THEM FIRST~!


VALGAL & TAMBY...You'll both be in my heart and spirit during your time away in the world. To be a bit cliche..."DON'T DO ANYTHING I WOULDN'T DO...and DON'T ACCEPT ANY WOODEN NICKELS!" (LOL).. I will miss you BOTH so very much! Stay SAFE and have a MAGICAL TIME! Enjoy the safari...and be sure to give a wave to Deb's ANKOLE Family!!

TTFN...

DF99

 

[ead79]

ksy8384. let me see which questions I know the answer to.

IPO will help you with your PS's and they usually contact you around the 100 day out mark, true? What if your trip isn't paid 100% does that matter? Do they still help you get your PS-ing's in order or do you have to be paid in full? Just a wondering and planning. IPO will indeed be happy to help you with any PS's you would like. I have not been contacted by IPO before my 90-day mark before, so I usually just drop them an email a couple of days before my 90-day mark, just to be safe about them having the best chance of getting my requests. You do not need to be paid in full to use the IPO's services--I would imagine that most people don't pay in full until they arrive (except those folks with packages, since they require advance payment).

I am trying to see the July $$ for concierge for this year (to get a ballpark price for next year) and I can't get a WL room to pop up on Disney's site. YOU HAVE THEM ALL BOOKED!!!! The Disney website can be a bit of a pain in the rear, LOL! Just because a certain room type won't come up doesn't necessarily mean it's sold out. Your best bet is to call CRO and ask them. I'm not sure why Disney's site is so finicky, but it is.

Can someone give me an idea of the $$ for "value" season concierge at WL? The rack rate for WL concierge for July (as long as it's after the 4th of July) is $350 per night plus tax.

Also, Contemporary 14th floor vs 12th (I believe). How do you get 14th floor? Call in advance or request at time of booking. Is it any difference in $$ than the other Contemp concierge? The 12th and 14th floor concierges at the Contemporary are very different in terms of amenities and price. To book either type of room, you must specify that room type at the time of booking. There are quite a few differences between 12th and 14th floor concierge. Basically, the 12th floor is concierge-lite, and the 14th floor is full service concierge. There are only 3 rooms on the 14th floor that are not suites, so the 14th floor concierge rooms can be hard to get. Here is a link to a website that explains the difference between the two types of concierge well.

http://allearsnet.com/acc/faq_conc.htm

Here is a link to the pictures of the two types of rooms. The 12th floor rooms will look just like regular tower rooms, and the 14th floor concierge rooms will look different. You can see both those types of rooms by clicking the link below:

http://allearsnet.com/acc/g_contm.htm

I hope that helps!

 

[steveanddonna]

ksy8384 Elizabeth is absolutely right about the WDW website. Sometimes available rooms don't pop up via the web, and it's often difficult to apply the discount codes. We got an AP discount at the Poly for the first week of Aug., and we only called a short time ago, so you might still get a discount for July - there are always cancellations!

k&a&c'smom the address I used is:

Executive Offices
Walt Disney World Resort®
Post Office Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

and the e-mail address is:
WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com

Kathy at Poly concierge also told me that Guest Communications will forward your letter of appreciation to the CM if you include an extra copy and ask that they do so. We did this when we wrote in praise of the monorail driver. She also said that she could send things to CMs (thank you crads, whatever) via their intermail, so I bet other concierge CMs would do the same.

 

[MermaidsMom]

I sent a letter of praise last summer for the BWI concierge team and they all read it because when I went back to stay in the fall they all commented on it! I sent it to the GM of the BWI.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

DF - Hey, girlfriend!! Hope you're not working yourself too hard - you'll need a little energy left over to climb into the plane!

steveanddonna - Thanks a bunch, I'm gonna file that in my big WDW notebook for future reference! I'll bet at least one cm will earn a letter this next trip - they always do!

ksy8384 - We have WL CL booked for this July, price with tax and AP discount is $294/night. I believe 2005 prices went up by $10. HTH!

Big room wave to everybody in the lounge! :thewave: