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

[steveanddonna]

Thanks for the input, Kerry and twinmom.. My MIL has agreed to stay in our room (insisting of course that she pay the extra $25/night, not us - typical Mom!) if nothing opens up before we get there. I think her earlier insistence on her own room was more out of concern that she'd be imposing on us than anything else. Her habits are similar to ours, early riser, neatnik, etc., so for those few days sharing will be fine. I had read about booking standard and paying for CL privileges, but CRO and the Poly manager told me this could not be done, except in special circumstances, as for a disabled person when the handicapped room in Hawaii was already taken. MIL didn't want to be in a different building anyways.

Pineapple danish and Kona coffee on the sideboard - enjoy!

 

[BCV23]

steveanddonna, there is an accessible room in Hawaii??? Are you sure? We've asked before about using the concierge service while in Rapa Nui and told we could book concierge that way but have been told there are no accessible rooms in Hawaii. We have nnot done that though as it would be quite a hike for a bagel!

That would be wonderful if they have created one!

 

[Kimberle]

Paid off our room yesterday! No goin' back now!!

 

[steveanddonna]

BCV23 No, I'm not sure at all. I'm only repeating what the mgr. from Poly said about "exceptions." Keep in mind that he is relatively new to the Poly, so might be thinking of what is done at other resorts. Other posters have been able to book standard and pay for concierge privileges, and he told me that isn't possible, so he might be mistaken about the accessible rooms too. And I thought I'd get a more accurate answer from Poly direct than from CRO! I will ask one of the concierge staff when we're there (2 more days - I can't wait) and post the answer when we get back.

Congratulations Kimberle - isn't it a great feeling?

Bray sorry we're so slow answering your questions - we're usually a much speedier group! Concierge level gives you the privilege of using the concierge lounge at your resort (each lounge has its own varied food & beverage offerings) and the services of the itinerary planners to make priority seatings, plan special events or activities, make suggestions, arrange "surprises" in your room, etc. It's a nice way to have someone else do all the "caretaking." The price difference varies from resort to resort and season to season, You can get a better idea by checking out the room rates section at http://www.mousesavers.com/roomrates2004.html I know this thread is long and compicated to follow, but if you skim through some of the posts you will find examples of what the concierge CMs have done for others and can do for you. Hope this helps a little

 

[BCV23]

Thanks for the reply, steveanddonna. Hope you have a perfect trip! Have fun!! We'll be there again in October too....can't wait.

Congratulations Kimberle and again have fun, steveanddonna!


OK, I'm back to lurking!

 

[ValerieK]

Yeah! We got an Illuminations Cruise for Oct 29. I can't wait. I know the IPO must thing we are crazy. We have friends staying at WL, it is their first trip to WDW. I keep having the IPO make PS's for a party of 8.

Hope everyone has a good time for their trips. Hope the weather is great!

 

[KerryCM]

steveanddonna So, are you all packed and ready to go? I hope you have a wonderful trip, as I'm sure you will Can't wait to hear all about the trip.

 

[#1hockeymom]

SteveandDonna>> Have a wonderful trip! I bet you are on cloud nine right about now!

Kimberle>> Congrats on the payoff of your upcoming vacation! You'll have such a magical time knowing that there are no bills at home waiting for you concerning your trip!

ValerieK>> Congrats on getting the Illuminations cruise! I know what you mean about wondering what IPO thinks! LOL I had a party of four, but my reservations were for 2/4/or 6! Usually 2 or 6! I think this is probably the norm and they don't even bat an eye. I know for our Ohana's reservations I was on my cell making sure the time was ok with the rest of my group, while sitting at the desk in the concierge lounge!
bray>> One word of warning. Once you go concierge it is really hard to go back!

P and PD to those that need it. I bet Bambi is just having a joy of a time right now!

Alice, your trip is coming up soon! I hope you have a wonderful time with your DD; you deserve it!

I left out tea and scones for everyone! Have a great evening!
Debbie

 

[steveanddonna]

steveanddonna So, are you all packed and ready to go? I hope you have a wonderful trip, as I'm sure you will Can't wait to hear all about the trip.

SteveandDonna>> Have a wonderful trip! I bet you are on cloud nine right about now!

Hahahahahahahahaha(hysterical laughter) After nagging DH for days about packing I of course have NOTHING ready! I'll be on cloud nine as soon as I'm finished ironing, setting the timers, making the list for the cat sitter, taking the aunties to finish their errands.... I think taking a vacation makes me need a vacation. Whatever...I'm going to DisneyWorld!

 

[BriarRosie]

Originally posted by ead79
Well, I am already impressed with the AKL pre-planning staff. Today I was thrilled to find an envelope addressed to the "O'Brien Safari" in the mail. It contained our pre-planning itinerary info sheet, info on the special activities at AKL, an AKL newsletter, a sheet where we could select any items we would like stocked in our fridge, and a neat little guide to the World. I've never received something like this in the past before I have contacted the CL myself. What a nice surprise! I think I'm gonna like this place.

OH! I loved getting the "_____ Safari" welcome documents!

I made sure I booked the Sunrise Safari ASAP, as it does sell out, and some families tried to book it at the last minute and couldn't.

I don't know when I'll be back to the AKL concierge, but next time (and we all there will be a next time, right? LOLOL) I want to
do the Sunset Safari.

I took advantage of the lounge a LOT. My friends and I had a 3 hour afternoon marathon session of Haunted Mansion Clue, with lounge eats and drinks there to keep up our flagging strength...
Heheheh.

My friend suggested that I try the "African smoothie", which they set up around noon. It's very tasty!

AKL and Polynesian are the only resorts which I've stayed concierge, and I feel that both are incredibly wonderful.

 

[hightown]

Just checking to see what's going on in the lounge. Like to check in every now and then. Still missing AKL Concierge Lounge and hoping for good AP rates for November.

Lori, we spent a lot of time in the lounge too. I love the place -- the big comfy couch and chairs. Loved the idea of playing HM Clue. May try to find one and sneak into the luggage so DD won't see. That is a real game you can buy right?

Just struggling with whether to book when likely discounts may be no more than 90 a night instead of the 45% off. It's only money though right?

Anyway, raising a kaula and cream to everyone! Hoping to see some fellow diser/lizards in November.

Sharon

 

[ead79]

BriarRosie, thanks for the neat review of AKL CL! I love your Haunted Mansion Clue idea--perhaps we will bring ours along for a rest in the lounge. Sounds like fun to me.

steveanddonna, have a WONDERFUL trip! I can't wait to hear about it when you return!

 

[#1hockeymom]

I love the HM Clue idea! I don't know if all concierge lounges are like AKL's (hey, I tried to branch out but it didn't work out!), but AKL's does seem very conducive to "lounging".

The cordials will be out until midnight so please help yourselves!
Debbie

 

[hightown]

ok, just one more small kaula and cream...

Just had to share my news. Called CRO just to see if there was AAA discount available at AKL Conc. and learned that I was sent an E mail discount offer. I had changed my e mail address.

The bad news is AKL Conc was unavailable for the PIN discount and for AAA. So have a 14 day hold on BWI Conc. Price the same, $90 off per night. Still hoping for better AP but I can live with this.

There's always a chance AKLC will open up but in meantime please tell me about BWI Lounge. Can you really lounge? Comfy and inviting? Big screen TV w/Videos?

I'm excited.

Sharon

 

[KerryCM]

hightown Yje BWI concierge is my favorite place to stay! The cast there are truly amazing Yes, the lounge is very comfy with nice overstuffed chairs and is very relaxing. You are able to view Illuminations from the lounge's balconies. The service is outstanding. Your stay there will be made as magical as possible.

 

[steveanddonna]

Thanks for the well wishes everyone! I hope to be packed by noon today, as I then have a lot of running around to do, so send me some self-discipline vibes too. I'll be thinking of all my Lizard friends and wishing we were all enjoying the magic together. TaTa for now...

 

[k&a&c'smom]

steveanddonna - Ooooh, you're so close! Hope your packing is going well, and your flight is short and sweet!

Debbie - loved those scones you left out yesterday! DD and I have the tea booked for one of our Poly days. Can't wait, the scones are the best part, IMO! Melt-in-your-mouth, mmmmm! BTW, DS (the a in k&a&c'smom!) is going with friends to the anime convention in Toronto after DD and I return from WDW! This is the first time any of us have left the country - yikes! Although, Canada doesn't really feel like another country, more like the US waiting room!

BriarRose - I, too, love that HM Clue idea! Alas, with only DD and I, games aren't nearly as much fun. We could play cards, though, huh?!

hightown - Score! Too bad about AKL, but BWI seems great so far! You can keep trying for AKL, but if you have to "settle" for BWI, you've picked a great one! Their IPO is fantastic! Will report on the lounge and staff when we return.

to everyone else in the lounge - have a great day!

 

[hightown]

k&a&c'smom, will look forward to your post when you return. Have a great trip.

I will check every 2-3 days for AKL but with the level of posting "I got an E mail" I would bet this may be the biggest e mail offer Disney has every put out. I would bet the resorts are really going to book up.

Have done YC Concierge and Amy in planning was great. The desk staff there wonderful but just didn't love the lounge set up. It seemed we always just took the stuff to the room instead of 'lounging' there. At AKL the lounge was more condusive to hanging out which is what made everything so relaxing.

But I did like the BWI on our one stay there. It's very pretty and I thought very elegant.

Sharon

 

[Mommaof3]

O.K. Lounge Ladies, I have a concierge question. I would like to take an Illuminations cruise. Will concierge help with that and if so what are my chances of getting one? Next question--I would like to have concierge help me with some surprises in the room for my kiddos. Besides the price of the items, is there any charge? Sorry to ask, but we have never stayed concierge before and I need a brake and a little "TLC". We will be at the Poly and then AKL 12/2 through 12/12.

 

[KerryCM]

Mommaof3 Welcome!!! Yes, let your Itinerary Planner make your cruise arrangements. They have a way about getting them for you. I got a very last minute one in March and have one booked for Oct also. They will be happy to get surprises for you. I do this every trip. That is part of the service. The planners are different cast members than the ones that actually work in the concierge floor. The planners will tell you that is their job, but let me tell you all of the ones I have dealt with go above and beyond for their guests. I always send a little thank you treat for them before my trip.
I will warn you, once you stay concierge it is so hard to even think about staying any other way! My husband is now convinced it is the only way to do Disney! There are no hassles getting the pS you want, and most times you have the best table in the place.
Feel free to ask any other questions you come up with. There are many here who visit both the Poly and AKL frequently. Me, I love the BWI!