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

[QJ411]

Elizabeth,

Sounds like a great idea (Wedding cake)...now it's a matter of scanning a pic of my wedding cake for the GF staffs. But I think that sounds neat...if you hear anything about the price, please let me know also. THANKS!

Also, as far as the spas, we'll be on the Wonder the days before, and we planned on using their spa service (we added the romantic pkg.). How does the spa at GF compare...just as splendid?

 

[#1hockeymom]

So much to read! So many happy posts! I think I'm going to cry! *happy tears!*

Yes, Bambi, I renovated. If you notice closely, one wall of windows faces the castle with a supremo view of Wishes! Another wall faces the Spaceship Earth, and illuminations. Yet another, of course, faces the savannah! Can't have a lizard lounge w/o a savannah view! The fourth, ummmmm I'll work on it! I'll just put pretty drapes up until it is ready!

I was talking to our secretary today, the same one I set up a trip for back in May (aren't we all Disney travel advisors?) She can't believe I am not using my AP one more time! Officially, from her, I am allowed to be sick November 5-8. I am still mulling it over. My AP runs out on the 15th and I really want to stay away from that day since it happens to be when DH will also be gone to the UP. (November 15th in this part of the state is like a national holiday) I don't want to have to put the puppy in a kennel. OHHH the choices! If I do go, you'll all get interesting posts about how a lounge lizard who loved her suite ended up at a value or moderate! It is funny, since DS seems to be having the biggest problem with NOT having full concierge if we book this trip! I've created a monster lizard! *insert Gehdra voice here*

Welcome all the new lizards! I love reading your posts from your trip, Goofy! Sounds wonderful, and like you had a beautiful anniversary! Congrats on those 30 years!

Debbie

 

[johnsonet]

Hey everybody Just checking in... Got my WDW confirm today - that's always wonderful

GoofyJoofy your trip sounds fabulous! I can't believe it was your "first time" - starting out at the Concierge level was very brave of you
Just realized today that I am looking fwd. to my AKL trip in Dec. in such a different way than I did my last trip there - last April. We had a savanna view room booked and loved every minute of it but the concierge experience is completely different. It is such a warm and hospitable feel that encompasses the stay when you have planners helping you (Yay for Andrea!) and a lounge to daydream about and little surprises for the light of your life (my DD ) to plan... There is a completely different feel to my anticipation this trip

Still hoping Hurricane Frances doesn't ruin anyone's vacation (or take any lives, of course)...

Have a great evening everyone
(Leaving out a Cabernet and "Hot Honeys" in the Lounge... )

 

[mirlow]

I finished writing up our trip reports. We had a great stay at the Polynesian LVC and the AKL. We had a great room at the Polynesian. We usually get a GVC, now how can I go back? I do think on our next big trip I want to try the GF for our MK resort. I enjoy going over to that resort. I'm just not sure if I want to do concierge over there? The only other concierge I really want to try is the BWI.
I loved the AKL once again. I was so glad we had a lounge to go to at the AKL when all of the parks were closed down for the hurricane. The lounges are one of my main reasons for staying in concierge. I enjoy having an extra area to go relax and unwind in. I hear the BWI has a nice lounge. What about the other resorts?

 

[mickeygirl18976]

Having made last minute changes to our ressies at WL (upgrading to CL) we just received our Concierge package. My DH is not real happy putting the CC on the form for dinner ressies and MAILING it back to the CM. Same with faxes. (although it did include a fax number for WL if anyone is looking for it) We haven't received any emails from a CM either. Is there another way to contact them?

Also, you all have the BEST ideas for surprises so I am reaching out: It is my DN's first time ever to WDW and I would love something special to be waiting for her when we check in. She is 16 and super sweet. Any thoughts?

 

[Goofy's Muse]

I'm not sure I realized just how tough re-entry to the "real world" would be (or is Disney the real world and all this laundry just an altered reality??) We've vacationed many times before but I've never been this disoriented upon our return.


And why do all these doctors' and dentists' offices keep calling to remind me about appointments? And how could I have ever thought that scheduling them this week would be a good idea??

And how could my son have outgrown all his clothes this summer and be starting school on Thursday? And who is going to find time to buy all those last-minute back-to-school sundries while returning to work??

And why is it suddenly so hot and humid after an unusually cool New England summer? And where is the pool and all those air-conditioned attractions to take the edge off the heat?? (Believe me, those trips up and down the stairs to the cool basement to do laundry aren't cutting it!!) And folding clothes while listening to "Wishes" just isn't the same thing as being there...

And why is everyone asking me what's for dinner? What? No PS tonight??

And where oh where is my balcony with that iced Bailey's? I'm having a hard time seeing those twinkling Boardwalk lights tonight...

But wait... I think I see some cordials on the sideboard in the newly-renovated lounge, and how convenient that Debbie has incorporated views of all my favorite night time shows. Thanks, Debbie! Help yourselves to some goodies, everyone...

 

[samnbilly]

Wow, Goofys Muse-your triip sounds like it was wonderful. Sounds like you had a great time-isn't it disappointing when its over?
Okay LL-how about a few questions...
1. What is your favorite resort that you've stayed concierge and what about it made it so wonderful?
2. Who has the best IPO?
3. What type of room did you stay in?
4. Would you go back or not and why?
5. Who has the best transportation from the resort-not including the monorail resorts?
Just wanted to hear your responses for my next trip-after the one I've already booked- and just in case I change my mind about the trip I already have booked. Make sense? Maybe I need a cool drink from the lounge.....

 

[ead79]

Tracy, How neat that we'll be there at the same time! I hope to see you at AKL! I bet they could reproduce your wedding cake top layer if you've got a picture of it. They are very talented.

GoofyJoofy, I loved reading about your family's reaction to the room! Priceless! I hope you do a trip report--I would love to read about WDW through the eyes of a first-timer.

mirlow, if you want to try concierge at the GF, the main building has a wonderful lounge. It's huge and overlooks the lobby (which is especially nice when the orchestra is playing in the evenings). Plus, the evening desserts are delicious!

 

[KerryCM]

samnbilly, I will have to answer most of those questions with the BWI! The cast there is what makes me return time and again. I stay concierge for the service I recieve and you just can't beat it there. They have become my second family. The IPO is shared with all of the Epcot resorts and they are so prompt in getting back to you.
I have stayed in both BW view and garden view. the garden view is beautiful and so peaceful. The BW view is great for people watching and for taking in the atmosphere of the BW.
I like being able to walk to Epcot and MGM, or use the boat. Now that our children are grown and on their own we spend most of our time at Epcot. We usually go in Oct. for the Food and Wine fest.
I think I have convereted some of my fellow LL to the BW and the wonderful cast there.

 

[ead79]

1. What is your favorite resort that you've stayed concierge and what about it made it so wonderful?

That is such a tough choice! I have honestly loved each concierge experience I have been fortunate enough to have. I think that if I had to pick a favorite, I would choose GF RPC concierge. It will always be special to me because we spent part of our honeymoon there. We just loved the lounge and the friendly staff that greeted us by name (and I know they actually remembered it because the ressie was in my maiden name but they greeted us by the new married last name). I just felt so pampered. It was a dream come true for us to stay there for sure.

2. Who has the best IPO?

Gosh, I think that's a tie between the BWI and Poly concierge levels. They have both been able to get us some hard to get reservations (like an Illuminations cruise and Cinderella's breakfast), and they were very prompt and friendly.

3. What type of room did you stay in?

At the GF we had a concierge honeymoon room (the turret type with windows surrounding the room). We just loved it.

4. Would you go back or not and why?

We would actually go back to any of the concierge levels we have stayed at (GF, YC, Poly, BWI) in a heartbeat.

5. Who has the best transportation from the resort-not including the monorail resorts?

I would pick the Epcot resorts for this (BWI, YC/BC). It's wonderful to be able to walk to Epcot in about 5 minutes and either take a boat or walk (about 25 min.) to Disney-MGM Studios.

 

[Alysa]

Hi QJ411,
You have probably heard or done a lot of these things yourself but here goes:

Top three most romantic places for us to eat dinner at WDW:
1. Chefs du France, fireworks view (tied with Bistro du Paris) DH proposed here, three years after we were married - very long story...
2. Castle, fireworks view
3. V&A, DH says that this is the best meal he has ever had, split the wine pairing though - it's embarrassing to fall asleep in the lobby of the GF on the way back to your room...

Top romantic gift ideas:
1. Sunflowers, chocolate covered "tuxedo" strawberries, champagne and engraved glasses waiting in room after check-in.
2. Tickets to Cirque and returning to room filled with roses and balloons and a special gift (red envelope: pocket watch/locket/key ring with inscription and photo of DD and me)
3. Getting Santa Mickey to hand DH a Christmas gift (arranging this for next trip)

Nice to meet a fellow romantic - isn't WDW one of the most romantic places on earth!?
(After Paris - where we had our honeymoon, but then I think if we went to Winnipeg I would think that was the most romantic place on earth! He he!)

 

[Alysa]

Okay, here I go, I guess I am going to book a GF Concierge Deluxe Guestroom... Does anyone have any advice for me about which room I should ask for? Ohhh! How thrilling and nerve-wracking! Are there ever any times when these room rates are reduced? Can you get CAA discounts or anything?

 

[QJ411]

Originally posted by Alysa
Hi QJ411,

3. Getting Santa Mickey to hand DH a Christmas gift (arranging this for next trip)

Alysa,

THANKS a bunch for all those great ideas...but I'm really curious as to the 3rd one you listed...about Santa Mickey giving DH a gift...how would that work? Please fill me in, that sounds so out of this world!!!

 

[Alysa]

QJ411 I'll send you an email with the details when I get it all confirmed but I originally got the idea from Janet2K and her summer barbaque post - amazing!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=586647

 

[QJ411]

Thanks Alysa!!!!

Just wanted to bump up the thread and say HI to everyone here tonight. Hope you're all safe and doing well.

Have a great evening everyone!

 

[teentoddlermom]

I introduced myself on this thread a few months ago and with all your help decided on YC Concierge. Well, we stayed 8/20 to 8/27 and had a great time. The IPO was great and got us all of our PS's and even changed a few at the last minute very quickly!
When we arrived 3 hours before they expected us, Hyacinth checked us in while the kids were enjoying the lounge even reassigning our room with no problem since the one we were originally assigned was not ready. We were in 5185 (I think) about 7 rooms away from the lounge with a view of the front of the hotel. I don't know if we were originally assigned a room with a better view, but I liked the location since it was so close to the concierge desk, lounge, and elevators. It was not noisy. Hyacinth also helped us locate a lost delivery from MK later in the week. She was so nice and very efficient. The only other desk CM I interacted with was Ned. He was just about the most polite person I ever met! CM's in the lounge were quietly efficient, and kept the offerings well replenished. One even called our room after the lounge was closed for the evening offering to bring me my Baileys since it had just run out when we arrived a few minutes before closing! Lots of nice food offerings, kids liked the Krispy Kremes at breakfast (we had never tried them before). I was just the slightest bit disappointed that there was no pineapple offered with the fruit, just assorted melons in bowls, apples, and bananas. We had wonderful fresh pineapple at Sugar Loaf last year. Housekeeping was wonderful. Room was made up early every day, turndown great too.
We loved YC so much ! Thanks for all your help!

 

[GoofyJoofy]

Originally posted by mickeygirl18976
We haven't received any emails from a CM either. Is there another way to contact them?

Someone here might have the phone number, if it was not included in your packet.

Originally posted by mickeygirl18976
Also, you all have the BEST ideas for surprises so I am reaching out: It is my DN's first time ever to WDW and I would love something special to be waiting for her when we check in. She is 16 and super sweet. Any thoughts?

Can you give us some idea as to what she is into?
For our children DS-10, DD-11 & DD-13 we got them the autograph books with pens and the Epcot Passports.

How about pre-arranging a spa treatment and having the gift certificate in the room? Spa treatments include facials, manicures, pedicures, massages and such.

You could order a special dessert, like Cinderella's slipper, Chocolate Tuxedo strawberries or numerous other items.

The Disney florist has flowers and gift baskets, like food, or bath accessories (aromatherapy basket, herbal tranquility, etc.) Check them out at Disney Florist
There is another bath and beauty store at downtown Disney that I have heard of, but I cannot remember the name now.

How about Disney CDs or DVDs. I heard someone mention that they brought their son's girl friend about the same age. And she so totally fell in love with the Wishes fireworks show, that they got her the CD sound track.

 

[inthemood]

wdw.wlodge.itinerary.planning@disney.com


I to was not comfortable writing my CC #, so I e-mailed Melissa @ IPO and asked her to call me at her convience. She called back within minutes! I really cannot say enough about the level of service we have received from them. They ( Melissa) got us every PS we requested, shopped for our in room gifts ( I'll cross my fingers until I get there), 2 tours, and even the Illuminations cruise! The response time was unreal!!! I'm talking within an hour!

I asked her to buy a Cindy costume for my DD4 and an Indiana Jones hat for my DS6. Also a pal mickey, pressed penny books and guest of honor badges.

I think I'll call them again though, because Goofy Joofy just gave me a great idea for my sons birthday, the tuxedo strawberries!
thanks GOOFY JOOFY

I'll put out the mornin' refreshments!
(What am I doing up @ 4:30 in the AM????)

 

[BambiTamby]

Morning to all the lizards!

Lots of bagels, muffins, croissants, spreads, freshly cut fruits, and lots of Kona and Kenyan coffees, lattes, juices, smoothies, etc...
out for everyone!

GoofyJoofy & Muse Hard to come back to reality...isn't it?

teentoddlermom...so glad that you enjoyed another super Epcot resort CL!!!! They are so wonderful!
BTW....room 5185 is great! Had it the first time we stayed at YC CL.

inthemood....Melissa is fabulous! Truely the Poly's IPO
"shining star"!!

Busy, busy, days!
Shows start in 2 weeks!

Have a wonderful DISney day!

 

[cm1ab]

OK. I've been that fly on the wall of your lounge for a few weeks. Now it's time to ask a couple of questions of my own. My family and I have been totally spoiled by the concierge at the Poly. I can't imagine a better place to stay. That being said, we now have the opportunity to stay at BC concierge the first week in Dec. Other than the obvious, (no two story window to watch the castle and fireworks, no monorail but quick walk to EPCOT) what differences should I expect. We've all been to "Our World" many times before, but with five adults and three kids, I like to know what to expect. Any help from you wonderful people?