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

[BCV23]

Originally posted by Steffy
:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I make the ps, then tell Poly IPO, they will be able to assemble them all for me so I can have a printout when I check in??

Steffy, when you check in they will give you a list with all your PSs whether you made them or IPO did or a combination. You don't have to let them know ahead of time.

And actually, the front desk of the hotels will do the same if you ask.

 

[GoofyJoofy]

Originally posted by Steffy

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I make the ps, then tell Poly IPO, they will be able to assemble them all for me so I can have a printout when I check in??

Steffy - If you do go ahead and make your own PS, I would send those to IPO along with the confirmation #s. No guarantees but they may be able to sprinkle a little pixie dust on those ressies for you.

Yes they can get a hold of your ressies and print out an itinerary for you, even if you don't tell them. But there is no harm in letting them know about the ressies sooner.

 

[steveanddonna]

Feeling your pain, Storybookmum! Last week I posted about how the CM quoted and charged us the rate for Poly CL for our December trip, but didn't actually book CL. A different CM discovered the error when I was checking discounts for a different ressie. Got my "modified" Dec. confirmation in the mail only to find that they did NOT modify it - they CANCELLED it! Just spent 35 min. on the phone getting everything straightened out, hopefully for the last time. I'd say they're all suffering from hurricane-brain down there, but the initial error was made before Charley. I was somehow able to stay calm and cheerful, what DH calls my "DisneyDonna" demeanor, but I had to put the kettle on immediately for tea and chocolates to soothe my nerves!

mmausse all I can say is OUCH!!! I hope you are healing and resting and gathering strength for the soon-to-be-infamous, 1st-annual-and-then-some Lounge Lizard meet.

johnsonet I had an e-mail from a CM friend today who said everything at WDW is pretty much back to normal, mostly landscaping/horticultural damage. Their biggest problem right now is understaffing due to CMs whose personal property suffered in Charley or Frances and have taken time off.

majestic good to see you back, and much PD for your DW for an easy delivery, short recuperation and a healthy daughter. Girls Rule!

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by steveanddonna
Feeling your pain, Storybookmum! Last week I posted about how the CM quoted and charged us the rate for Poly CL for our December trip, but didn't actually book CL. A different CM discovered the error when I was checking discounts for a different ressie. Got my "modified" Dec. confirmation in the mail only to find that they did NOT modify it - they CANCELLED it! Just spent 35 min. on the phone getting everything straightened out, hopefully for the last time. I'd say they're all suffering from hurricane-brain down there, but the initial error was made before Charley. I was somehow able to stay calm and cheerful, what DH calls my "DisneyDonna" demeanor, but I had to put the kettle on immediately for tea and chocolates to sooth my nerves!

"DisneyDonna demeanor"!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!

storybookmum....there's only 6 poolview/smoking rooms on the 6th floor, and one of those is handicapped access w/rollin shower. Also, #6402 is the one with 2 queens and a daybed.
your chances are slim getting one of these, but I wouldn't mind one as long as I was staying AKL CL!
Yes, they are that GOOD!

Sending PD~*~*~* your way for that AKL CL savannah room!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Just a quick hello to check on MMause's knee, and to say hello to everyone! I see that the pipes burst near BT's boutique, and nothing was damaged but her icon! I didn't know water pipes could do that! HAHA *love the logo, btw!* I think you're singing to Thumper!
Can you say BUSY? I am really trying to keep up but as soon as I think I have net time, something comes up! I envy those about to leave on vacation, and I hope Ivan the Terrible leaves everyone alone and just dies out!

Hugs and waves around!
Debbie

 

[#1hockeymom]

A quick add in. Don't worry about getting a pool view CL room at AKL unless you really really want it! I've manged to be on the wings every time, and that is no where near the concierge lounge, out of CL territory, and they've always managed to grant my request! I love it way out there! *and two of those times we HAD to have smoking rooms, and we still didn't get those pool view rooms!* AKL CM's are wonderful at granting requests and making some magic happen! (Yes, I still have dreams about our two bedroom suite last July!)

ahhh home sweet savannah!
Debbie

 

[mom_rules]

I got a call from a CM at WDW tonight as well. They fared much better than last time-everything will be up and running this week. Just minimal debris - easily cleaned up. (Not like the Cirque tarp/roof last time). She sounded very tired-her house got hit the first time, lost power for a week but was okay this time too. Thank goodness! Ivan please leave these poor people alone-they can't take much more!

 

[BambiTamby]

Ivan please leave these poor people alone-they can't take much more!

ITA!!!

 

[johnsonet]

I totally agree as well! We were discussing this at yoga today and agreed we'd rather have Ivan hit us here in SC!! than poor Floridians again!!

 

[storybookmum]

I got us one more night at WDW...not another CL night (ah well)...we're going to stay one more night at POR then move over to AKL for the last two nights on December 3rd and 4th....

DH felt I'd shortchanged MGM and we didn't have enough time there. So after a lot of work on the part of a truly fabulous CM, we shoved AKL over 1 night. Nothing else changes.

Life is good, another day at the parks!

DEFINITELY sending prayers to ward off Ivan. Enough is enough!!!!

Kris

 

[dmillerdmd]

Just a reply, however ,my kids and DH had absolutely NO interested in MGM at age 6 in 2000

 

[MECH8T7]

Hey there, everyone. Another of the uninitiated here looking for info on CL.

Our family (me, DW, DS-6, DD-4) will be going to WDW for 8 days in March 2005. First trip there, actually. Our stay ends on Easter Sunday and, due the cost and the amount of time we anticipate spending in the parks at the start, we think we will be resort hopping: 5 nights - POFQ, 3 nights - AKL CL. For the time being, we have concurrent reservations for the 8 day period at both resorts until we figure out what codes might be applicable (if any!).

So, here's some questions:

1. Does anybody out there actually pay rack rates for CL rooms? (The info on Allears.net suggests that it would be difficult to get discount codes that covered CL but the posts on this thread suggest otherwise.)

2. My understanding is that WDW puts a cap on the number of rooms at a particular resort that can be sold under a particular code. Are we talking about a situation where you basically have to sit by your computer waiting to pounce on the phone when the codes get announced and, in any event, does anyone have any sense of whether your chances of finding availability for a code-discounted CL room are better, worse or the same as a code-discounted non-CL room in the same resort?

3. If you resort hop (non-CL then CL), will the IPO assist with PSs for your whole stay on-site (rather than just for the CL days)?

4. If we get the IPO involved before the 90-day window for most PSs, will this close to guarantee that we will be able to get PSs for any event and at desired dates / times (including Cindy's Breakfast -- and spare me the 7 am dial-in routine!)

5. Any risk that, during a stay at AKL near Easter, there will be severe overcrowding / overuse of the CL? Any sense of how many CL rooms there are, for example, in AKL that might be competing for attention from CL CMs?

6. Is the CL safari at AKL a sunrise or sunset affair? (I understood it to be at sunrise but I've seen posts describing it as a sunset safari)

Thanks in advance for your kind assistance, Lizards.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

6. There are two kinds of safaris. The sunrise, morning, one is cheaper, has more people and you eat breakfast. The sunset one is more expensive but has fewer people and you eat dinner. Do a search on the home page or here for details.

 

[BambiTamby]

MECH8T7...WELCOME to the LIZARD LOUNGE!!!!

1. I have paid rack rates, but usually I get AP discounts on CL, including the rare 14th floor CR!
So they can be had!

2. Yes, there is a limited # of rooms per resort, per night, per type of discount....but I just scored a GF RPC concierge deluxe room 2 weeks after the codes came out! So, you don't have to always hug the phone, just keep calling until you get what you want.

3. All of my IPO planners have always been very gracious to extend that courtesy to make PS's for me, even if I'm not staying at that particular resort's CL the whole trip.
IE, Epcot's IPO booked an illuminations cruise for us during the dates we were staying at the Dolphin this last trip.

4. I've ALWAYS been able to get anything I request, as long as I make contact with them (email AND follow-up phone calls) prior to the 90 day mark!
Heck! I've been able to get cruises and hard-to-get PS's a week before our trip!
they really can work wonders!

5. I've never witnessed overcrowding at the AKL CL, even during SPRING Break. there are only so many deluxe rooms and suites that can be booked at the concierge level.

6. California Dreamer said it all.
I DO highly recommend the Sunset Safari as it is a small group and the meal at Jiko's is fabulous.

I'm up early this am to get things done before all these shows start!
Putting out lots of bagels, muffins, croisants, fruits, smoothies, juices, cereals, hot oatmeal with brown sugar and honey, and the famous AKL latte/expresso/capp machine is ON !!!!!

 

[lindeyspol]

BT--

As always, excellent answers to all the questions. You are so kind and so helpful!

We are returning to AKL concierge Dec 2-5th. My brother and his wife decided to meet us there and then my parents decided to join us as well. I still have had no luck with a secret concierge upgrade, but am pleased to report that after calling several times a day for the last week, a deluxe savannah view opened up at ap rate! So, just keep calling. I called right at 7 (hoping rooms dropped after 2 wk deposit time frame)--nothing. Then on a whim, saw that the dreammaker package for dlx sav was available online and called back and got room only!

I asked for connecting rooms. Yes, I know they are not concierge (yet) but I assume since they are deluxe savannah that we could possibly be connecting. This would be great with the kids. And yes, I did check for suites but nothing except Royal Kuba.

BT--do you happen to know when Sue is returning. We loved working with her in June and would love to see her this trip. Of course, Don and Andrea have been great too.

After our AKL we head to GF for 2 nts (1st like BT dlx conc RPC). Renee has been terrific! The next day after making initial email contact, she called me to go over plans. Very friendly. She has also been great about emailing back answers to all of my questions. She offered (along with Don and Andrea) to take care of all of my reservations.

It is our 1st holiday visit and we are very excited! I know we'll meet Storybookmum, but will any other lizards be there the same time (Dec 5-7th)?

Mmausse--so sorry to hear of your pt ordeal. I hope you will feel better soon!

Helping myself to the delicious cappucino!

 

[garada3]

I would really love to be a lounge lizard! We stayed CL at the Polynesian last October and loved it You all have so much knowledge and enthusiasm that this lounge seems the place to be! How do I join???

I feel as if I already know a bit about each of you as your posts show geuine caring and concern for the others. What a nice change from some other forums on the web!

I am trying to convince DH to return (actually trying to make him think it his idea to return, if you understand what I mean ) I think my plan is working - it must have been the Pocohontas pillowcase that magically appeared on his pillow last week.

As I said, we just loved the Poly - the location, lounge, pool, people, food and transportation options. The kids want to go back there. I have been looking at AKL as a possibility but have a few questions and I know you can help!

At the Poly, there were two prices for CL depending on whether the room was garden or lagoon view. Is CL at AKL all one price (except the suites)?

I saw a recent post about pool view CL rooms. We are a family of 5 so we would need a Queen BB room. I am afraid that we would be disappointed if we didn't get a savannah view CL room and I would probably be in big trouble with the kids if I said we would see the animals off the balcony of our room (the hook to get them to the AKL rather than the Poly) How many savannah view Q + bb CL rooms are there and how many pool view Q + bb rooms? Where are the CL rooms located, which floor, how far down the wings etc?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ead79]

mmausse, I am SO sorry to hear about your ordeal at physical therapy! Good grief, that must've been horribly painful, and then anaphalactic shock to boot! I sure hope that you feel completely better ASAP.

Majestic, it's so wonderful to see you here again! I was wondering about you, as we are considering WL concierge for our trip in December 2005 (OK, so I like to plan in advance, LOL!). Congrats on having another little princess on the way! I will say a prayer that everything goes smoothly with your wife's c-section.

 

[MNSusan]

Thank you all for the great replies and your welcome to the Lounge!

I just got off the phone with Andrea at AKL IPO. She said the parks are all open and okay, as are the animals at Animal Kingdom. She said her home was okay, but there are a lot of cast members dealing with damage from both wind and flooding. Our hearts are with them!

We have secured a Sunrise Safari on my birthday, and a tour of Epcot on Segway scooters for the day between our birthdays.

I would love to do lunch/dinner with an Imagineer for DH's birthday (two days after mine). Andrea said that there are no dates scheduled past mid-September at this point, and she wasn't sure they were going to continue the program.

We talked a bit about the other behind-the-scenes tours that are available. I'll read up on them and see if anything looks just right.

She also said she'd check on Illuminations cruises. (I had found one to share here on the boards, but that may not happen now.) Because its within the 90 day window, I'm not terribly optimistic, but we'll see.

I'm starting to feel pretty spoiled having access to such a wonderful service. Can it be that I'll never stay anywhere but CL from now on?

Susan

 

[ead79]

BT, the GF RPC deluxe will be terrific in December! We loved relaxing in the lounge listening to the orchestra play Christmas music. So peaceful. Plus, it's nice to not have to fight for a chair in the lobby (since it's always so busy in December). They also had these little pumpkin pie squares that were to die for in the lounge.

I'm so glad to hear that there wasn't a lot of damage from the water at your store. Thank goodness!

 

[BambiTamby]

We've not only got some NEW LIZARDS, but NEW DISers!!!

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garada3....WELCOME!!!! LOL! You ARE a LIZARD!!!
WOW! Lots of AKL CL questions!

OK....the 6th floor is where the lounge is and 15 concierge deluxe rooms. 9 face the Sunset savannah and 6 face the pool and they are the smoking rooms. (the poolview)
Also, there are two handicapp/access rooms on the 6th floor. There are also some CL rooms and all the suites are on the 5th floor. (unless you're like our sweet #1hockeymom and gets whatever room she wants and makes it a concierge room! hehehe!)
There are MANY queen w/bb rooms. Just put your request in when you contact AKL's IPO. They are always so wonderful with their concierge room requests!

MNSusan...Andrea is such a sweetie!
And as for this.....

I'm starting to feel pretty spoiled having access to such a wonderful service. Can it be that I'll never stay anywhere but CL from now on?

Yep! you can, but it's HARD to go back!

lindeyspol...good to see you back in the lounge!
Haven't heard anything yet about Susan. She had a hip replacement and that takes some recovery time!

You'll get that CL upgrade!
Lots of those deluxe savannah rooms connect!


ead79...you are always so sweet!
I can NOT wait to FINALLY experience the RPC!!!! So excited!
and here we weren't going to go back until January!
Never say never! LOL!!!
Besides, we're taking MIL for her b-day!
We HAD to book another trip...right? right?