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

[tammy]

Welcome home BT and Debbie, so glad to hear that your trip went well. I am thinking about a quick trip during the 4th of July holiday and will probably stay at Pop Century. What section were you in?

 

[DutchsMommy]

I just wanted to add my two cents on the IPO discussion....

I have been in contact with AKL IPO and Poly IPO over the last few weeks to try and get my Itinerary Planner(s). At both offices they did not have my address - which is fine as I used an online TA - so that was provided to both IPOs at the end of Sept. By late last week I had not rec'd anything from either office, so I e-mailed back. AKL responded that same day and advised they will send another one ASAP. The Poly IPO was a bit slower responding, however I did get an e-mail this morning. The thing that concerns me is that it seems as though they didn't read the e-mail at all. The response I got back stated that they had rec'd my Itinerary planner and they will send out the confirmation of the PSs once they are made - this would be pretty impossible considering I have not even rec'd the Itinerary PLanner yet! I am also concerned because we are counting on the Poly IPO to try and secure us an Illuminations cruise and several PSs and "surprises" for DSs b'day. I guess what I am saying is, to my mind, this is not an auspicious start - and I really hope things get better! Have people in the Lounge had experiences good/bad with Poly concierge? If this continues I would consider switching (we are staying the first 1/2 of our trip at AKL) because the reason I booked concierge is so I don't have to worry about this type of thing, and now I am more worried!

 

[cajunfan]

DutchsMommy ... we stayed at the Poly in late July early Aug. this year. Melissa and Tara at Poly IPO did a great job for us. I know that there seemed to be an employee shortage (Christoph who was our check in CM didn't normally work CL, but he did a fantastic job and I chatted with a young man on the bus one day who normally worked at Pecos Bills and was starting at the Poly next day). I wonder if they maybe have a lot of new CM's. I would just send another email to them. You can see a copy of the Itinerary Planner on Tikiman's site. We never did fill one out. We just sent a list of PS's that we wanted (with dates and times). I then checked in with them on a periodic basis. (Especially close to the time that the 90 day mark came around). Good luck! I am sure things will work out for you!

Lynn

 

[VAgal76]

Welcome back, BT!

We'll do a homecoming celebration for you this evening. I'll bring the Bailey's since I'm good at that sort of thing.

I'd try to have a little more patience with IPO considering the mass destruction they've had this year because of the hurricanes. I'm sure some of the folks and/or their family members may have had their homes damaged or completely destroyed, which causes big time stress. I can see where they would be preoccupied and not so focused in these cases. Not to mention all the families that have rescheduled which will mean they are working double time re-arranging PS's and special activities. It's going to take several months to a few years for the folks down there to completely recover. Not making up excuses, but it's just a thought. When in doubt, ask IPO how they and their family members faired with the storms. I'm sure you'll get the scoop and then you can form an opinion on their performance from there.

 

[ead79]

originally posted by tammy
I am thinking about a quick trip during the 4th of July holiday and will probably stay at Pop Century. What section were you in?

Tammy, sorry to butt in, but I do have a suggestion, LOL! We stayed in the 80's section when we went to Pop Century, and it worked perfectly for us. I think that part of why we liked that section so much was because we grew up in the 80's so it was really nostalgic for us. My suggestion is to request the section of the decade you grew up in. It was really a lot of fun for us!

 

[GoofySuse]

Bambi Tamby...Yes, the WL CL is a "thingie" if ever there was one! *L*...I'm just sorry I haven't mentioned this situation earlier! Perhaps we could have brought attenention to what's been happening before now....hmmmm....*feeling the spirit of rebellion brewing within*....not really, just joking......

 

[samnbilly]

<font size=5> WELCOME HOME #1 HOCKEYMOM AND BAMBITAMBY-WE MISSED YOU GUYS!</font>
I hope everyone is doing okay in the LL. Leaving out my dumptruck load of PD from our girl VAgal
I wonder if the lack of service from some of the IPO's lately is the major hurricanes they've had, lack of training, or some sort of budget cuts at Disney. I've also had some trouble with GF. I asked for a few things to have for the kids in the room upon arrival and they told ME to call the Disney Florist. If I wanted to do all of this stuff myself I would stay in a regular room. I thought that was part of the perks of staying concierge. I do not feel like I ask them for every little thing. I do A LOT of planning myself-due to my little Disney OCD. I just feel like BC IPO goes out of their way a little more!Just my opinion..

 

[GoofySuse]

Originally posted by DutchsMommy
I just wanted to add my two cents on the IPO discussion....

I have been in contact with AKL IPO and Poly IPO over the last few weeks to try and get my Itinerary Planner(s). At both offices they did not have my address - which is fine as I used an online TA - so that was provided to both IPOs at the end of Sept. By late last week I had not rec'd anything from either office, so I e-mailed back. AKL responded that same day and advised they will send another one ASAP. The Poly IPO was a bit slower responding, however I did get an e-mail this morning. The thing that concerns me is that it seems as though they didn't read the e-mail at all. The response I got back stated that they had rec'd my Itinerary planner and they will send out the confirmation of the PSs once they are made - this would be pretty impossible considering I have not even rec'd the Itinerary PLanner yet! I am also concerned because we are counting on the Poly IPO to try and secure us an Illuminations cruise and several PSs and "surprises" for DSs b'day. I guess what I am saying is, to my mind, this is not an auspicious start - and I really hope things get better! Have people in the Lounge had experiences good/bad with Poly concierge? If this continues I would consider switching (we are staying the first 1/2 of our trip at AKL) because the reason I booked concierge is so I don't have to worry about this type of thing, and now I am more worried!

The Poly and the WL share the same IPO staff. That, to me is part of the problem...they are terribly understaffed and overworked. On the ONE occassion that I was able to speak to someone I was told..."It's probably better to send us an e-mail we at least try to answer those."....that's reassuring now isn't it!

 

[GoofySuse]

BambiTamby...Brian Britton is the General Manager of The Wilderness Lodge the Concierge Manager has been Mark Newman, I was not aware that there was a change...if so it's been within the last few weeks.

As I've stated I have made contact with Valerie Charron who is as sweet as she can be. My feeling, however, is that one should not have to speak to the Director of Operations to simply get whatever one is paying for....does that make sense. I don't "want something for nothing"...simply that which I have paid for...and at this point don't feel that I am receiving that.

I need to stop complaining. I'm sorry.

 

[VAgal76]

Originally posted by GoofySuse
On the ONE occassion that I was able to speak to someone I was told..."It's probably better to send us an e-mail we at least try to answer those."....that's reassuring now isn't it!

Samnbilly - I hope things settle down with GF IPO. I was banking on them to help me out big time on some special arrangements since my MIL's birthday is during our stay there. I have a dozen ideas, but need to see what they can do for me.

 

[BambiTamby]

sorry, double post !!!

 

[BambiTamby]

No doubt about it, the Epcot IPO CMs are fabulous!
AND they will spoil you concerning the contact (or lack of) from the other IPO's.

Now, DutchsMommy...it MUST be the hurricane issue at AKL IPO, because they are a CLOSE second to the Epcot IPO for customer service and HOSPITALITY!!!
Please send them another email and call/leave voice mail message and tell them you NEED a reply.
I always say "looking forward to your immediate ATTENTION, thank you!"

 

[dreamflight99]

For some delicious croissants, espresso...and maybe a fabulous lavender compresses (if no one objects)!!

It's been TOO long since I stopped in long enough to post, but I am a FAMOUS LURKER of this wonderful thread! Some of the sweetest and kindest people frequent here...and I'm so happy to be associated to you all, thanks to the DIS!

floridafam~Oh, I recall all the wierd problems you encountered with IPO during your stay! It was close to nightmare-ish, and even a small request was difficult to obtain (?!?). They have had a lot of bad press lately, and I pray they (IPO) work it all out soon.

storybookmum, steveanddonna, tammy, Goofy's Muse, DutchsMommy, cajunfan, VAgal76, ead79, samnbilly, GoofySuse, & BambiTamby ~ a BIG HELLO & HUG to all my fellow Lounge Lizards (and any I may have omitted in error!). Hope you all have a great week...and enjoy all the plans you are making for future visits to the MAGIC! A SPECIAL Welcome back to DEBBIE...and all the rest of you just beginning to unpack!

I'm busy (up to my ears!) with WDW 2005 planning, AND the LONDON/PARIS TRIP w/DD scheduled the end of Nov through Mid Dec!I do not know HOW I ever manage to complete all these things, and have them run smoothly...as planned. It's become an ART-FORM, surely!

Take care everyone...and know you are all in my thoughts and prayers!

TTFN...DF99

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by GoofySuse
BambiTamby...Brian Britton is the General Manager of The Wilderness Lodge the Concierge Manager has been Mark Newman, I was not aware that there was a change...if so it's been within the last few weeks.

As I've stated I have made contact with Valerie Charron who is as sweet as she can be. My feeling, however, is that one should not have to speak to the Director of Operations to simply get whatever one is paying for....does that make sense. I don't "want something for nothing"...simply that which I have paid for...and at this point don't feel that I am receiving that.

I need to stop complaining. I'm sorry.

No need to apologize, GoofySuse!!!!
I'm going to follow up on these names though.
I'd REALLY like to know where "the buck stops", if you know what I mean.


now, as for the GF/CR IPO, they were good, but I wasn't "feeling the love" from them! LOL!
And it seems, Janet2k and Tammi have had great successes with their planning department!
So, I wouldn't discount them.

And poor Melissa at Poly/WL IPO.....they just need to find more like her! She IS good! Just can't do it all, with two resorts sharing an IPO.

Sometimes a bad start just sets the tone for the whole day, so we're going to pretend that next Sunday is our anniversary and try again!

steveanddonna... to you! You always see the "silver lining"! Get better so you and Steve can go to WDW and celebrate PROPERLY!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

dreamflight!... you and your contagious HAPPINESS are ALWAYS WELCOMED at the lounge!
And you are "up to your ears" with your fabulous trip planning!

 

[johnsonet]

Originally posted by VAgal76
...I put the deposit down on our July trip. DH still didn't want to do GF SL since he wanted to have the evening offerings which made me giggle. I believe I've created a lounge lizard monster.

Not a monster - a great travel partner
CONGRATULATIONS!!

Welcome back BT

Sorry for those of you having problems getting decent IPO service. Having stayed at only BWI CL and AKL CL, I am TRULY spoiled...Alana, Andrea and Don are excellent! Guess I won't be trying WL or Poly CLs anytime soon...
I hate to say it, but if I were staying in the Yosemite Suite then the WL had better have someone in the room tap dancing when I get there if I ask... (wow! I'm really taking this LL thing a bit far )
Good Luck and have a good day

 

[dreamflight99]

BambyTambi!!~You are my LL HERO!

I'm watching Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel as I type (*What a GREAT way to begin the morning!)...and she is checking-out the "Walt Disney Suite" at the GF...the very one I'll have to reserve for my next visit!! She said it goes for about 2K per eve, (not bad for such a lovely, well-appointed suite).

Anyone from the Lounge ever stay in this suite? What's your opinion? TIA!

TTFN...DF99

 

[dreamflight99]

Now...she's in the Victorian Suite! I may like the decorations and style of this suite even more! Oh...decisions, decisions. Samantha's wearing a floppy hat and enjoying a chocolate from the edible box (I HAVE enjoyed one of those!!).

She's at the chef's table with Scott Hummel! Ohhhh....

Just watching her...makes me YEARN to be back there! DD has no school tomorrow...think I should drive to Disneyland for the day?!?

TTFN...DF99

 

[BambiTamby]

LOL! Yes! I'm watching it right now!
Love the Victorian Suite! and the Walt Disney Suite, of COURSE!!!!

Looks like those are calling our names!!!!!
dreamflight!......BambiTamby!....you NEED to stay with us in these suites!!!!

I'm out the door! Show is tomorrow noon!

 

[VAgal76]

I'm booked, I'm booked!!!!!! :thewave:

Bad news, it's not until July 2005.

So we are going July 22, 2005 to July 30, 2005. We'll be at AKL in a 1 bdrm suite for 4 nights followed by GF 1 bdrm suite for 4 nights. Nope, couldn't shell out $$$$ for the VP/Pres suites for the entire week, but heck - we're going to WDW in one of the many suites they have available!!!! That Steeplechase Suite at BWI is GORGEOUS. I just saw pictures of it. I want that suite!!!! I couldn't do the Pres Suite at GF since it only sleeps 4 and we have 5 in our group. I contemplated doing for one night as a surprise, but that nipped that in the butt.

It hit me like a ton of bricks when I was reading posts earlier that my MIL's b-day will be hitting that Thursday! Oh, I'm going to have so much fun with that!

Has anyone else thought of their July dates for a possible summer lizard meet? Psssttt.....Debbie, it's value season. KerryCM - it's right before August - want to see WDW in late July? Steveanddonna, BT, Cajunfan, Elizabeth, k&a&c'smom and ALL the rest of the lizards (list is growing too long) - You know you want too......DF - Will you be there already or will you be on a boat, sailing away?

 

[samnbilly]

Congratulations VAgal on those awesome suites!!!!!!!
Could you squeeze in a fellow LL? I have been contemplating going in the summer myself. When is the least crowded time in the summer to go? I'm a little afraid of those big crowds, but I have those AP's burning a hole in my pocket. Decisions,Decisions. Where should I try and stay next? Well, I guess I better keep working on THIS vacation. Well, Cinderella has to get back to cleaning now.