How many of ya'll been "bitten" by the Concierge "bug"!

[eclipseSD]

I have now booked myself a Lodge Concierge room at the GF from July 19th to the 24th. It was $1100 less than the Main Building (no discount), costing $2100 (AAA Rate). When you factor in the probable AP rate for SL, this really becomes a no-brainer.

My reasoning for going with Sugar Loaf:

The Main Building Concierge may be deluxe and all, but are desserts and cordials worth $1100 when you could probably buy the best alcohol and dessert ingredients in the country for less than that price? I don't think so. Since Sugar Loaf is a short path away from the monorail, that is no big deal really. I mean, what's a minute walk compared to a $3200 price tag?

From 7 am to midnight, we are out of our rooms and around the property, whether it be the parks, DtD, or what have you. Whatever great views and services offered exclusively at the Main Building would be wasted on us as we would never have time to enjoy them. View of the monorail and fireworks? Great, I'll be on that monorail going somewhere or in those parks watching the fireworks.

In addition, Sugar Loaf offers the same services we would use at the RPC (pre-planning, room requests, priority seating, etc). As long as there is continental breakfeast, coffee, water, soft drinks, and a few snacks around when we are around, then that is perfectly fine with me.

BTW does Sugar Loaf offer Non-Alcoholic wine (sparkling grape juice). I know the real thing is better, but I am curious if this drink is offered.

Oh, and I heard that they have expanded their offerings a bit and extended the time frame. Has anybody been there recently to confirm this? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[BambiTamby]

so glad you like your new mickey, Steffy!

eclipseSD...Yes, you're right about the SL being a no brainer. That's about how I feel about the CR Tower Club vs. the hospitality suite on the 14th.

If you won't be missing those desserts and cordials, then you'll be just fine! I haven't personally stayed at the SL, in fact, this upcoming trip in September will be our first stay at GF!
And, since it's our 10th...we wanted to stay in the main building.
AAA rate, but it's better than nothing.

As for non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice....I think you'd be able to request that when you speak with the CL CM at IPO.
DH is in training...no alcohol.
Even for our AKL Sunset Safari, I made a request for the non-alcoholic substitute, and they accomodated our request at Jiko's.
Also, the AKL CL had the sparkling grape juice for our
"savannah dining experience"...on our balcony, instead of the African wine or champagne.

So, I would just let your request be known....certainly can't hurt!

And I have heard that the GF SL HAS improved on their offerings.
Does anyone else have any additional info?

ead79?

I am so excited about your GF trip, eclipseSD!

 

[eclipseSD]

Thanks for that reassurance, BambiTamby. I'll have to see about that sparkling grape juice at SL, doesn't sound like that hard or expensive a request.

GF RPC for the 10th anniversary sounds very fitting, and I hope your trip is as magical a time as most couples have at WDW.

I am curious as to what the difference is between dormer, turret, lodge tower, and standard concierge rooms is at the Sugar Loaf (building on the right.) Could someone who has stayed at SL or has prior knowledge of room features please elaborate on the exact differences between each room type, as they can get confusing after a while.

 

[Steffy]

When I go in December..... yes I'm obsessed, will the CL at the Poly be able to get pirate cruise ressies for my DGD??? Should I call at 90 days at exactly 7:00 as if I were trying to get CRT ressies? Or will CL be able to do this for me???

She is really looking forward to it. And the Cooking experience. I know that one will be tough. It only has space for 10 kids!!!

What to do????

 

[steveanddonna]

So, DH & I have been batting around the idea of spending 3 mos. of winter in the Orlando area. We plan to retire to South Carolina, but that's a loooong way off, so...since we are both freelancers and can work anywhere there is trade show/convention biz, we're starting to think about "splitting our stay" in real life. I casually mentioned that perhaps we wouldn't feel the need to do Disney quite as often if we were part-time Floridians. DH's response? "But what about the Poly? We'd still spend aweek at the Poly, right?" You can take the boy out of Chicago, but don't make him give up his Poly concierge!

 

[MamaTink]

We leave tomorrow!!! DH got his travel pay back and told me to book an extra night! Could't get in to AKL for the extra night, but who cares--an extra day at DW! Anyone ever stay at the Hotel Royal Plaza?

 

[VAgal76]

Good morning to all ! I hope everyone is having a terrific Easter weekend.

I casually mentioned that perhaps we wouldn't feel the need to do Disney quite as often if we were part-time Floridians. DH's response? "But what about the Poly? We'd still spend a week at the Poly, right?" You can take the boy out of Chicago, but don't make him give up his Poly concierge!

SteveandDonna - Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too - LOL! 1 up for CaptainConcierge....!

MamaTink - CONGRATS on your extended stay! I'd call one more time and double check to make sure something isn't available at AKL....it definitely couldn't hurt. Tomorrow doesn't seem to get here fast enough, right?

#1HockeyMom - Only a few more days to go!!

I hope you both have an absolutely wonderful time!!!!


Happy Dance -

 

[#1hockeymom]

VAgal>> Thanks for the congrats! Btw.. LOVE your rabbit!

MommaTink>> WOO HOOO! That is very nice! I'd keep calling. In fact, I'd call right up to check in time at the alternate hotel! Whatever happens, I'll be seeing you Tuesday! *10 am, look for 10 yo hockey player and mom dragging 6'3 blond guy around the resort telling him its our home and he'd better like it! *

SteveandDonna>> Looks like you get your vacations while retiring! Best of both worlds!

Steffy>> Tell IPO all of your requests. I think they will probably be able to do magic for you, w/o calling at 7am!

Just when I think I never want to stay at the GF, just visit for PSs, eclipse shows off a gorgeous picture!

BT>> Good luck to your DH with his training!

Happy Saturday! psssst game two is on at 3pm!
Debbie

 

[Steffy]

Originally posted by steveanddonna
So, DH & I have been batting around the idea of spending 3 mos. of winter in the Orlando area. We plan to retire to South Carolina, but that's a loooong way off, so...since we are both freelancers and can work anywhere there is trade show/convention biz, we're starting to think about "splitting our stay" in real life. I casually mentioned that perhaps we wouldn't feel the need to do Disney quite as often if we were part-time Floridians. DH's response? "But what about the Poly? We'd still spend aweek at the Poly, right?" You can take the boy out of Chicago, but don't make him give up his Poly concierge!

Does Steve have a brother??? I need to find a man who is just the tinest bit Disney crazy as I am.....

 

[Steffy]

#1Hockeymom....


I've got that counter envy........ enjoy your trip.....

 

[#1hockeymom]

*smiles*
...that counter is counting down my arrival at the lodge! We'll be leaving the house at about 5am! Once we reach the airport, my trip has officially begun! I still can't sleep the night before, nor can I relax until we reach the airport on time. After that, its Disney Time!
Now, someone tell me what to do with all of these emails from family members asking me why I am going again!

Debbie

 

[goodferry]

Hi guys! I am in Saratoga Springs visiting my parents for Easter. I brought the Disney Planning DVD, trying to talk them into taking a trip with us.
Debbie, I have such counter envy, good luck with the play-offs and have a great trip!!

 

[ead79]

And I have heard that the GF SL HAS improved on their offerings.
Does anyone else have any additional info?

ead79?

Unfortunately, I'm not sure about this. I have only stayed in standard rooms and main building concierge at the GF, never in Sugar Loaf Concierge. Based on your reasoning, I think SL concierge is a GREAT choice for your family, eclipseSD.

As far as the different types of rooms go, here is the little bit I have guessed from posts on the DIS, other sites, etc.

dormer--here is what Cali has in his GF FAQ's: "Dormer rooms are located on the top floors of the buildings, and have vaulted ceilings. These rooms are smaller, but appear larger because of the high ceiling. These rooms have either two queen beds, or one king bed and sofa." And from allearsnet.com: "The dormer rooms are actually a bit smaller (3 feet smaller) than the standard rooms, but seem larger, since dormer rooms feature vaulted ceilings. Standard rooms sleep 5 people, while dormer rooms sleep only 4. Dormer rooms are also the only rooms to feature a private balcony. Standard rooms have balconies, but they are not private. From the outside of the resort, you can easily tell the two types apart. Rooms on the lower floors with wide balconies are the standard rooms. Rooms on the upper floors with balconies under peaked portions of the roof are the dormer rooms."

turret--this is just a guess here, but I don't think SL has turret rooms. I have only seen this room type in reference to the turret honeymoon rooms in the main building. I could definitely be wrong though.

lodge tower--Cali's FAQ's again: "The Lodge Tower Guestrooms are oversized standard rooms. They are exactly like the regular guestrooms, but with an additional octagon sitting area. These rooms are available in Sago Cay, Conch Key, Boca Chica, and Big Pine Key. Rooms have views of the resort’s marina, the gardens, or the courtyard pool." And from allearsnet.com: "The lodge tower rooms are located in the semi-circular protrusions you can see on the outside of some buildings. They include all of the features of a standard room. They also have a separate sitting area, with additional furniture, TV and phone. There are views out of five windows, as well as a separate balcony." To my knowledge, the lodge tower rooms do not come with concierge service.

standard concierge--I believe that these rooms are exactly like the standard rooms at the GF, regardless of what building you are in and regardless of it being in SL concierge. I'm not positive about this, but I'm pretty sure.

Hope that helps!

 

[eclipseSD]

ead...thanks for that, I can see which choice is best for us, the Lodge Tower Room. I have heard of Sugar Loaf having these rooms, so I will try my best to get one. It sounds really nice, especially since there is no extra price for these rooms.

 

[MamaTink]

#1hockey mom,
I'd try for the AKL, but we had to pay ahead for that night at SOG and I'd lose that $$$!
We'll see you there. I'll be the one telling the 2 teenaged DSs not to pig out on the buffet!
I can't wait! DH keeps teasing me by saying we can leave as soon as the car is packed!

 

[MamaTink]

#1hockeymom,
I'm Mama Tink's daughter! Hi this is my third time goind to DW it is alot of fun. I like the rollercoasters they rock. My dad wants my mom to stop talking about DW. So when my mom wants to talk about DW she talks to me. Idon't only get to hear what we are going to do but I get to spend time with her which is a lot of fun. My favorite character is Pooh Bear! What is yours.G2G (got to go) see you at disney. have fun


(approved by MamaTink )

 

[#1hockeymom]

Hi MommaTink's daughter!
My favorites are all of the Pooh characters! My mom read to me from the Pooh books when I was little and it stuck with me for all of these years! I am a teacher, and my room has all sorts of Disney stuff in it, along with hockey things.
My daughter isn't going with us as she is 18 and on her senior trip. My son is 10, and also a major Disney fan! We talk about Disney when I am driving him to hockey practices, which is A LOT! My husband might have taken me on my first Disney trip, but I am the one who is Disney crazy! That is the great thing about Disney; you never have to grow up when you are there!
Hopefully we'll see you when we are there! From the sounds of it, my son will be eating as much as your brothers!

Mrs. W
#1 hockeymom

PS Danny says Hi and wants to tell you the concierge lounge has chocolate milk in the little fridge and he'll see you on the RNR!

 

[sojo33]

I hope you have a fabuous time #1HockeyMom. I can't wait to hear all about your stay at AKL Concierge when you get back. I am trying soooooooooooooooo hard not to be jealous.

Sojo

 

[WoodysRoundup]

Originally posted by eclipseSD
ead...thanks for that, I can see which choice is best for us, the Lodge Tower Room. I have heard of Sugar Loaf having these rooms, so I will try my best to get one. It sounds really nice, especially since there is no extra price for these rooms.

We spent some time going back and forth about GF/SL vs. GF/RPC. I did a lot of investigating. Here's what I found out...Sugar Loaf does have Lodge Tower Rooms. However, you cannot book one. You may only request one. I believe there are only 3 Lodge Tower Rooms in the Sugar Loaf bldg. as well. We really wanted a room with some extra space so we went for a deluxe room in the main bldg. since we coudn't be guaranteed a LT Room in Suagr Loaf. It seems a bit silly to me since you can "book" a Lodge Tower room in the other lodge buildings. But, that's the way it is. We did get a AAA rate for the main bldg. You're right...it is a substantial price difference. We decided it would work best for us. Good luck with your bookings! Whatever you decide, I'm sure your stay at GF will be fabulous!!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey, guys!!!!

Got back last night, on my way to my parents' for Easter dinner, but had to check in, say hey!

Debbie, your counter looks great!!! You go, girl!

Our Poly CL stay was fantastic, our LV room had a perfect view of the castle and was 2 rooms from the lounge. It was on the 2nd floor, no balcony, but still great! The Poly cm's are soooo wonderful, and our stay there was worth every penny.

AKL CL ROCKS!!! The PD from y'all did the trick - when we checked in at AKL, I asked if CL was available, expecting to hear "NO" in a "Of course not, you idiot!" tone. The cm said "Well, maybe not at the discount price," and I was so shocked, I asked if it was available at all, and if so, what price. Get this, it was only $125/night more than the AP rate for pool view I already had paid!! That made it $405/night with tax, in peak season!! I was so happy, I couln't believe it was real. We were so sure we wouldn't get CL at AKL, and were just happy to be at our favorite resort, and then we got a big plus!! They gave us room 6206, which is close to the lounge, and overlooks the Sunset Savanna, great room.

The AKL CL is the best!!!! Laura got me a massage appt. at the last minute, and it was great. We couldn't get the Sunrise Safari, though, but we'll have that for next time. And there will definitely be a next time!!

The surprising highlight of our trip was La Nouba - what a fantastic show!! Blows you away!!

Gotta go, wanted to post my review, I'll post our rest. reviews on the dining board. See ya!!!

p.s. Debbie, I told Baby Ankole and his parents to expect you in a couple days - they're waiting for you!