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

[ead79]

I just had to pop in and say how very much I LOVE this thread. I love coming here even though I don't know when, or if, I will be able to do CL again. I was downsized in February and have not been able to find a new job yet. Before the downsizing I had made reservations to split my stay between AKL and POLY CL's. I have kept the reservations for now as sort of a hopeful type of thing. But believe you me, I will be happy just to get to visit WDW at all this year. At first, to be honest, I thought it might depress me just a bit to visit this thread (since I do have days where I get a bit down about the job loss), but quite the opposite has been true. I find myself very happy about your trips, and I enjoy living vicariously through you all! I realize how blessed I am to have even been able to visit WDW at all, nevermind staying CL several times and having been blessed to have a WDW wedding and honeymoon. My blessings literally overflow, and I love coming here to hear about your trips! Spending time with you wonderful folks has helping me through this rough spot in my career. So THANKS my fellow Lounge Lizards!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Ohhhh, Elisabeth!! Lots of PD for great job opportunities to open up. I know how you feel, in the '80's I had a very good job, my oldest was just 1 year old, and I was pregnant, when we were bought by another company, and closed! I did not work again until my oldest was 7, that's one of the reasons we did not get to go to WDW until my kids were older. If I had known during that time that someday, we would not only be going to WDW on a regular basis, but staying CL, I would have cried. But, as you say, we are sooo lucky to have been able to take our kids at all, there are many families in our rural area who do not make more than minimum wage, and therefore, can't do anything special for their children. They have a hard enough time keeping lights on and a roof over their heads.

I know good fortune will come your way, and something even better will come along for you!

 

[WoodysRoundup]

Thanks for the suggestions, Lizards!!! Keep 'em coming and Happy Planning to you all!!!!

 

[RDS912]

What does IPO stand for and what do they do?

 

[Majestic]

Itinerary Planning Office. It's a special office that houses people who's sole responsibility is to assist you with planning your vacation when staying concierge. They are a great bunch. I firmly believe that you must have a special gift to be able to do it day in day out. Hats off to them!

There are different offices for different resorts. Some offices actually do multiple resorts but none do ALL of them as far as I know. Example: The Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian IPO are one in the same. I found this when I was staying concierge and they were sending me emails signed with Mahalo.

Take care...

Fred

Originally posted by RDS912
What does IPO stand for and what do they do?

 

[WoodysRoundup]

Majestic.... Did you see my post from yesterday? Should I just tell WL "fred" says "hi"? Will they know who you are?

 

[#1hockeymom]

OK, who's about to leave? May you all have great weather and a fantastic Disney time! I told the Ankole family that they'd have visitors so those staying at AKL, or having dinner there, go to Uzima savannah, towards the back left corner, and stop in to say hello!

 

[VAgal76]

#1Hockeymom - I'll make sure to go visit the ankole family and say "hi" when I get there....although I still have 56 more days to go. It's soon, but not soon enough. You know what I mean?

 

[BambiTamby]

Elizabeth...you're still the concierge queen in my book!

Lots of {{{HUGS}}}} to you, sweetie!

Debbie...hasn't BABY ankole grown????

And....I was wondering, since you were waaaay down on the fingertips of the Zebra Trail (right?)
did you have the complimentary fridge and robes in your room?

As for the NEXT lucky person......
Looks like WoodysRoundup will be the next lizard we send off to CL land!!!!

 

[RDS912]

Thanks majestic, now that I know what IPO is , I am staying at AKL concierge in Oct. Do I have to contact them and if so how? or do they contact me

 

[Majestic]

They probably would know but just in case, say Fred / Majestic from the Dis Boards. If they still don't know, tell them I was the guy who hid the box. Not sure if anyone at the IPO will know so this probably should be if you are speaking to someone who is actually on the concierge floor at WL. I can give you the number in a PM if you need it.

Thanks!

Fred

Originally posted by WoodysRoundup
Majestic.... Did you see my post from yesterday? Should I just tell WL "fred" says "hi"? Will they know who you are?

 

[Majestic]

They are pretty good at getting in touch with you in advance. I would say they usually start as early as 60 days out. If you absolutely feel you want to contact them now (I probably wouldn't) you can go ahead and do so. They will see your reservation and take care of you. Early communication with the staff is important if you have plans to do something that books up fast such as Cindy's Royal Table for breakfast.

Not sure what the phone or email is for AKL concierge/IPO. Someone else with a name of a famous deer (hint hint nudge nudge) may be better to help you with that one!

Fred

Originally posted by RDS912
Thanks majestic, now that I know what IPO is , I am staying at AKL concierge in Oct. Do I have to contact them and if so how? or do they contact me

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by Majestic
They are pretty good at getting in touch with you in advance. I would say they usually start as early as 60 days out. If you absolutely feel you want to contact them now (I probably wouldn't) you can go ahead and do so. They will see your reservation and take care of you. Early communication with the staff is important if you have plans to do something that books up fast such as Cindy's Royal Table for breakfast.

Not sure what the phone or email is for AKL concierge/IPO. Someone else with a name of a famous deer (hint hint nudge nudge) may be better to help you with that one!

Fred

hehehehe!

Here ya go RDS912.....
WDW.AKLODGE.CONCIERGE@DISNEY.COM

 

[dreamflight99]

When DD was only 4...~She was SO amazed at EVERYTHING! She truly "believed" Mickey & Minnie were REAL (like her Velveteen Rabbit!). Times like that...are PRICELESS. They are also fleeting, and pretty soon...Mickey & Minnie go the same route as the Easter Bunny, the tooth fairy, and my fav: Santa.

I'm so glad to read you ALL agree...and understand the importance of spending time with your children while they are "young" and innocent. Like Earth wind and fire sing..."Child is born, with a heart of gold, way of the world, makes the heart grow cold." How true...and how quickly this can happen.

I recall reading a post from Fred, about sitting watching fireworks with his little DD, at nightfall...absolutely a precious TREASURE of a MEMORY. I too...would rather fill my mind with these, than my wallet with greenbacks.

I recall one summer, when DD was also 4, when we visited the Badlands of S.Dakota. She had that "little girl voice" so different from the one I hear today. She was walking around (I have this on Video), and she said, "Daddy? I think this is where the SEBEN DWARBS LIVE, they dig for gold here." It was the most profound of moments. Her father can be heard on the tape answering, "Yes, I am positive the Seven Dwarves live here in these hills. There is a lot of GOLD here. Snow White's cottage is somewhere close by too." The conversation continues....and I am silent...knowing this is "one of those moments" which define life...and our reason for being.

DD is now 16, and still LOVES vacations, and WDW. She plans to always accompany us...through college, and her life as an adult. The very thought of this...makes my day. Yes, Magical gatherings have been happening for all of us...for a long, long time. I know so many people, who NEVER take a vacation, and when they do...their kids remain behind. I can not even "fathom" a visit without DD with us. She is such a constant source of delight...and fun. She has grown~up with WDW and all the visits. She has always enjoyed all the perks associated with CL, suites and first class. She never takes any of it for granted, and appreciates all we do to MAKE IT HAPPEN.

In just a couple of months...it's going to HAPPEN AGAIN!!

*I just bought the 2 years for the price of one annual passport on the Universal Studios thread, so we are all set for our visit to the PBH (Villa suite on CL)!

BambiTamby~YES...YOU and I ARE DEFINITELY CONNECTED! (LOL). I wish you were going this summer so we could meet somewhere!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Kimberle]

Hi,
We have the 14th floor concierge booked for a week in mid-Sept. I've requested a bay view. Besides the lake, WL & FW, is there anything else interesting in that view? Is Epcot that way? I forget.

I gather they don't contact you till about 60 days prior. When you want a PS like Cindy's, do you wait for them to get you a table, or do it the "usual" way 90 days out? What about your other PS's?

We're also toying with adding 3-4 nights on at AKL. If we also stay concierge, would our luggage be transfered the usual way? Or do they offer a quicker service for concierge guests? I'm thinking we might be better off just taking it ourselves in a cab. It can't be that expensive. In mid to late Sept, if we check in early in the day, we should have a room ready, shouldn't we? I can't imagine the resort being to full that time of year.

At AKL, I think I'd like a Savannah room somewhat near the pool as our 5 yr will be spending lots of time there. Is that doable? Is the Savannah view good from that section? I just don't want to be stuck all the way at the far end of the lodge. Where is the concierge lounge? In the middle?

Also, one more question. How long is the bus ride from AKL to DTD?

Thanks,

 

[floridafam]

Evening everyone.

I just wanted to check out my countdown. Dh got some great news at work today and our trip is approaching. Everyone is getting really excited.

 

[goodferry]

I had one of those moment with my dd last trip to wdw. She was on IASW, clapping her hands and laughing and she looked at me like she couldn't believe I had found this wonderful place for her. She was only 14 months old then, now she's five and she is growing up so fast. I am definitely looking forward to taking her to see the princesses this trip.
I did get email from IPO today, they didn't hold that ressie for me for CRT that I mentioned earlier, buy Melissa said as our dates get closer they will be more likely to find an opening, so not to give up hope yet. Thanks for all the pd!

Elisabeth, I hope you get good news soon. If it makes you feel better, everyone here is thinking of you, I am sure. Things will turn around soon

 

[MickeyMac]

Kimberle,

At AKL, Concierge is on the fifth and sixth floors. The lounge is located right above the lobby - centrally located. If you're looking for a savannah view, I'd suggest Zebra Trail, in the second pod of rooms, overlooking Arusha Rock - you'd be close to the elevator heading down to the restaurants, pool, and hot tubs. When you come in, however, you'd got up the elevators just past Zawadi, to your right, then head down the hallway on the fifth.

This is one resort where it's our opinion that the lower floors have the better views (closer to the animals, more personal) The Concierge service here is outstanding, however.

 

[WoodysRoundup]

Yes, BambiTamby... Looks like I am the next one going to CL Land. I'm so happy to be a part of this great group of concierge junkies! LOL! Seriously, we should have a meet with folks on this thread some day!

In keeping with Dreamflight's theme of magical family Disney moments...My parents saved (and I mean they saved) so that they could take us kids to WDW every other year from the time I was 3 yrs. old through college. Although I had a wondrful childhood, nothing compares to the memories we had at WDW through the years. In Jan., all of us (now with lots of grandkids) went to Disneyland and we continue to make those memories. It makes me so emotional to think that in just two weeks, my Mom will now be going with me and my own kids. I want to make it a wonderful trip for her to somehow repay her for all the years she and Dad made such special moments for us. We'll be staying just across the lake from CR...the place where so many of those memories happened. I always get such a warm feeling when I see that hotel. Some may say it's a cold or sterile resort but it could never be that to me. WDW was such a big part of my growing up and I hope to make it the same for my own kids. Heck, DS is 2 and a half and this will be his 4th trip! LOL!

Fred.... Got it! I will tell the folks in WL CL lounge that I "know" Fred from the Dis!!!

 

[twinmomplus2new]

My computer had crashed awhile back and I had lost the subscription to this thread. I just found it again and can't believe it is still running. I just can not read any of these trip reports anymore. It is making me want to go NOW!!!!

Actually I just seperated from my DH ( a good thing he is a Disney Hater) and I agreed to get rid of one of our joint credit cards. But alas not before I called CRO and prepaid for my December stay at AKL's Killamanjaro club. After all we all have our prioritys!