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

[Turner5]

What are the differences? I'm just curious. This is our first trip. my children are 11, 9, and 7. We are staying in the Fort Wilderness Cabins.

 

[VAgal76]

Hello, Turner5! - FT Wilderness is completely different from CL at the deluxe hotels. Service, service, service I say! You won't be cooking any meals for starters....is it starting sound good already or what? Private lounge with drinks and snacks. Personalized attention from CMs. In some cases, larger rooms. The list can go on and on!!!

There are others on this thread that can really give you some nice differences...I've just hit on the major ones. Honestly, home away from home and deluxe hotels are two different categories and I don't know how to really compare them. We'd love to know what you have in mind so we can help on our "final" decision.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

DF - PD your way to get the upgrade...I'd love to go to Tahiti! It's been on my wish list for years, along with Hawaii. DH doesn't fly, so we may need your discarded raft!

 

[PatriciaH]

Thanks for the welcome guys! I posted WAY back on page 5 or so but that was a long time ago We are staying at the Polynesian GVC October 14th-21st and then doing the 3 night Disney Wonder cruise for our 8 year anniversary. I do have the anniversary noted on both reservations. I just was wondering if I should contact IPO myself. I am a travel agent so I booked my own trips. I had them add my own address to it but I am not sure if I will get a planning packet-we never did with AKL concierge. I did e-mail AKL and they made some PS for me (before our stay last March) and called to check if I need anything else before we went on the trip. I just did not want to contact IPO too far out. I guess I will send them an e-mail.

DF-I would love to go to Tahiti but DH is 6'4 so a flight like that would be tourture for him! We would need to fly 1st class. I can't decide between Europe, Hawaii or Tahati for our 10 year anniversary in 2006!

 

[lovesdumbo]

DF-I LOVE that song! When I went to WDW in Oct 02 I was 6 months pregnant with baby #3 and I purchased a Dumbo photo frame with some of those lyrics. I've got to find that thing. I used to be so good about putting photos in the albums as soon as I got them but since I've gone digital and had baby #3 I haven't put a single photo in an album. Thats what having 3 kids in 3 years will do to you!

I read those attack against you on that other thread and I was tempted to defend you but I knew they just wouldn't get it!

OK so I should still be working but I'll take a quick break to tell my Baby Center story. This happened on the Oct 02 trip with my oldest DD(3 1/2) at the time. I had left my wild little DS home with DH and went with a friend. We met a high school buddy of mine and her 3 year old DD there as she lives in FL. I have already told luckywife about the incident where DD was afraid of the restroom at the Poly pool and I got lost trying to find the room. Well the first day in the parks at MK DD says she wants to go back to the hotel room because she needs to pee. So I brought her to the Baby Center which is much less itimidating and she was still really scared by the public restroom. Well there was a CM there that just so patient with her. I can't remember her name but she was an older woman with a German accent (my DD loves accents) and her favorite character was Snow White. She very gently talked to DD and she got her to use the potty. Then she gave her a bunch of Mickey stickers for being so brave and when she found out we were there with a friend she gave us more stickers for her. Some would say it was a rather small gester but the experience could have been just such a nightmare for DD and set a negative tone for the entire trip. This CM was just so incredibly sweet and gentle to my DD. I wish I had gotten her name. I was going to write to Disney and tell them about her but I just didn't get around to it and by 32 weeks I was having preterm labor. Baby was born at 39 weeks and a very healthy 8 lbs 13 ounces. I tried to find CM when we were there in Jan. The CM I asked knew who I meant but said she wasn't working that day. I thought I would find her later in the week but I should have left her a thank you note. I will try to find her on my next trip. I wish I could say that this CM helped my DD get over her fears but I did end up putting pull ups on DD for the rest of the trip but that doesn't take away from just how wonderful she was to DD and on the Jan trip DD did just fine though she's still not thrilled with public rest rooms. I have since read a tip on these boards to use the very tiny post its to keep the automatic toilets from flushing so I'm sure the trip will be even easier for DD next time.

I'm going to find that Dumbo picture frame tonight!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by blowinbubbles

I'm new on here and haven't read *every* post on this BB, but I'm curious. . what do y'all get flamed about? Spending too much $$$?

Ahh, YES. It's sometimes referred to as an "elitist" quirk, (ahem).

k&a&c'smom~ I can just picture you and your DH, Rowing to Tahiti in/on a RAFT! You are too funny... You could always take a cruise (one of the smaller, more private lines).

PatriciaH~Your plans sound lovely! We've taken two of the Disney Cruises, and LOVED both! We're partial to the Western itinerary...but you'll LOVE Atlantis (on Paradise Island in Naussau). We visited this resort last summer. Take advantage of the many offerings, and enjoy the scenery.

*We only fly First Class, as we consider the transportation part of our vacation experience! You would LOVE FC (Business elite) to Europe (British Airways!), and the other locations you mentioned.
Hawaii is "nice" (but some areas are getting crowded and "touristy"), but I would prefer Tahiti or Europe as an anniversary destination. Europe (Paris) is SO romantic, but then again...so is BORA BORA! If you enjoy Tropical weather...with mountains, and pampering...choose Tahiti. You can practically live in swimwear *(have dinner catered to your room), and the location is hard to top (IMHO). Any place you select...I'm sure you'll have a GREAT time, as you'll be celebrating your 10th year of wedded bliss! Congratulations, in advance. My sweet DH & I have been married 18 years this summer. On my tenth...he bought me a pair of Katherine Baumann Purses (minaudieres), while in WDW! It was my "wish" (which he made come true...besides, marrying me!). He's my one and only...prince charming. Does that make me a princess? LOL....

TTFN...DF99

 

[goodferry]

I have to admit, DF, I was tempted to jump in to your defense too, if I thought it would do any good I would have. If being kind, honest and eloquent makes you elitist, sign me up

 

[steveanddonna]

So glad you all liked the monorail story - I know it doesn't seem like much happened, but it meant so much to us at the time.
lovesdumbo you are right - it really is the small gestures that can end up being a big deal.

captainconcierge (who happens to be my DH) did Mission:Space in March after 2 failed attempts. He's the one who needed the ginger lollipops and was greatly comforted knowing there was an airsick bag available. I'm happy to read on this thread that he's going to be brave again!

This thread is so great, everybody's so helpful, some of the other threads lately have seemed kind of critical! I've posted a few suggestions lately, and people have been really harsh! So glad to come back here!

I know - what's up with that??!! I do not understand what pleasure people get from being snide & snotty. I try to tell myself they must be having a really bad day/year/life so I don't flash attitude right back.
DF99 thanks for the lyrics - I love that song. DH & I have put it on the lullaby CD we recorded for all of our young relatives. It's also my (OK, this part is embarrassing) cat's favorite song (I think). He's an old man, 15 and diabetic, and he loves snuggling up & being sung to. We don't know why - he has always done this, over my shoulder like a baby.

 

[#1hockeymom]

*secretly writes out suspension notices in her head when she runs into attacks on DF and others I consider good friends!*

HONEST! Must be the teacher in me!

I can attest to the true luxury of a British Airways seat! Did I sit in one? NOOOO ! But I quickly touched one when I walked back to the cattle area! They do first class to the very FIRST class! Actually, British Airways has very comfortable seats in their entire plane, and decent food! DH is 6'3 and he lived through the flight!

OK, NO more Dumbo stories! I happened to read that one during a break at work, and I was crying before I picked my kids up from art! When I was pregnant with DS, DD was in her Dumbo phase and we used to watch it together frequently. Hormones/etc used to have me in breakdowns every time! Ok, you can tell the Dumbo stories.. just put a warning! (I am kidding about the no stories just in case someone doesn't understand my quirky sense of humor!)

DD was a finalist in a talent competition. Finals are tonight! Please rain PD on her for a good performance! Yes, I gave birth to a singer, although people beg me not to sing! She'll be singing "At Last" ala Etta James/Celine Dion. I just finished trying to forties out her long blond hair! DS is on his own for hockey practice. Rides are set up via phone calls!

It snowed this morning... now it is 70... how many days for my next Disney trip? I would still love some WL concierge information as far as services provided. Talked with DS last night and he wants the Poly for the last half of our trip. Actually, he wants the GF and I told him for the two of us that wasn't happening until he gets his first NHL contract! (not likely ) Oh, I've created a monster!

Happy Wednesday!

Debbie

 

[floridafam]

hockeymom,

Good luck to DD.

Are you thinking of staying at WL concierge? We will be there in a few weeks. I'll be doing a trip report when we get back. We've stayed there before, is there anything specific you'd like to know?

 

[#1hockeymom]

I am more interested in the atmosphere and the CM's than the food offerings. I really think that is what makes AKL's concierge so special! I haven't read much about WL's concierge other than what food is offered at what time.

Thanks for the good luck wishes! I passed them on!

TTFN <----as DF would say!
Debbie

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Debbie - Best wishes and PD for your DD!!

BTW - I think I will be switching to July 21 or 22 until July 28 for our trip! Hopefully, we can meet up!! We're gonna stay WL, then switch to BWI...hence BT's great new clippie!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

steveanddonna - I know what you mean, I try to just blow it off, if you try to defend your point it just seems to get worse. Is it a full moon coming up, or what?

 

[WoodysRoundup]

k&a&c'smom... YES, I am SO excited. Thanks for mentioning! 9 more days until WL/CL!
:thewave: Single digits!!! By the way, hockeymom.... I'll be sure to do a WL/CL trip report when I return!!!

dreamflight.... I almost lost it when I saw that harsh comment on the thread towards you regarding concierge! I never understood the purpose of criticizing people on these threads. Life's too short!!!! Everyone on THIS thread aprreciates you and your stories!!!

lovesdumbo... Enjoyed your Dumbo story. We also are a Dumbo house. Believe it or not, DD (1) and DS (2) sing "Baby Mine" when I lay them down to sleep. I sang it to them as infants. We have this GREAT Michael Crawford does Disney songs CD and they ALWAYS request it when they get in the car!!! They also love the movie. We only wish Casey Jr.'s Circus Train was also a ride at WDW. (It's in Disneyland). GREAT RIDE!!

df... Also loved your stork picture.

See you all later!!!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

*as DF99 Dries eyes with KLEENEX (BRAND NAME !!) Lotion Tissue w/Aloe & Vit. E!

Elitist meet 101...~LOL...Come one, come all. :space:
*If enjoying life to the fullest of one's capacity, while staying within the morays and rules of society represents the "elitist" character...then go ahead and paint me GREEN!!
I'm not about to change the way I "think" at this stage in the GAME! *Next...they'll be calling me a "VET!" (The DIS Kiss of Death ~ ie:WLFAQ)!

goodferry, steveanddonna, #1HM, k&a&c'smom, floridafam, WoodysRoundup, BambiTamby...~Thank you!!
There's just no substiture for fierce and loyal "FRIENDS."


Donna...~CC is your DH? Love the name! Yes, I recall the story about the ginger lollies, etc. He's a BRAVE one, going for seconds!

I too...have read MANY posts on this board, and the CB too, which NEVER cease to amaze me. These persons post snide, sneaky innuendos in their contributions which ATTACK others in a mean & spiteful manner. "Misery Loves Company" (sadly). It's also representative of insecurities, inferiority, etc. There are a lot of "neurotics" lose on these threads/boards! LOL....

Thanks for the sweet story of your Kitty! Holding him like a baby too...oh. I could cuddle him right now! We recently lost our dog, (Easter Sunday), and I miss him more than ever. Sing and cradle/snuggle him all you can. XO

#1HM~Suspend 'em all, teach!! (Let 'em eat cake!)
You are right about BA! The seats are all great. The "capsules" are my personal favs...with high tea served on silver trays (prior to 911). I too, watched DUMBO with DD all the time. Perhaps it's why it is SO special to her now...as she thinks of leaving home for College. Okay...where's that lotion KLEENEX?!?

***LOADS OF PIXIE DUST for DD! May she WIN, WIN, WIN!!!***

WoodysRoundup~Thanks for the wonderful words!
Only "9" more days...I can hardly wait for the REPORT!!
We're visiting DL this weekend, I'll be sure to take a spin on Casey Jr.'s Circus Train for you! We have AP's there as well...and being so close, we SHOULD go more often than we do!

Again...thanks to all of you, for the kind words. For a moment there (on that thread), I thought it it was something "I" said/did?!? Glad to see...it was not. I never wish to "offend" others. I'm HAPPY by nature...and prefer to STAY that way!!

As I OFTEN say..."TTFN" :happy2:

DF99

 

[ead79]

Ohhh, being called snobby or elitist really gripes my gourd (now how's that for a Southern phrase? )!

People really need to not assume that people are snobby just because of their vacation spending habits. I bet it would knock their socks off to know DH's and my annual income, or lack thereof, LOL! WDW trips are my only "vice," and we save like CRAZY to afford them. And I mean CRAZY, as in a good chunk of our income. Some people are able to afford CL easily, and you know what? That doesn't make them snobs either. There are snobs everywhere, from the offsite value hotels, to the All Stars, to the moderates, to CL and suites! Being a snob is an attitude, not a checkbook balance. And I for one have never "met" nicer people than on this thread.

Whew! I feel better now. Yep, "Elitist Elisabeth" who has stayed in the Red Roof Inn Orlando, at All Star Music and Pop Century, and even in a suite at the BWI and GF (and had a good time on each trip except for the nasty roach incident at the Red Roof Inn) and is NOT a snob feels much better now!

 

[PatriciaH]

DF-Ok now you made Tahiti sound awesome. DH and I love the beach and spending time in the ocean (we love to snorkel.) We got a spa magazine in the mail the other day and there was a wonderful article on Tahiti, Bora Bora, etc.. The places sounded/looked outstanding. I like when there is an actual water viewing area in the floor of the room! One of the resorts you could feed the sea life from the floor in your room-I am there. DH said it sounded awesome. I just worry about the flight Of course Europe would be great too. Decisions, decisions... We have 2 years to decide-and save. We get to take a lot of wonderful trips since I get such good discounts. We just sailed on RCCL's Mariner of The Seas Western cruise in February. In September we are going to Punta Cana, DR to a nice resort Secrets.

Oh-and we are visiting Atlantis for sure on our DC Nassau day! I am going to book a day room at the Comfort Suites.

 

[blowinbubbles]

LOL! Snob or elitist. . . hehe. . .well I guess if wanting to stay in a very nice place and enjoy comfortable surroundings makes me a snob, well I guess I'm pretty darned snobby! Definitely not rich, as a matter of fact the money that I can call my own is almost nil! hehe. .

I guess I have been spoiled, though. In the past, we haven't vacationed as much, but when we do, my h likes to do it nicely. And I'll be honest, I reallly don't like staying in bottom of the rung hotels. It's not a snob thing, it's a comfort thing. Probably because most of the time I've stayed in a hotel like that, I slept awful because of the noise.


However, gotta say I've never flown 1st class! out: We flew to Istanbul with another couple, and thanks to frequent flyer miles, *they* got to fly 1st class! She did give me her little pouch that Delta hands out, complete with chap stick, socks, mouthwash, eyecovers, and toothbrush!

Ann

 

[k&a&c'smom]

DF - Let me just say this, and I'll let it go! While I have drooled over your reports of your fabulous trips, I have never, ever thought you seemed "elitist" in the slightest. In fact, it has seemed to me you have gone out of your way to make us all feel included, no matter what our income level. I remember a very eloquent post of yours concerning the very fact that this is what is great about WDW, it is the great equalizer, no one knows looking around them how much money or material goods anyone has. I don't understand the attitude that it is perfectly fine for people to talk about their misfortune, but if you start to talk with someone about your great good fortune, you are a snob. Keep entertaining us with your wonderful posts, really, no judgement here, baby!! Rock ON!!

Well, after that vent, I will say good night, all lounge lizards!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

DF-hope you saw my thank-you for Baby Mine lyrics back on page 91-we posted at the same time yesterday afternoon. I also really loved the stork artwork. I have a stork print in my girls' room.

I wanted to share another quick story about my DD on that Oct 02 trip. As you can tell by the Baby Center story my DD is somewhat timid. In fact she was so quiet at preschool that one day months after that trip one of her friends said to the teacher "Mrs. Whitehouse, Lizzie is talking!" So I was nervous about her reaction to the characters at Disney. I tried to get her to watch Disney movies so she'd know the characters but she'd only watch Monsters, Inc. over and over. I think she liked seeing Boo overcome her fears. So on the first day in the parks we were there about 10 minutes and she saw the Penguins from Mary Poppins and noone else around. She runs right over to them and screams "the Penguins need to give Lizzie a hug!". She loved all the characters and this shy little girl who barely spoke to her friends or teachers chattered away at all the characters-especially Cinderella (those face character CM's are so wonderful!) Ahhh....the MAGIC of Disney. This year she started out quiet at school again but she is doing so great now. I'm sure she'll excell when she goes to Kindergarten next year. I think I'll call today to make a reservation for November. Gotta go again while Lizzie still believes the characters are the real thing!

When I go again there will be people who think its such a waste money, especially to go deluxe and concierge but I don't care what they think! I know we will have a magical time and create priceless memories all the more enjoyable with the comforts and help of concierge.

Thanks again all you lizards for a great thread!