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

k&a&c'smom · May 6, 2004

DF - I have been wondering if you got your So. CA cruise, how could it be "pre-sold" if they just announced?! Did some people get advance notice? Just wondering, when I saw the re-positioning 14-day itinerary, I thought that had your name on it!! :teeth:

And, you MUST try Jiko, it's incredible, one of our favorites! ::yes::

dreamflight99 · May 6, 2004

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom
DF - I have been wondering if you got your So. CA cruise, how could it be "pre-sold" if they just announced?! Did some people get advance notice? Just wondering, when I saw the re-positioning 14-day itinerary, I thought that had your name on it!! And, you MUST try Jiko, it's incredible, one of our favorites!

YES!!~Of course...it's not supposed to happen this way, but LOADS of DISNEY CORP. associates and Sponsors, have BOOKED the cruises! I should not have any "room" to whine, as I was informed early via a "connection" in Burbank. :cool:

Yet, like most things, I placed it on the BACK BURNER...only to have it SCORCH me now!! :eek:

I NEVER Give~up, and NEVER Give~in! LOL...

Valgal~We did the old BIG RED BOAT "DISNEY" Cruise w/DD back in 1993! It was a four-day (the longest they offered) Eastern. She loved Plutos playhouse, and all the Characters...but DH & I found the ship/accomodations/etc. to be dingy and below Disney Standards. A few years down the road...we heard Disney was in the process of building their OWN ship & cruise line! Needless to say...we were estactic. :hyper:

They began with 3 & 4 day hops to the Eastern Carrib. area. When they expanded to include the 7~day cruise, we made the decision to travel. Fortunately, we waited again...and they included the 7~day WESTERN itinerary. Wow...what a FAB time. We loved every minute...and met some great folks. We couldn't even skip a summer, as I tossed in the Eastern Cruise last summer as a SURPRISE for DD's sweet 16th! (AS if the CR Tower CL suite was not enough of a treat...you should have seen her face when we pulled in to check-in!!). :teeth:

Well...since then, they grounded my beloved "Concorde" airline...so we decided on a R/T cruise in a suite on the QM2. We could visit my folks in NY, and travel to the port....arriving in London 8~days later. Then, after seeing more than 5 countries and visiting both Dis parks (Paris & Japan), we would return on the luxury liner for another 8~days of R&R! This was to be a special Graduation trip for DD! Then, she expressed her views...and wishes to visit WDW again, before College. So, we planned another DISNEY cruise...7-day Western, out of Port Canaveral. Now...we are taking one of these cruises...before we travel to WDW for the summer! ::yes::

We still plan on the QM2, and possibly a VERY long cruise on Cunard (to Monte Carlo...Egypt...etc.). Are we NOMADIC, or what?! :confused:

DD thrives on travel...and loves even the weekenders we frequently (spontanously) take. Thank Goodness...my life/passion affords me the "time" to be able to indulge in this lifestyle. I've passed over some fabulous opps, (Pixar animation, Groundlings, even NASA), due to the extreme workload/travel associated with them. Life is like a kaleidoscope...ever changing...shifting hues. If something is meant to be...then my "fears will collide with my dreams," and all will work~out! :goodvibes

Enjoy the DAY!

TTFN...DF99 :wave2:

teentoddlermom · May 6, 2004

Wow this is such a friendly thread! Thank you for your info on which concierge to choose. I have asked my TA to book YC and now I can hardly wait. I'dl love to hear any more tips on how to best enjoy my experience there in August with my Husband, 14 year old son, and 5 year old daughter. Thanks so much for your help!

JKELLY · May 6, 2004

READING ALL THE INFO ON THE DIFFERENT CL'S. I HAVE STAYED AT THE YC CL THE LAST 2 YEARS LOVE IT BUT MIGHT WANT SOMETHING DIFFERNT. STAYED AT BWI CL. ONLY COMPLAINT IS IT IS A LONG WALK TO GET ANYWHERE.WAS REALLY THINKING OF THE POLY CL. HAVEN'T STAYED THERE SINCE 92. LOOKING FOR SOME INPUT.
NOW I AM READING ABOUT THE AKL CL. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO.
:confused:

DO YOU HAVE TO STAY AT THE AKL TO DO THE SAFARI'S? AND WHAT ARE THE AGE LIMITS.

luckywife · May 6, 2004

Ok, I have yet a few more questions that hopefully someone can answer.....

do the CL rooms at the Poly already have coffee makers or do I need to request one?

and...we have decided to take my MIL with us. She is a wonderful lady who has been through so much....in her 4th year of remission after a hard battle with breast cancer. I really want to make this a special trip for her so we are paying her way as her birthday gift. Anyway....she will be the 3rd adult in the room. Is the charge for CL still $25.00/night for the extra adult or is it more since it's CL? Do I need to call CRO to add her to the reservation or is it something we can do at check-in? Sorry for all the questions. :crazy:

VAgal76 · May 6, 2004

JKelly - Yes, you have to be on CL at AKL to do the sunrise or sunset safari. No age limit on sunrise safari and you must be at least 16 to do sunset. BambiTamby pulled some strings to get our family in for sunset with my son....I'm forever in debt to her! It's only our two families in the van. A lot of people love the Poly & AKL....tough call on that one.

Luckywife - don't ever feel bad about asking questions. The folks on this thread are true "helpers" and don't seem to mind at all. :teeth:

Teentoddlermom - Congrats on nabbing YC! :tongue:

steveanddonna · May 6, 2004

luckywife - do call CRO to add your mil to the ressie. I'm not sure if the extra adult charge is the same; haven't had a grown-up "guest" since DH's cousin stayed with us in 2001. I believe the charge was $25-35 per night at the time. There are no coffeemakers in the rooms at Poly CL, but you can request one. We did this once, then decided it was way easier to run down to the lounge & grab a cup. If it's between service times and the urns aren't out you can ask for coffee, tea, juice etc. at the counter.

JKELLY -as you can tell from my sig, we LOVE the Poly, but I, too, want to try AKL. Don't know if I'll ever get DH to switch, though. Poly is great for it's proximity to MK, monorail access, beautiful landscaping & views, and super-friendly helpful CMs.

Elisabeth Congratulations! on the trip & the interview. Most of our trips are pretty last minute - isn't it exhilarating? Good luck with your interview - pixie dust coming your way!

WoodysRoundup - (if you're not too crazed to check the boards!) Have a great, safe, FUN trip! Can't wait to read your trip report.

k&a&c'smom · May 6, 2004

JKelley - I highly recommend both Poly CL and AKL CL! ::yes::

The Poly is such a gorgeous resort, the island ambiance is so relaxing, and their CL cm's are so warm and accommodating! It was hard to check out and move to AKL, but we love AKL, too, so we split between them. AKL CL is fantastic, the lounge is just beautiful, the food offerings are yummy, what's not to like?! And, the AKL cm's are very good to you, too. Very tough choice, I couldn't make it!! :teeth:

One thing Poly has over the AKL is the monorail access, that is hard to beat, IMO!! But, AKL has the Safaris!! Have fun making your decision!

teentoddlermom - YC CL sounds great, and you will be in a terrific location, that's for sure! Make sure you let CL take care of all your PS's, Cirque tickets (if you want them,) any special requests for your room. I had the CL at the Poly put a plate with chocolate-covered strawberries in the room as a surprise for DD, boy, did she love them! Cost was $34 from room service. Very nice presentation with a chocolate shell with M&M's!! And, all CL's have a fridge in the room now, I believe, so you can take cans of pop, cartons of milk, etc. from the lounge to your room for a late-night snack. Very convenient! Any other questions you have, just ask away!! :wave2:

#1hockeymom · May 6, 2004

Welcome to the thread, fran and teentoddlermom!

Woody'sroundup>> Have a DISNEY WONDERFUL trip!

ead>> Congrats on the interview and the impending trip! Bon Voyage!

luckeywife>> I believe it is 25 dollars, though I could be wrong!

DF>> I am so sorry you couldn't get on the maiden Pacific voyage! Maybe some people will back out? Your grad plans sound WONDERFUL! DD wants to live with you now! Whenever I think of the QE2 I think of POSH... Port out, starboard home! I am sure ALL views are POSH now, and have been for decades!

Safari information>> I have done the sunrise twice! Never the sunset though I watched them from my balcony, and have heard glorious things about it! Some people fear the "toddler" factor of the sunrise safari. We haven't had that be a problem during either trip. All the young children on the safari were well behaved (the older ones were too!) The safari is great, very informative, and the food (breakfast) afterwards is fantastic!

I am still up in the air... Do I take the Poly GVC for four days (first two at the Dolphin)..... Poly GV no concierge (first two at the Dolphin) or ALL at the DOlphin? Of course, AKL and WL have fantastic rates right now, and nabbing AKL pool view would be half the cost *though no ankole off my balcony!* I do need view help *please!*, even at the Dolphin since I have only been to the Swan! I promise not to ask how far it is to the grotto pool, though! LOL

Big wave to all the lounge lizards! waving over to VAgal, k&a&c'smom, BT, floridafam, blowinbubbles, steveanddonna, goodferry, steffy, momrules, eclipse, Tedmom, and the rest of you resting in the chairs!

Debbie

GoofyJoofy · May 6, 2004

Recently booked BC CL for late August and yesterday got 5 + 2 deal. We are soooo excited. 3 kids, 13; 11; 10 never been to Disney. Wife and I were there in '86.

Our trip was booked through our local AAA TA. My question is, when (and how?) do I contact Concierge at BC and start booking my PS?

Thanks

JKELLY · May 6, 2004

How was the food offerings at the Poly? I am torn because I did stay at the AKL also last year but not the CL and I have to say I miss the Poly. That is the hotel we stayed at when we where kids.

As for the surfari, do any of them have age restrictions?

jacksmom · May 6, 2004

I too was wondering about concierge contact? I booked AKL CL over a month ago, but my trip isn't till late Sept. But, I don't want to miss out on the sunrise safari ( we have a ds7, so sunset safari is out)! Will they call me? When we stayed at Poly, they first sent me a trip planning form in the mail, then followed up with a call! Will AKL do the same? How far out??? THANKS !!! :wave2:

teentoddlermom · May 6, 2004

You've all been so helpful, if I just have an hour or so I plan to read through all 100 or so pages to find out whats been happening since the thread started! I'll have to read about where you've stayed and the benefits of each. If anyone has questions about GF SugarLoaf I can expand on it because we spent a week last year on the Fairytale Package.
We wanted to try an Epcot resort this year, and I just couldn't resist asking about a concierge room in one of the resorts there. Turns out we're just paying about $300 more for the YC concierge this year (7 for 4 vs 7 for 5). Really not bad. So I can now hardly wait! We're also booking 2 nights at Portofino Bay before we get to YC. We've been to Disney about 10 times, but never been to Universal. My thoughts are that life is too short, my husband works too hard 50 weeks a year, and before I know it my son will be in college. So after many so so vacations other places, my aim is to go to Disney, and stay concierge, for the next few years, if we are at all able to swing it!
Have a great night! :earsgirl:

VAgal76 · May 6, 2004

Welcome Jacksmom & GoofyJoofy! :wave:

Jacksmom - Yes, you can call them to get things rolling. I don't have a phone number handy, but I'm sure others could help in that department (sorry, I left it in my desk drawer - UUUGGGHHH!) I hear you on the safari. I think that is such an added bonus...kind of makes up for not having monorail access! :teeth:

JKelly - I hear the food offerings at Poly are yummy! The sunrise safari is open to all concierge guests, but the sunset is restricted to 16 years and older concierge guests.

GoofyJoofy - Yes, you can contact them to start your PS's anytime now. Like I told Jacksmom - I don't have any phone #s, but other lizards can help with this.

Debbie - Hi, sweetie! :wave:

I hope your SIL is doing better & hanging tough! :hug:

's to you & tell her we're thinking about her here on the boards :flower3:

!

goodferry · May 6, 2004

Hi guys! Room wave :wave:

Welcome to all the new lizards! You picked a great group to hang with.

Debbie--hope your sil is doing better. As to your stay, I guess I would need to know more about your trip before I could answer, are you traveling with the kids or without, planning on hitting parks more or hanging out more? I think what sold me on GV concierge at the Poly, other than the advance planning, was the use of the lounge. There are six of us (including the baby), and we don't all go to bed or nap at the same time and the lounge will give the rest of us somewhere to be while the room is in use. The wonderful treats are a bonus as far as I am concerned.

DF--pixie dust your way on the cruise! It sounds wonderful, although we have never cruised, it's on our to do list.

BYE WOODY!!! Have a great trip, take notes so we can get a good trip report! :Pinkbounc

Good night everybody, I don't know if I will be hanging much this weekend. My mom and dad are coming in to visit and offer moral support because my husband's family is having a family meeting on Saturday. I am absolutely DREADING it. My mom will be in town, though, so she will have my back. I thank god every day for having such great parents.

goodferry · May 6, 2004

By the way, check out my counter, I broke 30 days!!! :bounce:

WoodysRoundup · May 6, 2004

I'll be thinking of you all while I'm there!!! :sunny:

Goodferry... Don't know if I'll be able to "take notes" with two toddlers (LOL!) but I have a good memory! I'll be sure to give an informative trip report when I return! CONGRATS on breaking 30 days....Yahooo!!!!!! :earseek:

DF... The cruise sounds awesome....I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

VAgal.... Thanks for the singing! :wave:

And, thanks again for everyone's good wishes!!!!

DS calls Cindy's castle "Mickey's house". I told him today that we are going to Mickey's house tomorrow and he's been walking around all day with a picture of the castle saying "Mickey's house". My kids will be in heaven tomorrow! ::MickeyMo

I have my usual last minute jitters....worried about the flight, wishing DH could join us, hoping we're all safe and sound upon our return home to Daddy, etc. I AM a worrier. I know we'll have a blast! Wish you all could join us! :wave2:

At this time tomorrow, we'll be at Mickey's House!!!!!! :cloud9:

BambiTamby · May 6, 2004

I can't believe that I did this! I booked the DCL for the Panama West cruise. i think it's the same one as DF, but we'll see.
Got a cat. 4 cabin and I'm not sure yet what type that is, but it's the best DU could get us, so we'll take it! :sunny:

WoodysRoundup.....
<font size=6 color=red>HAPPY Trails to you!
until we meet again!!!!~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*</font>

Have a safe and wonderful trip with your kiddos and mom!!! :wave:

teentoddlermom...that is great news! So you're staying at the YC CL!!! Yippee!!!!
Perfect for the teen and toddler, no doubt about that! ::yes::

JKELLY...tough call. Those are my two favorite CLs!
Anyway you could split your stay and experience both? :scratchin

GoofyJoofy and jacksmom....WELCOME to the wonderful world of the LOUNGE LIZARDS!!!! :bounce:

I always like to initiate contact as soon as I put a deposit down and get my requests in for first dibs.

goodferry...you're doing the less than 30 day dance! Cool! :teeth:

floridafam and Debbie...Lots of :hug:

to you both!

Nighty-nite lizards! Last one out turn off the cappucino machine!

fran99999 · May 6, 2004

thanks all

I am going to talk with DD tomorrow and find out which Safari they want to do. I wonder if i push towards the Sunrise if they will go for the Sunset. HMMM Reverse Psycology. They are both at the age if mom wants on they want the other. LOL And I want the Sunset. My DH and DS5 said they just want the pool to manly things.

Also thank you for the link for my ressies. I will send a note as soon as I speak with kids tomorrow.

Has anyone used Simba's clubhouse? I wanted to have son attend while we went to the Laua. Again my DD got my DH to say yes. I wanted the HDDReview. We may have to do both as I have heard the Laua isn't that great. These people keep forgetting we dont live in a democrocy we live in "Mom's Land"

DD has looked into Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine here in MA. I was told it was "one" of the best.

Thanks again for all your help!!

I will post with results of the safari maybe with Pics if I can figure it out. New camera arrived by UPS today.