How to do "concierge"???

[mickey'sbud]

I have a free upgrade to the concierge at the Poly. I have never been able to afford this, so I don't know anything about it other than what I have been able to read here and there. I know there is spread at different times of the day. It sounds great. So for the questions....(If there is thread that discusses all of this please direct me to it)

The email says - to tell valet we're concierge. Then we're taken to concierge building for check-in....Is this really any different than normal check-in other than location? Do we do anything different? I assume same kind of tipping to valet for suitcases/bags delivery to room.
I understand your room key lets you in to concierge , right?
Without being disgusting pigs---is there a limit on how much you eat ?
Is there a limit (w/in reason) on bottled water and cokes ?
Do we tip? If so how much? How often? How do you figure it?
Can you wear your bathing suit inside--- like from the pool to get a snack?
Anything else we need to know?
Thanks....

 

[MisMikiNikiLynne]

Who and or How did you get the free upgrade? I would absolutely LOVE to be able to do that someday!

 

[micmacmissy]

Check in is at a concierge desk, you can actually sit down, rather than stand in line. We still waited quite a while to check in at concierge. And our room wasn't ready. We thought it would be a little more expedited, but it wasn't. We tipped the same as we would otherwise.

Yes, your room key gets you into the concierge lounge. And go ahead and be a pig--oink oink--you can eat as much as you want. I think more important than what you eat is how you act (and allow your kids to act). We ate breakfast there every morning, and even took a bottled water and a piece of fruit to tuck in the stroller. Some mornings I went down and filled trays to bring upstairs to feed everyone there.

There is plenty of food, and it was well stocked when we went. I never tipped in the lounge, because often there was no one there--or else they were in and out of the room. I suppose if someone did something extra for you, then you would tip (one CM brought us a half gallon of milk to store in our room fridge for my daughter's bottle, we tipped her).

I wouldn't wear a bathing suit in there...again, it goes back to my earlier point about behaving in a dignified manner...I suppose you COULD, but I wouldn't. Throw on some flip flops and an appropriate cover-up and I believe children should do the same. No wet heineys on the furniture--basic stuff like that.

And enjoy your special upgrade! You won't want to go back any other way once you've been spoiled!

 

[jmkrat]

Actually the Concierge CM's are not supposed to take tips. I believe they could lose their jobs if they take one. Some people will leave something ( like food or such) at the end of their trip for the entire concierge staff. I spoke to one concierge CM and he said more than anything they like you to write guest communications if you are happy. A letter of praise will go along way for their career.

 

[ducklite]

I have a free upgrade to the concierge at the Poly. I have never been able to afford this, so I don't know anything about it other than what I have been able to read here and there. I know there is spread at different times of the day. It sounds great. So for the questions....(If there is thread that discusses all of this please direct me to it)

The email says - to tell valet we're concierge. Then we're taken to concierge building for check-in....Is this really any different than normal check-in other than location? Do we do anything different? I assume same kind of tipping to valet for suitcases/bags delivery to room.
I understand your room key lets you in to concierge , right?

When you get to the front of the reosrt, let them know you are concierge and you will be loaded with your bags onto a cart and taken to the Hawaii building to check in. Yes, you should tip $1-2 per bag--more for really heavy bags. "Bag" means any items, and would include strollers and car seats, coolers, cases of water, etc.

Without being disgusting pigs---is there a limit on how much you eat ?

Don't take more than you'll eat, don't let you kids touch the food, use tongs, etc. and you'll be fine. It's NOTa mealplan, and other than breakfast it's not enough to replace a meal. (If you eat a large, late lunch you might be able to skip dinner and jsut ahve the little offerings.)

Is there a limit (w/in reason) on bottled water and cokes ?

FYI, the bottled water only comes in large glass bottles that can't be taken to the parks. THey do not supply plastic bottles for the parks. As far as the soda, like you said "within reason."

Do we tip? If so how much? How often? How do you figure it?

Tips are not allowed, but you can give them a gift, some people bring things from thyeir home town, others bring chocolates or send Mrs. Fields cookies or something along those lines.

Can you wear your bathing suit inside--- like from the pool to get a snack?[

You'll need a coverup and shoes/sandals, and no if your suit is wet. You can't just walk in in bare feet and a wet bathing suit. I can't remember at teh Polynesian, but definitely at most of the other CL lounges, there are signs that specifically state that no wet bathing suits are allowed and proper attire including swimsuit coverups, shirts, and shoes are required. For all practical purposes it's a restaurant, and they have health and safety codes to follow.

Anne

 

[TammiMcMan]

I assume same kind of tipping to valet for suitcases/bags delivery to room.

That's pretty standard when the bellhop delivers your bags to the room. Usually $1 a bag will cover it.

I understand your room key lets you in to concierge , right?

Your room key will gain you entry to the Hawaii building, which is where your room and the club lounge is located.

Without being disgusting pigs---is there a limit on how much you eat?

You can definitely fill up on breakfast, if you aren't the type that needs something hot. Plenty of fruit, yogurt, muffins, cold cereal, etc. After that, it's not really intended to be a meal replacement plan, but I imagine everyone has their own thoughts on this. Bowls of snack items are out during the day, gummy snacks, M & M's, goldfish crackers, etc. In the evening, they have veggie trays, cheese & crackers, 2 hot appetizers and other finger food. Obviously, they don't cook an unlimited supply and it does need to last for the 2 hours of service, so I would just say get what you're comfortable with.

Is there a limit (w/in reason) on bottled water and cokes

Just to clarify, the bottles of water are big glass bottles, not the smaller individual plastic ones. If you'd like a water to take back to your room, just ask the CM in the lounge and they'd be happy to get a fresh one for you. Canned soda is available pretty much all day, but you can also grab a few to put in your room fridge just in case you get back late and the lounge is closed.

Do we tip? If so how much? How often? How do you figure it?

Club CM's are not allowed to accept tips. You may want to bring $1's for bellhop, valet, room service, housekeeping and turn down.

Can you wear your bathing suit inside--- like from the pool to get a snack?

Again, this is individual comfort I guess. Personally, I treat it like a restaurant and wear what would be appropriate. I don't see anything wrong with a swimsuit, provided it isn't wet. Because of the A/C though, you might want to have a coverup. I've seen people in the lounge in pajama's and bathrobes in the morning, so even though I may look at like a restaurant, there are others who look at it like an extension of their home. Disney really has a different definition of "concierge". It's not what you'd encounter in the public hotel industry, so people tend to think more in terms of comfort and not exactly etiquette 101 .

 

[jmkrat]

I have a free upgrade to the concierge at the Poly. I have never been able to afford this, so I don't know anything about it other than what I have been able to read here and there. I know there is spread at different times of the day. It sounds great. So for the questions....(If there is thread that discusses all of this please direct me to it)

The email says - to tell valet we're concierge. Then we're taken to concierge building for check-in....Is this really any different than normal check-in other than location? Do we do anything different? I assume same kind of tipping to valet for suitcases/bags delivery to room.
I understand your room key lets you in to concierge , right?
Without being disgusting pigs---is there a limit on how much you eat ?
Is there a limit (w/in reason) on bottled water and cokes ?
Do we tip? If so how much? How often? How do you figure it?
Can you wear your bathing suit inside--- like from the pool to get a snack?
Anything else we need to know?
Thanks....

There is also a great thread called Useful Concierge Information.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I have a free upgrade to the concierge at the Poly. I have never been able to afford this, so I don't know anything about it other than what I have been able to read here and there. I know there is spread at different times of the day. It sounds great. So for the questions....(If there is thread that discusses all of this please direct me to it)

The email says - to tell valet we're concierge. Then we're taken to concierge building for check-in....Is this really any different than normal check-in other than location? Do we do anything different? I assume same kind of tipping to valet for suitcases/bags delivery to room.
I understand your room key lets you in to concierge , right?
Without being disgusting pigs---is there a limit on how much you eat ?

I haven't stayed in club level rooms for a couple years now, so thing might have changed, but here's my $.02

No, it isn't really different. They'll probably have your keys made already, saving a little time. You don't do anything differently. They drive you to the building and open it up. While the drive isn't a big deal (it's a short walk), the opening the building is. Can't get in otherwise. And every time you want to get into the building, you'll have to use your card to do it.

Tipping is the same.

There is no limit on how much you can eat, but remember to observe the hours during which stuff is out. When I stayed club level, I was never there for dinner.

Is there a limit (w/in reason) on bottled water and cokes ?
Do we tip? If so how much? How often? How do you figure it?

How much you tip the concierge people depends on how much they do for you and how generous you are.

There isn't a limit on cokes or water.

Can you wear your bathing suit inside--- like from the pool to get a snack?

You can, but many folks frown on this. I don't see the lounge room as a big deal and have often worn my suit (damp, right from the pool, with a cover-up) in. I got a nasty look from the BWI guy once. Whatever. I think some folks take this "club level" thing as way too big a deal, honestly. It's a room in a hotel where you walk in and pick up water and a cookie, for Pete's sake. It's not dinner with the President.

Anything else we need to know?

If you buy something in the park and have it sent to your hotel, they'll deliver it to your room - no stopping by the BouTiki.

They'll automatically do a turn-down and that is generally something for which people leave a tip, too.

Hope you enjoy!!

 

[mickey'sbud]

Thank you so much for the replies!!!
How did we get the upgrade???? well.....I have no idea other than the good Lord blew some pixie dust our way for our trip.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Anything else we need to know?
Thanks....

Oh, the e-mail probably mentioned something about pre-planning services as well. They can help you out by making the phone calls for ADR's, booking cruises, buying things to have in your room when you arrive, etc. Kind of like one stop shopping.

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

Congrats!! That is awesome! When is your trip?

 

[mickey'sbud]

Congrats!! That is awesome! When is your trip?

Labor Day wkend

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

Labor Day wkend

Woo Hoo!! Us too - maybe we will see you there. It is our first time at Poly

 

[Happyflower]

Thanks for all the useful info, since it will be my first time doing it also.

I have another question, do you plan your meal times around the evening foods, to take full advantage of the service, after all you are paying for it. It is hard because all the special night time events in the park are during the desserts and appetizers! And at AKL, we are talking Zebra Domes!

 

[ducklite]

Thanks for all the useful info, since it will be my first time doing it also.

I have another question, do you plan your meal times around the evening foods, to take full advantage of the service, after all you are paying for it. It is hard because all the special night time events in the park are during the desserts and appetizers! And at AKL, we are talking Zebra Domes!

If we're there, we're there. If not, we miss it.

Anne

 

[clombardi]

Thanks for all the useful info, since it will be my first time doing it also.

I have another question, do you plan your meal times around the evening foods, to take full advantage of the service, after all you are paying for it. It is hard because all the special night time events in the park are during the desserts and appetizers! And at AKL, we are talking Zebra Domes!

It is really difficult for us to be back at the lounge for the evening desserts. In fact, we've only had the desserrt twice. As for the food that is offered at "dinner time", you absolutely could make a meal out of it at the Poly on certain nights. The ribs are fabulous!

 

[debbiet1]

what resorts offer concierge services?

 

[jmkrat]

what resorts offer concierge services?

The deluxe resorts: Contemporary, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Yacht and Beach club, Boardwalk, Wilderness, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. I don't know if I missed one, but it is offered in the deluxe resorts.

 

[lomillerin]

Would they be willing to get a few groceries from the shop at hotel (AKL) and put in our room before we get there?
I was thinking of bottled water and milk to be in the fridge when we get to our room.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When it comes to wearing clothes in the lounge, this is what was written on my families welcome paper to the Atrium Club when it came to that information, so I would assume it's the same for all Club Level lounges in the Deluxe Resorts.

When visting the lounge, may we suggest appropriate attire be worn, such as footwear and cover-ups for swim wear.