is concierge level worth it?

[MA pigletfan]

hello...
my boyfriend and i are thinking of staying GF Concierge or CR concierge this Dec....is it worth it?? We weren't going to do the DDP if we got concierge because of all the food offerings we would have there. AND is there a big difference between GF and CRs concierge?? thanks!

 

[TammiMcMan]

You'll find folks who will say it's definitely worth it for them and others who feel it's not worth it at all. If you're trying to justify it monetarily, then those numbers hardly ever work. It all comes down to the service and if you're willing to pay more for some amenities, like a private check-in, private floor, pre-planning assistance and a club level lounge. While the lounges are nice and the snacks are convenient, it's not meant to be a meal replacement plan. We had no problem utilizing it for breakfast, but we're not big breakfast eaters anyway. If you're at the resort, then it's nice to stop by for a cold drink or grab some appetizers before heading out to dinner. If you're back before 10pm, you can also relax with a nice cordial and some mini desserts. The key is, being at the resort during the time that it's offered.

Just an FYI on the two resorts that you are considering, room view is only a request. At the CR, you'd have a 50/50 chance of getting a view of the castle and at the GF, depending on whether you're staying in the main building or lodge concierge, your chances are even less. In some cases, a guaranteed view may be worth much more to you.

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

From what I've read, the DDP is definitely the better deal if you are only going to do one or the other. (2 people only about $80 more per night )

 

[scanne]

If you can afford it, then it is worth it.

We were going to stay at the Polynesian concierge this summer, but when we looked at the cost vs. what we'd be getting, we didn't think it would be worth it for us. I think it is a completely personal decision and only you and your boyfriend can make together.

I would say that if you're anticipating something "special" happening, then go for it. I would also go with GF RPC over the Contemporary.

 

[mandy200587]

Yes it is but we also do the DDP because we like to do sit down meals and we're not always in the hotel during the feeding times.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I am not sure the dates you are planning to go in December because for fun I was on the disneyworld.com site, and put in my families dates for December to see what was still available. I tried the Contemporary Concierge and Grand Floridian Concierge and both were 100% sold out from the 15-25, which is are the dates my family and I will be there at the Polynesian. At the Contemporary the only rooms left were in the South Garden Wing, Garden Wing Suites and 1 Bedroom Suite on the 14th floor and for the Grand Floridian you can only get a Garden View room. Now if your planning different dates I am sure the results maybe different. So just thought you should know this.

 

[Dzny Nut]

no. no it is not. My friends stayed there. They said the only perk was a food bar and someone to get you stuff

 

[MissionMouse]

... GF Concierge or CR concierge ... weren't going to do the DDP if we got concierge because of all the food offerings we would have there. ...

Each one of these resort have two club levels which differ in offerings. Also, I would agree with CR Resort Fan 4 Life...if you do not have confirmed reservations right now you will most likely find no club rooms available at either level.

It is not clear from your post so I will mention the limited food offering in the Club Lounge do not equate to a meal plan, nor a Lunch or Dinner. You can easily get away with Breakfast but after that you should expect to eat CS or TS meals.

Also, when most people need to ask if the Club Rooms are worth it...the answer for them is no, since there are other options that will meet your needs better.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Each one of these resort have two club levels which differ in offerings.

The ambiance might be a bit different, but aside from that, there hasn't been a "light" concierge at either of these resorts for quite a while now.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Each one of these resort have two club levels which differ in offerings.

The good thing is that no matter what Club Level your on at either Resort, it should be the same food offerings for each of them. I can't speak for Royal Palm or Sugar Loaf at the Grand Floridian although I would assume the food offerings are the same, I can say that the Atrium Club and Tower Club at the Contemporary both serve the exact same foods for breakfast, the afternoons and the evenings.

 

[chasgoose]

Concierge rooms are never going to be "worth it" in terms of the food (except maybe for a family of 4 or more, if they are staying in one room). There simply isn't enough to justify the $100-$200 difference in price between non-concierge rooms with similar views at the same resort (you could get room service breakfast and dessert every day of your stay for two people for the same price as the concierge floor). What makes concierge worth it depends on the person. If you like the extra service with the IPO before you arrive and from the concierge level staff while you are there, the turndown service, the prime locations at most resorts (the Hawaii building at the Poly and the Main Building at the GF are reasons alone to stay concierge), and the convenience of having the lounge for quick breakfasts and snacks. If those things appeal to you, then by all means book concierge. If you are just in it for the food, you should probably book non-concierge and DDP.

 

[Kimberle]

Depends on what you're looking for and how you vacation. If you're looking for the *food*, then, no, I don't believe it'd ever be worth it. If you look at the extra amount you pay, you can buy your food for less.

Staying concierge is more about the experience. You have planners before and during your stay to help you with your plans/reservations. They can often get you into resturants that are fully booked. The rooms have a few more amenaties than regular rooms. Often, you have a bit of extra security because you need a key card to access the floor where the rooms are located.

So far, we've stayed at the CR 14th floor and RPR (Universal). They were both wonderful. We had a bay view room at CR. The view was amazing. Worth the $535 per night I paid, even without any food. We'd go to the lounge for the MK view. I can't even tell you how wonderful it was to have dessert on the balacony of the lounge while watching Wishes. The soundtrack was played in the lounge as well, giving the total experience.

 

[Cass]

It depends on how much time you plan to stay at your resort. We like to spend quite a bit of time and only do half days at the parks. So we really get use of the lounge. If you are planning on being up early and at the parks all day/evening then Concierge might not be for you - as you won't be around much to enjoy it.

The private check in, easy/convenient breakfast, nice place to hang out & relax, advance itinerary planning, special requests looked after etc... are well worth the extra $$ to me.

 

[WDWVillain]

If you have the money to throw around then yes.....everyone should do concierge at least once in there life, but if money will be tight(esp. that time of year) then NO, it would not be worth it....use the money towards some nice gifts...or several really nice dinners for yourselves!

 

[eliza61]

hello...
my boyfriend and i are thinking of staying GF Concierge or CR concierge this Dec....is it worth it?? We weren't going to do the DDP if we got concierge because of all the food offerings we would have there. AND is there a big difference between GF and CRs concierge?? thanks!

I usually don't answer "worth" questions because every individual has a different opinion about worth. park hopper vs. non park hopper, deluxe vs. moderate. For me the DDP has no worth. From my experience the CR concierge so it was definitely worth it.

 

[MA pigletfan]

thank you everyone! I appreciate the varied and honest opinions!!!
Just in case anyone was interested/wondering, we were looking at traveling from Dec. 6th to the 10th...and i THINK that there are still some club rooms available at the GF during those dates anyway, i will go to AAA this saturday and see what my agent can do..I'll let you know what happens!
Thanks again

 

[MissionMouse]

The ambiance might be a bit different, but aside from that, there hasn't been a "light" concierge at either of these resorts for quite a while now.

I wasn't aware of this since when we booked this year's trip we saw the room offerings in the list provided by our Disney TA. I just check Disney Internet site too...and I find what I stated to be still available:

Tower Guest Rooms: maximum 5 Guests
Enjoy all the style and charm of a standard room with spectacular views of Theme Parks or Bay Lake.
• With 12th floor Atrium Club from $485‡
• With 14th floor Tower Club from $535‡ (max. 4 guests)
• Without Club Concierge from $365‡

Grand Floridian
Club Concierge Rooms: maximum 5 Guests
• Lodge Club Concierge from $490‡
• Club Concierge from $640‡
• Club Concierge Deluxe from $650‡
• Club Concierge Honeymoon from $650‡

 

[TammiMcMan]

I just check Disney Internet site too...and I find what I stated to be still available:

Tower Guest Rooms: maximum 5 Guests
Enjoy all the style and charm of a standard room with spectacular views of Theme Parks or Bay Lake.
• With 12th floor Atrium Club from $485‡
• With 14th floor Tower Club from $535‡ (max. 4 guests)
• Without Club Concierge from $365‡

Grand Floridian
Club Concierge Rooms: maximum 5 Guests
• Lodge Club Concierge from $490‡
• Club Concierge from $640‡
• Club Concierge Deluxe from $650‡
• Club Concierge Honeymoon from $650‡

This is definitely what's available. I guess it would appear that they have different offerings based on the price, but in fact, the amenities and benefits are exactly the same. The difference is that for the 14th floor CR and Main Building GF, you are paying more for the ambiance, that's all.

 

[garada3]

The ambiance might be a bit different

On the GF FAQ I have seen Sugar Loaf concierge described as having a bed & breakfast feel compared to the Royal Palm Club.

Can someone compare the ambiance of the two clubs (Tower and Atrium, I think?) at the CR?

If food, beverage and pre-planning are the same, I am curious to learn the difference between the two levels at the CR.

Any additional perks to staying on the 14th?

Thanks!

 

[TammiMcMan]

On the GF FAQ I have seen Sugar Loaf concierge described as having a bed & breakfast feel compared to the Royal Palm Club.

That was probably me. SL definitely feels like a cozy B & B, while the main building is dripping with romance.

Can someone compare the ambiance of the two clubs (Tower and Atrium, I think?) at the CR?

Not sure if this is a word, but exclusivity is a good way to describe the Tower club. Rooms are very limited up there, only 16 in total. Mostly suites and only 5 regular concierge rooms. This would make it a very quiet floor, you'd have the lounge almost all to yourselves and I imagine a very, very personalized stay.