Please post your concierge review here

[Maleficent2]

bumping for more reports....

thanks

Mal

 

[disneyholic family]

the renovation at the YC concierge is finished and gorgeous....
the rooms were gutted and redone....
the staff was friendly but not as friendly as at the GF....
soft drinks were always available (in cans out on the counter)...
much more food available than at the GF but i still prefer the GF concierge (and the GF in general).....

we also just stayed at the grand californian concierge in disneyland.....save your money.....the service and food is not at all on the level of any of the concierges we tried at WDW....
in fact, in general i'd say that disneyland service is not on WDW levels.....although most of the CMs are typical disney happy, about 10% would never get a job at WDW.....
if you have a choice, go to WDW.....

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by disneyholic family
the renovation at the YC concierge is finished and gorgeous....
the rooms were gutted and redone....
the staff was friendly but not as friendly as at the GF....
soft drinks were always available (in cans out on the counter)...
much more food available than at the GF but i still prefer the GF concierge (and the GF in general).....

Glad you had a good time! Could you please describe the way the new rooms are decorated? And, when did you stay at the GF, and what level of concierge? Thanks!!!

 

[betterlatethannever]

we also just stayed at the grand californian concierge in disneyland.....save your money.....the service and food is not at all on the level of any of the concierges we tried at WDW....

Actually, IMO the food is probably equivalent to the Swan food offerings.

Ed

 

[disneyholic family]

CaliforniaDreaming -
i think that the colors in the YC concierge are the same as before (down to the carpet) but they totally gutted it and put in new everything (even tiles in the bathrooms)....
also they have newly designed furniture that i find much more attractive....
instead of the tall armoire that had the minibar and tv there's now a short one with the tv on top of it.....it gives the room a large uncluttered feel to it...
also instead of the sofa they have a large desk with electricity and phone (making laptop use much simpler for those like my husband who work on vacation)......the desk is large and hidden under the desk is a large oval shaped table that slides out.....very convenient for eating in the room....

also the concierge room was remodeled...

all in all, the look of the rooms and floor is quite attractive...
and as i already mentioned, there was a lot of food throughout the day.....

the gf concierge had much less food, but i just like the gf resort much better and the staff was outstandingly friendly....we stayed in the sugarloaf lodge concierge.....
also, when you arrive at the GF, you are met outside and personally escorted to the concierge room for check-in.....i found that to be a very nice touch that isn't done at any of the others we stayed at....(the grand californian in disneyland was downright rude)....

 

[Darian]

Originally posted by disneyholic family
CaliforniaDreaming -
when you arrive at the GF, you are met outside and personally escorted to the concierge room for check-in.....i found that to be a very nice touch that isn't done at any of the others we stayed at....(the grand californian in disneyland was downright rude)....

Sorry to hear about your unpleasant stay at the Grand Californian! Don't give up! This last April my DW and I celebrated our 4th anniversary at the Grand Californian, in a concierge suite. We were met outside the hotel by a concierge representative who escorted us to the concierge checkin desk just to the side of the amazing 6 story lobby. Its just spectacular!

Later that weekend, we had a small party in our suite, (NOT in the concierge lounge which would not have been allowed) with about 20 guests attending. The Bell staff helped us get set up, rood decorated etc. They even brought up a helium tank! No Charge! Plus, they wouldn't let us tip them. (Only the tip for bringing up our bags was allowed.) Wow! We made arrangements with the staff in the concierge lounge to get them by the extra security in place for the ABC Soap stars staying on our floor. Even the Security Guards were helpful and very polite and courteous. It was incredible!

While the Concierge lounge was good sized, it did tend to be crowded at times. Of the three or so cast members who were sitting at the lounge's desk during our stay, two were very helpful and friendly. The third was, well, I hate to say this, nearly psychotic in her rudeness and contempt for the guests, other castmembers, you name it. It was so over the top, it was actually amusing. Relax, we didn't do anything bad to her, instead we were kind, but didn't let her rudness effect our very enjoyable stay.

The room appointments were just wonderful! This may sound strange, but the sheets, pillowcases and towels were deliciously soft! The sheets were buttery smooth, much MUCH higher quality than in the standard rooms. We've stayed at the Disneyland hotel and have found the same difference between concierge and standard rooms. The extra money is worth it for the sheets alone! Almost forgot, the cuddly white robes were very comfy.

The lounge offered bottled water, but getting it was the problem. On several occasions when we stopped by the lounge to get some we ran into the "unhappy" cast member who did the rolling eyes routine, as if getting a bottle of water were taking just tooo much time out of her busy day. We enjoyed watching the disneyland fireworks from the lounge while sipping wine or a cordial. Very nice. There were a variety of fresh fruits, cheeses and deserts available at various times during the day and evening. The balcony outside is a great place to unwind sitting on teak furniture sipping a cabernet.

Was it worth the money? Oh yeah. With the exception of just ONE castmember, service was great! Especially the Bell staff! You guys are the best! And thanks for all the balloons!

We had such a good time (excpet the valet guys left the mercedes lights on ALL during our stay so the battery was quite dead when it came time to check out. But they took care of that with a smile as well!) Apologies to all if this sounds too cheerey. We just had a great time and highly recommend the place. One previous poster had it right... we do make our own magic.

Darian

PS: Pete W. is my Disney Hero!

Disneyland - first trip 1958 (thats no misprint.. I'm a Disney Fossil!)
Disneyland Hotel - too many times to list
Polynesian 1998 Honeymoon!!!
Grand Californian 2002
AKL Oct 2002

Paradise Pier 2002

 

[disneyholic family]

regarding the concierge room at the grand californian.....actually the CMs who were working the desks were nice enough....though not at all as charming as in the GF.....the problem were the CMs working the food/beverage service.....what an unpleasant bunch of people...
they didn't keep the fridge stocked and then when someone asked for a drink they would give them a dirty look...
i saw one grandmother come in about 9 pm with her severely ******** and handicapped grandchild......the only cookie the little girl eats is oatmeal raisin.......they were already gone, but rather than apologize politely for the inconvenience, the server was unfriendly and answered extremely rudely....
my son felt so bad he jumped up with his cookie and gave it to the little girl....
i was shocked that the servers were like that....
i don't think they would have EVER been hired by any of the resorts in WDW.....

i had that impression all over disneyland.....that the CMs aren't quite up to WDW standards....

 

[grumpyandbashful]

My first concierge experience was an unexpected free upgrade at the GF - I was attending a meeting there and was put in Sugar Loaf (lodge concierge). That was 3 years ago, but I do remember there was a nice continental breakfast each morning and snacks midday and evening. I was ther just with my 12-year-old DS and we felt like royalty! Don't remember a lot else. I was just thrilled to get the upgrade, however I wouldn't pay extra for lodge concierge at the GF - nice but not outstanding.

Last summer we stayed in AKL concierge (AP rate) and it was a truly outstanding experience! Breakfast was great (especially the cappucino machine ), as were the food offerings the rest of the day. We also did the sunrise safari, which was a real treat.

We will do concierge again if we can get a great rate (i.e. AP). Warning: once you experience concierge, you will get addicted !

 

[disneyholic family]

i agree about getting addicted....
now that we've taken the plunge, we'll never be able to stay in a WDW resort except in concierge....
total addiction...

 

[NancyinCt]

I agree with the concierge at the Gr. Californian, we were there in April around the Soap Opera weekend.

We knew we had to keep an open mind for this trip, since it was our first to Calif. Disney, and things would be somewhat different than in Fla.

We just couldn't believe how different it actually was, we've stayed at the concierge's at the Polynesian & Beach Club a number of times, and never had such an experience as what we had there, rude was an understatement, helpful was none existant, felt like every one you asking including the check in at the lobby where they screen you before you even get to the desk was there just to collect a check. I mean when you asked a question and they didn't know the answer they never offer to find out for you. Not so at WDW they will bend over backwards to answer anything you may ask or find an answer for you within a matter of hours.

The lounge at GC was interesting, when the snack ran out even if not time to close up they never replenished anything, the newspapers were more important.

Don't get me wrong the hotel is beautiful and the location is fabulous, unfortunately they need to go for instructions at WDW to learn how to treat their guests. I have never had any problems with any cast memeber etc. at WDW. Even with and open mind we just couldn't help ourselves when you pay the prices that you are charged for conceirge you really should get what you paid for! They do expect you to tip even for their attitude, they really do need an attitude adjustment.

 

[jrmasm]

 

[Lynne K-F]

We stayed at the Polynesian Concierge in December of 2000 and 2001 -even though we belong to the DVC we love to celebrate the anniversary of our honeymoon (1983 at the Polynesian of course) -- concierge staff and service has always been great here - housekeeping has been terrific, staff helpful with any of our needs, food and drinks plentiful (love watching the fireworks from MVMCP from the concierge lounge) and our view of the castle from our room was exquisite - both times - last year my mom went with us and she just loved it too!!! We will be back this December and expect itto be every bit as magical!!

 

[LynetteB]

Just returned from AKL concierge and BWI concierge. At AKL we got upgraded to a 2br suite - a real surprise!! The rooms were beautiful. It was a loooong walk to the elevators to the concierge. We enjoyed our stay there but weren't impressed with the service in the Concierge lounge - staff seemed pre-occupied with staring at the computer screen!!

We then moved to the BWI in a deluxe room. We were on the 4th floor (same as concierge lounge) right above Seashore sweets. The service in the BWI was outstanding, the staff could not do enough for you - we never had to ask for anything. The room was so spacious and of course a fabulous location. we highly recommend BWI and will definitely return - it wins hands down!!

 

[DisneyaHolic23]

I just returned from a long trip in DisneyWorld, which started with three nights in the Beach Club Concierge, and ended with three nights in the AKL Concierge (we had 11 nights in the middle at Caribbean Beach - what a let-down after the Beach Club!). Here are my impressions:

*Beach Club Concierge - this resort has to be one of my favorites, just because of the location and the incredible pool. That, of course, has nothing to do with concierge, so the rest of my comments will be confined to that topic!
+Incredible service - between the two concierge lounges, every one of my 20+ PS arrangements were made. They even made arrangements for the 11 nights in the middle, and there were 13 of us for those nights! Katina answered all of my emails instantly, and even got me both Cinderella's Royal Table (for 13) and the New Storybook Princess breakfast! She was great!
- The offerings could be more exciting. Every night there were corndogs (don't get me wrong; they were pretty darn good), roll-ups that were just OK, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Then there was usually one other item that was hot. I didn't think they were outstanding.
+ We had part of our group of 13 that arrived while we were still at the Beach Club. I was assured that it was fine to bring them in the lounge with me, and that they could enjoy the pool.
- They didn't have plastic bottled water to take to the parks (I loved that about the Poly concierge). We did, however, take their huge glass bottles and fill plastic bottles that we bought in the parks. That usually saved us about $15.00 per day in water.
+ We made several changes to our PS, and they were able to accomodate all of them!
+The desserts and cordials in the evening were my favorite, but their cordial selection was more limited than the other concierge lounges in which I have stayed. The desserts were from Cape May, and were incredible!
+Our garden view room still had a decent view of the water. We were perpendicular to the water, and could see about 2/3 of the Boardwalk from our balcony. I did request a full balcony, and my request was granted.

*Animal Kingdom Lodge - this is probably, in my opinion, the nicest resort in Disney World. However, it is a long way from everything. Since we ended a long trip here, we were pretty ready to relax. However, we went to parks more than I anticipated when planning (I thought by the time we got here, we would be ready to just relax at the resort), and the bus trips are long!
+Alana was wonderful in helping with trip planning. I met another family in the lounge who also raved about Alana. She answered my emails so quickly!!
+I found the castmembers in the lounge to be more friendly than at Beach Club, since they are actually seated in the lounge instead of outside the lounge like at the Beach Club.
+The espresso machine was wonderful. Now, I don't drink coffee, (but I love a great mocha), so my husband and I would take a shot of espresso and put it in iced chocolate milk for a pretty decent mocha. Remember, we are from Seattle, and so coffee drinks are usually substandard everywhere we go!
+ Hooray, they did have plastic water bottles to take to the park. That was a wonderful surprise, because I was told that they didn't due to the animals.
- My husband didn't like the spice - curry, I think - that they use on nearly everything, so both our concierge appetizers and our dinner at Boma were disappointing to him. (At Boma, he spent $20 to eat chicken fingers and mac & cheese from the children's station!)
+I liked the appetizers, and found them far superior to those at the Beach Club.
+The Sunrise Safari was fabulous!!! The opportunity to see the animals first thing in the morning, so close to the jeep (we even had to wait a few times as they crossed the road, or were resting IN the road.) The breakfast at the end was marvelous!! I loved the french toast and bread pudding stuff.
- Our room was a long way from the lounge (but had pretty good access to the pool, which made up for it!)
+ Breakfast actually had oatmeal, which was a nice treat!
+ The evening cordials were incredibly varied. There was about every normal cordial you could think of.
- The desserts weren't as good as Beach Club's.
+ It was fun to have African wines.

Overall, both places were fabulous. We got to stay with my castmember daughter's 50% discount, so who knows when I will get to do it again, in this manner!! However, I think I will go less often to save for the treat. The offerings really aren't worth the money difference - however, the opportunity to feel pampered is worth it to me!

 

[Kim in TN]

Thanks for all the great tips,
we are debating on Poly or CR full concierge, for Dec 2003
We love MK and MVMCP so CR would be a good choice but of the 5 WDW trips we've stayed 4 at CR (1 at WL) because of taking various DN's who "had" to stay where the monorail was. LOL,
so the Poly would be a nice change, which has better snack type offerings?
Anyone else have more info, to help me make up my mind

 

[alice-d]

Just bumping for more reveiws.

 

[msim]

I'd like to hear some more reviews of WL concierge. Seems like they don't get mentioned as much as the others. Since we'll be there in 64 days, I'm worried as to WHY we don't hear much. Thanks.

 

[dennisnlisab96]

We are going to WL in 43 days and would love to see osme reviews about concierge there.

Lisa

 

[minster22]

My DH and I just returned 9/27 from an unexpected trip to WDW. One of my good friends has a relative that works at the Boardwalk resort and when we checked in found out he upgraded us to concierge!!Since my DH was doing some business at the coast I had my room and the concierge experience all to myself for a day and 1/2!! The Boardwalk Inn is my very favorite Disney resort and the concierge staff, food and lounge only added to my positive feelings there. The food offerings were varied, plentiful and attractively presented. The room itself was lovely and very comfortable. When my DH joined me in the afternoon of the second day we sat in the lounge,enjoying the offerings and watching a great afternoon thunderstorm. I can see how this could be very addictive and since my Disney addiction is already full blown this could be a problem!! The whole concierge experience was one of those wonderfully subtle "little things" that added up to a great time!!

 

[hookedup]

The only concierge service for Disney that I can review is the Grand Californian at DLR. I have stayed at that property 3 times and on concierge level 2 times.
We had WONDERFUL experiences there! The staff met us curbside and escorted us to our room and checked us in inside our room. I have had that happen at some luxury hotels abroad - nice touch!
Then we shortly received a phone call from the lounge asking us to drop by at our convenience and asking us if we needed anything. They called us each day to check on us - I felt well cared for.
The breakfast was fine - we noticed it got quite crowded right before the park opened. Lots of folks were just loading platefuls and taking them back to their rooms.
During the day the lounge was empty! Whenever we went in they immeadiately asked us if we wanted a beverage or anything. I never felt that we were putting them out - they were always very gracious. In the evening the reception was nice the wines were very decent. And the snacks were good and a wide variety.
Each evening they had a story teller reading stories and warm cookies and milk - what a treat! They kept everything very well stocked during both our visits. And if we needed anything they were quick to get it.
They had DVDs to borrow for free (not a huge selection but enough - the 2nd time we brought a few of our own) the rooms all have DVD players! They have a turn down gift for concierge guests too - one stay it was a kit to grow a venus fly trap plant and the next time a giant redwood growing kit. Of course there is a nightly turn down with chocolates and the usual enhanced amenities in the bathrooms, etc.

I have traveled worldwide and used Exectutive and CLub levels but this was much better as the Disney touch was obvious! After reading all of your posts I cant wait to try it at WDW!!