Please post your concierge review here

[dg39]

Hi Darian, yes, RPC stands for Royal Palms Club, its in the main building, floors 3,4,& 5. They tell me that floor 5 is where the honeymooners usually stay. The other concierge is in the Sugarloaf building, not to far away from the main building. The servings are really the same in both levels, except RPC services liquer, pastries & chocolate covered strawberries in the evening. We did do boating. We used the family plan, for 200. for the stay and really got our moneys worth. We used the plontoon boats every single day we were there. We too, stayed at the CR last summer and did the boats. As a matter of fact, we only stay at the CR, this was our first stay at the GF. It is such a beautiful, relaxing resort and everything was just perfect for us. BUT, my dd 9yrs. old LOVES the CR to death, so our next trip is already planned for next july at the CR. The GF was alittle to quiet for her. She likes alot of noise and action and the CR is what she's really used to. We been staying there every year for going on 8yrs now. I have to admit that I did miss the CR alittle, I'm the type that hates change, but, all in all the GF is one beautiful resort and I would stay there again in a heartbeat. We did the usual, parks,pool,boating,the tea in the afternoon, and we also visited the CR a few times, for CHef Mickeys, and for the shops. Then after our stay at the GF we stayed at the MOWC for 1 week. While we do enjoy that place, its beautiful also, you just can't go to a moderate after a deluxe, especially concierge. I'll never do that again, but we wanted to rest up alittle before we went home. These parks wear you out.

 

[Nysie]

We just acame back from an 8 day stay at the poly concierge! We had a great LV room! There was no musty smell, and it looked like we had a brand new fridge! It was room 3020-non smoking room!! There was always plenty of food out and the staff kept it coming. If you needed anything they would do their best to get it for you!! There was plenty of water in one of the rooms as well as soda, juice, lemonaide,coffee, tea, and hot chocolate!! In the afternoon, there were cookies,candy, and drinks available!!

 

[Tig-girl]

I realize my ignorance will show by asking this question, but...........

I have never stayed concierge anywhere, at any time. In fact our last trip was our first at a deluxe resort! But tonight at dinner DH and I were talking and I mentioned that maybe we could upgrade to concierge when we went to WL this time. He asked me what did we really get by doing that, and I really didn't have an answer for him! So, could someone explain to a rookie what we would "gain" by paying for concierge? What do they do for you? Mint on the pillow or much more? Thanks!

 

[Darian]

dg39-

Thanks for all the good info. Not to sound too utterly lazy, but pontoon boats actually require effort to move them around don't they? (as in pumping peddles?) Never rented one so I couldn't tell you.

Hehehe... many, many moons ago I was in the sailing club back in college--- so toodling around Bay Lake via wind power was like a trip in a floating time machine! Just for the record, I never capsized the boat, though did have some trouble over by that gazeebo not far from WL... it had been so long since I've sailed I didn't notice my boating CM rigged the boat incorrectly. The rescue people in those power boats came by and suggested some rigging changes. Wow... sailing suddenly became sooo much easier!

I'm so glad to hear about your wonderful GF concierge experience! Some of the complaints I've heard are without doubt significant and serious, but others were a bit odd... complaining the food was too nice?!?!?!

DW and I have never stayed at the GF but always wanted to. I confess we have been scared to do so after reading some of the legit horror stories on the DIS. We've eaten at V&A's and walked thru the lobby and spent a number of hours there... certainly an absolutely trivial amount of time compared with your lengthly stay. But even during our short visit we found every single cast member we encountered friendly, kind, welcoming, respectful and some were downright warm. All in all, a very comfortable, relaxing and pleasant place. We felt so very at home there.

Did you enjoy the food offerings?

Darian

 

[Darian]

Originally posted by Wolfelaw
I loved the Beach Club concierge -- my son and I stayed for five days last August and really felt pampered. The staff were very nice to my son, he loved the food (little corndogs rule!) and the New York Times was at my door every morning. Several times I asked the staff to help me make very last minute reservations, and they were able to get me in.

We stayed at the WL concierge in early July for five days -- didn't like it so much. The fact that there wasn't an actual lounge definitely had something to do with it -- eating in the hall just doesn't have the same ambience. The food was often late (5 to 15 minutes) in appearing -- they were busy, I know, but it was inconvenient if one was trying to stick to a schedule. On several occasions during food service time, some (not all) of the cast members seemed down right crabby -- again, they were very busy, but they should be used to it. One little boy asked (nicely) for a pop, and the CM snapped "in a minute." Several times people would ask if there was more of an item available, and would be told simply "we're out" -- not sorry, we're out. Most of the time the cast members were great, but the crabbiness happened enough that I and at least some of the other guests noticed. The balcony situation -- you can't sit down and look out because of the roof -- is really unfortunate; that alone would make me skip concierge at WL in the future.

So, Beach Club Conciege was great, and I would love to do it again. WL Concierge not so great, and I probably wouldn't do it again. I love WL, and will definitely stay there again -- just not concierge.

Hi there Tig-girl!!!

I've copied Wolfelaw's post from the previous page, as it deals with a comparison of the WL concierge with the BC concierge. I have visited the WL but never stayed there so I can't give you any input on the subject. If you can catch the official DIS search feature when its enabled, try doing a search for wilderness lodge (or WL) and concierge to find other responses about this. According to Wolfelaw, you may just want to go with one of the excellent non-concierge rooms they have there at the WL.

Best to you!

Darian

 

[DrTomorrow]

Not to sound too utterly lazy, but pontoon boats actually require effort to move them around don't they? (as in pumping peddles?) Never rented one so I couldn't tell you.

Not sure if it is a terminology issue or not - when we were at the CR, the pontoon boat we rented is one of those 'party barge' boats, could have held 8-10 people, outboard motor with a steering wheel, throttle, canopy, etc. Wonderful way to tool around 7 Seas Lagoon / Bay Lake.

Too lazy to look, but there must be something on either disney.com or wdwig.com.

OK, not too lazy - from wdwig.com Polynesian info

Guests can choose from among a wide variety of watercraft to sail both the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Choices include pontoon boats, canopy boats, aquafins, sailboats, or one of the new Water Mouse boats.

Don't even know if they have paddle boats.

 

[dg39]

Pontoon boats you drive, not paddle. While my dh drove I lounged taking in all that glorious sun. We also brought snacks on the boat. I don't know if its allowed or not but the cm told us it was no problem. I brought drinks and sandwiches from Gasparilla's Grill. It was like having a picnic. I did the same thing at the CR . The boats are great and we do it every year. When we don't use the plontoon boats, the family uses the water mice. There much more fun, but if your looking into relaxing, sunning and picnicing use the pontoon boats. The family plan is a must if your there for a few days, it saved us a bundle and we got to use them as much as we wanted, whenever we wanted.

 

[Darian]

I confess up front this has little to nuthin to do with concierge reviews, being a followup on dg39's post about watercraft and the family plan.

Thanks dg39 & DrTomorrow for the watercraft info. Its going to be just DW and I for a romantic getaway to the poly... so do you think the family plan would save us $$$? We'll be at the hotel for 10 nights, 7 of which will be under that fairy tale vacation thing. I'm still hopin' for codes for those other three days as they cost almost as much as the following 7 on the FTV! But we only plan to "be on the water" 3 to 4 days at most.

Power boats are pretty fun, but next time out to WDW you really need to rent a sailboat. I don't use the catamarans cuz they are so easy to capsize if you sail them the way they are most fun to sail... with one pontoon out of the water!

Oh, and we are looking forward to poly LV concierge! (had to add some conceirge comment for the thread....hehehhe)

Darian

 

[Disneymoon04]

Just read 'em all! Looking for more -specifically AKL and WL.

 

[johnsonet]

Eager to read some more AKL concierge reviews/comments

 

[twinmomplus2]

We just did AKL Concierge level in August. We did 3 nights Boardwalk Villas, preceeded by 3 nights Akl. When I called to book they had no Cl available. But, they did have Deluxe pool view available. So Thats what I ended up booking. We had 5 people so we had to book deluxe or higher as they sleep 5. At time of check in I upgraded for another $60.00 per night keep in mind I was already paying for a deluxe. Anyway thats what we did... I thoroughly enjoyed the lounge offerrings. I did feel it was a little crowded in the mornings. However I spent 2 down days at the resort and there were very few people in the lounge during the day. Breakfast was great lots of fresh fruit, bagels, And the like. Expresso machine, juices smoothies. Milk and cereal for the kids. 2 types of oatmeal. We ate breakfast everyday. Lunchtime they had a few types of nuts, pita crisps Gummy worms, pretzels, fruit. I seem to remember the snacks in the afternoon were mostly that type of stuff and some pastry type offerings. Dinner several appetizers from Boma and chicken nuggetts for the kids. Which my kids for some reason loved I found it very convienant with the kids to run in and out. I did not stay in the lounge for any lengh of time. we would get what we needed and go back to the room. As many of you know from my posts I have now 3 year old twins, who I am still trying to socialize I am not sure who is winning them or me so I fealt it best to contain them in the room. We had a great experience. I would not do this again if I was a die hard park tourer as you would not be around to sample some of the offerings. However we are doing this again in December. and this portion of our trip is again going to be spent as down time. AKL is my fave resort the second I smell the fire pit I am home. The most relaxing place for me is AKL. this time we do the sunrise safri!

 

[anita46]

I've only stayed at 3 resorts concierge.

My favorite is BC. Very friendly and genuine staff. They seem to enjoy the kids here.

I worried that the kids were yakking it up with them too much and told the kids to keep there conversations short and polite.

But the staff would engage them. They all seemed to enjoy themselves.

YC is very nice, if we didn't take the kids I would stay here. More refined than the BC but the same food and great service.

Poly just didn't enjoy it as much as we thought we would. Maybe there were too many kids. Just didn't feel comfortable there.

 

[KerryCM]

I have stayed at both the YC and BC concierge and had good experiences. In March I go on a girls only trip and we stayed at the BWI concierge. I have to say the BWI is the best. I will be returning in October with my husband, son, daughter-in-law and my granddaughter. We have 2 rooms booked. I was contacted way back in May by the Itinerary Planning office. Since then I have dealt with Stephanie, who has been wonderful. The lounge here is big and the cast can't be beat. They are so hospitible, helpful and go out of their way to make your stay as magical as possible. Jackie, one of the CMs went above and beyond for us in March and I have talked to her several times about my upcoming trip. She is even going to put my son and his wife in the same room thay had for their honeymoon.
I did see several families when we were there in March. I will never stay anywhere else now! Will be back in March with the girls.

 

[Bgonzalez]

I have stayed at three so far -

Animal Kingdom Lodge -
The BEST concierge. The staff will send you the itinerary by mail and contact you by phone. They will ty thrit best to try and accomodate your needs. The CM I spoke with last year went so far as to research all holiday happenings - those released and those virtually unknown-. I received a fax at work with dates, times and cost.
The security guard at the entrance buzzes the th concierge staff. You will be met at the entrance, called by name and moved the concierge floor for a wonderful check-in.
The lounge is gorgeous. You have a view of the lobby. You can sit, drink a latte and people watch.
There are selections throughout the day. You have tea selections in the afternoons as well as the standard chips and gummi worms. The evening selections include foods from jiko and mara.
Keep in mind that the lounge is on the 6th floor. All savannah rooms are located on the 5th floor. There is the added elevator change to get to the lounge.

Polynesian -
The staff was somewhat attentive. We received the itinerary packet but no one called to confirm.
We were not met at the front. There was the added check-in at the Front desk as well as the concierge desk. Mousekeeping was the best of all I have been.
We had a magnificent lagoon view with Cinderella's Castle right across from us.
Overall, an excellent resort. Would I go back? Probably not when there are others who handle things more smoothly.

Yacht Club-
I decided to upgrade this last August for my birthday stay. The staff were wonderful. The CM at the front desk had upgraded my room to a parking lot view. Once I sat at the desk and begged for a better view, they moved me to a water view with fireworks access.
The food was yummy and plentiful. I had mentioned my birthday at check-in. There was a birthday party set up in the room when we got back on the second day! I mean a BIRTHDAY party - streamers, balloons, party hats, a chocolate cake and a card from the staff. It was an excellent stay.

I can't wait until I try the rest. Like someone mentioned earlier, once you stay at concierge, it's hard to go back!

 

[>>^..^<<]

Concierge Service review for our recent trip. Rating 1 - 10, 10 being perfect.

Beach Club ~ Lagoon View Room 5705 - one week - Aug 2003

Room - 8
-Newly Rennovated, spotless, great view but double beds and a little on the small side... long walk from the lounge. Standard Mickey Toiletries and 2 nice BC Robes.

Turndown Service - 10
Outstanding, fresh towels, lights on, TV on low volume, chocolates and quite often surprises!

Lounge - 6
-Small, maybe 20 seats total.. but never saw them all taken.
-There was a blacony that you could smoke on - I saw ashtrays out there.
-Very pretty lounge area with themed seashell and ocean carpeting
- kids area with TV and little chairs
- You can see the high fireworks from illuminatons off the balcony

Lounge Offerings - 10
Breakfast: bagels, toast, instant oatmeal, krispie cream donuts, danishes, croissants, banana bread, cinnamon rolls, cold cereals, muffins, fresh fruit, jams, jellies, cream cheese, peanut butter etc... coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, instant hot chocolate, everything fresh and dellicious

Daily Snacks Excellent! Crackers and cheese, dips and veggies, salsa and corn chips, large fresh cookies, soft drinks, milk, coffee tea, ice tea & whole friuit like apples and bananas

appetizers served at 5:00pm
Excellent... the same offerings each night but with different hot dishes such as Fish 'n Chips (outstanding), mussels, chicken fingers, steak teriyaki, salmon.. cheese platters, garlic bread, hummus & pita, dips and veggies.. absolutely delicious.

They also had Wine and Beer during this service

Evening Desserts
Fresh baked cookies, brownies, blondies (white brownies), carrot cake.. yum.., flans, chocolate cake... different every night and very, very good (we almost always made it back for this!)
also liquers like baileys, drambuie, grandmarnier.. etc...

Pre-trip Planning - 10
The Itinerary Planners helped with everything and were friendly and efficient... excellent service. Helped with a welcome gift and pillow gifts for my DD.. everything was perfect.

Concierge Staff - 7
Two desks sit right at the elevators and just outside the lounge area. Usually always 2 people there, friendly for the most part but I noticed a few were a little standoffish (ie) We would come off the elevators and they would not even look up from where they were.

The staff was always willing to help with anything I needed (ie) checking to see if my illuminations criuise was still on as it was POURING rain

My DD dropped and shattered a glass on the balcony.. I picked up the large pieces of glass but needed a dust pan to get the small pieces.. I mentioned it to Josh and when we came back to the room a couple of hours later the balcony was spotless.

I would stay here at the Beach Club again, no complaints, loved the short walk to EPCOT.


================================

Animal Kingdom Lodge ~ Deluxe Savana View Room 5505 - 3 nights - Aug 2003

Room - 8

I have to admit the room is a little dark... we had twin bunk beds, a queensize bed and a day bed/couch.
Beautiful savanna view on the zebra trail.
Standard Mickey Toiletries and 2 nice AKL robes.

Housekeeping was great and we even got a towel animal bunny on our last night - it was holding our toothbrushes and had sticker eyes and nose.

Turndown - 6

They came too early, around 5pm when we were getting ready for dinner... I actually told her no one night as it was really not convenient and she thrust a proverb card and 4 chocolates through the door at me.

Lounge - 10++++++

This is the most beautiful sitting area I have ever seen, warm, cozy, intimate and gorgeous... the bustling sounds from the lobby below and the towering thatched roof and zulu shields... my favourite place to be.

Lounge Offerings - 9

Breakfast... just as bountiful as the Beach Club but with the addition of 2 hot oatmeal cereals & toppings.. excellent.

Snacks
They need to improve their daily snacks... basically goldfish, nuts, gummi bears, trailmix & cinnamon chips & whole fruit... it gets repetative, no variety.

Appetizers - served from 5pm - 7pm - outstanding! Chicken wings, skewered beef, shrimp, chicken, salmon, hummis & pita, crackers, veggies and dips, cheeses, flat breads, lentil salad, bean salad.. everything was fresh and excellent. They also served wine & beer during this service.

New to the lounge - they have put a fridge out that you can help yourself from. IN the morning it has juice and milks... in the evening it has coke, sprite & Mr Pibbs?? (spelling)

Evening Desserts ~ not as much variety as last year, one tiny tray of maybe 2 or three things that they kept refilling.
Zebra domes, cheesecakes, brownines, cookies, truffles... everything was very good. Liquers are also served at this time.

Pre-trip planning n/a
Didn't use AKL planning this year at the planner in BC made my AKL day arrangements.

Used AKL services last year though and they were excellent, helping to arrange pillow gifts... and all my PS's..etc

Concierge Staff - 9
Excellent, very friendly and chatty.. remembered Noel and I from the previous year and took time to welcome us back. Don was especially nice to talk with.

I just love AKL Concierge and would stay there in a heart beat. The Sunrise Safari is very special and I would also do this again

Let me know if you have any questions on the BC/AKL concierge services, I will have photos of Beach Club on my website in the next couple of weeks.

Links to Day By Day Disney Trip Reports
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=426447">Day 7 ~ Arriving at BC in Style!</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=426855">Day 8 ~ MGM and Pal Mickey</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=427366">Day 9 ~ Scavenger Hunt, Ice Cream Social, Mission Space and Coral Reef<a/>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=427889">Day 10 ~ An Oyster, a flower & a secret view</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=428471">Day 11 ~ Breakfast with Cinderella and San Angel Inn</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=429009">Day 12 ~ AKL & Chef Mickeys</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=429595">Day 13 ~ Chicken Puke Pie</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=430243">Day 14 ~ Giraffes... Animals I look up to</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=430452">Day 15 ~ Sunrise Safari & SuAnne Returns!</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=430901">Day 16 ~ AKL Secret Celebrity Revealed!</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=431321">Day 17 - Flying home with Rash-Boy</a>

Universal Day by Day Trip Reports
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=423190">Day 1 ~ Hard Rock Hotel and Getting There</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=423699">Day 2 ~ Tacky Souveniers and a Dive In Movie</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=424205">Day 3 ~ Noel vs The Hulk</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=424811">Day 4 ~ Does this Rain Poncho make me look Fat?</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=425376">Day 5 ~ Message in a Bottle</a>
<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=425978">Day 6 ~ Are you talkin' to me??</a>

 

[Grumpy37]

Originally posted by Nysie
We just acame back from an 8 day stay at the poly concierge! We had a great LV room! There was no musty smell, and it looked like we had a brand new fridge! It was room 3020-non smoking room!!

3020 is indeed a non-smoking LV room, but in the Tahiti building which is the temporary concierge until they finish the refurbish of the Hawaii building. Hopefully after all the refurbishes at the Poly are all done (they were doing Rarotonga when were were there *last* April) the mustyness problem will go away for good. I know b/c we tried to get the Tahiti again this time but it's filled with the concierge crowd until the Hawaii longhouse is completed. So we have to "accept" the GF LV instead.

Also, re: mustiness. It does helps to run the A/C, IMO. We let the A/C run while we were gone during the day and the room was great when we returned (if just a little cold).

BTW, Tahiti is a little far from the GCH for some, but that beach on the LV side is almost private (no one seems to go there) and the rooms seem a little larger than in some other longhouses.

I'm going to do a separate post about the value of lagoon vs garden view at the Hawaii...

 

[helenm29]

Hi, Conciierge GF! FANTASTIC! they has everything you could possibly ask for and more. when we got there we had a cast member show us to the Concierge floor where there was some one waiting for us with an itinerary. they treated our family like royalty! it was my birthday and they helped my husband with having a cake and roses delivered to our room and when we needed a baby sitter they helped us with getting a fairy godmother! I'd stay there again in a HEARTBEAT! Helen

 

[Minniespal]

Cass ~

Thanx for more great reviews!!!

 

[ead79]

bump

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

bumping .. looking for more Gf reviews