Poly concierge service???

[2 princes 1 princess]

I've read a few posts on this and another website from people who had bad service while staying in the concierge bldg. at the Poly.
Three years ago we took a "once in a lifetime" trip to the Polynesian and decided since we wouldn't be back to WDW in many years we should try lagoon view in concierge. WELL.... we went back the next year with a new baby and we are going back this year too. My husband and I have decided that we are going every year until our kids won't let us vacation there anymore.

Anyway, I didn't know that all the kids are offered buckets when they check in. We didn't get them the past two times we went. My kids didn't know so they didn't care. (we brought our own sand toys) Also, I thought all the CMs were nice, but they didn't do anything extra special for us. We just loved eating cookies and lemonade all day, along with sitting restful lounge. This year I finally am catching on and sending in PS requests along with introducing myself months before we go. I don't expect them to bend over backwards for me, but I hope I don't get attitude from a CM. We were there in early August last year right before the first hurricane, so if any of the CMs were short with me I would understand, however, everyone was great.

What I'm trying to say is just enjoy yourself and focus on your own family. It's easy to find fault in things but it isn't very fun. I suppose I could complain about a zillion things while at Disney, but is it worth it?

 

[Grumpy'n'Goofy]

What I'm trying to say is just enjoy yourself and focus on your own family. It's easy to find fault in things but it isn't very fun. I suppose I could complain about a zillion things while at Disney, but is it worth it?

Sounds like you have the right attitude! Enjoy your stay as I know we will.

 

[BCV23]

Yep, I'm with you.

We love the Polynesian and when we stay in concierge, it is just that much sweeter. Friendly CMs in the lounge, good service from the desk CMs, nice continental breakfast and yummy snacks. BTW, the bagels are full size just not mammoth like those from Einsteins, etc..

I don't worry about every little thing because I'm on vacation at the Polynesian.

Sometimes I think people get so carried away in planning for a perfect trip that it is easy to lose perspective.

Have a great trip....I know we will, too.

 

[TheIncredibles]

From an adult's perspective, a Disney vacation is diffrent from a tradional getaway because usually crowds come with the picture, long lines many places, lots of walking and tens of thousands of kids, some not as well trained as one would prefer.

It is up to parents to realize there is a lot of give with these vacations - the peaceful serenity of a beach side resort really does not apply. Now if you are a "cool" parent who is in touch with their inner child, can role with the occasional nuisance and is able to put their kids philosophy of a perfect place to have a vacation in the correct perspective, you might discover something truly wonderful about yourself, and best of all, your family.

No one likes bad or rude service, but I feel it is a rare occurance.

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

What I'm trying to say is just enjoy yourself and focus on your own family. It's easy to find fault in things but it isn't very fun. I suppose I could complain about a zillion things while at Disney, but is it worth it?

Wonderfully said. We had an absolutely magical time at the Poly.concierge, but I do think that part of that was our expectations and attitude. As the saying goes, You bring yourself wherever you go . . .

 

[Tonyspad]

We are also Poly concierge lovers. IMO- From the many negative posts I have read about the Poly concierge one of the following comments is "usually" included:

1. "For what I paid for the Poly Concierge I should have gotten ......."

2. "The CM did not even say hello or offer me a ......."

You get what you pay for, there is not a better place I can imagine that a family could stay and relax one minute in the lounge with Chef Dick then just get on the monorail to enjoy the parks.

We would rather not go to WDW if we could not stay at the Polynesian Concierge, it makes our trip complete. And we will be there in 18 days!!!!

 

[GlennandAnn]

I totally agree with you! There has been a lot of whining going on about what people didn't get. How about what you DID get, like to stay at the most fab resort on Disney property? How about the beautiful views? How about the good snack offerings in the lounge? I think when you start to look to other people to make your vacation something special you are looking for trouble.


Ann

 

[Tess]

I think when you start to look to other people to make your vacation something special you are looking for trouble.

Ann

I have always found the staff to be as friendly and talkative as I am in return. They walk a fine line between CM and host--some folks wouldn't appreciate being chatted up; while others feel dissed if they aren't being spoken to at every turn.

On our first visit to Polynesian Concierge, we didn't "feel the love" from the staff--everyone was courteous, but we knew we were just guests in a hotel. At first we felt a little miffed, but when we reflected on it we realized that truly, we were just guests and we had not invested anything in the way of conversation or gesture to warrant being treated otherwise.

The second visit we were determined to make the experience our own. We went out of our way to speak with staff members--both in the lounge, in mousekeeping, at bell services, and at the desks. Certainly, there were some who were more willing to chat with us than others, but for the most part--all were friendly and talkative. In return, I think we made an impression as well and thereafter, we have been remembered by the long term service CMs as repeat guests. Last year I was greeted by name by the bell services CM before I even reached the podium! (For whatever reason, we've had the same guy greeting us every year we've stayed at Polynesian--he must have one great memory though--that blew me away!) We have also had the same mousekeeper for years--according to her, 7 to be exact! She knew and remembered us over the years and told us how many years she had been our mousekeeper in concierge!

Each year we love to visit with our old friends at Polynesian and enjoy meeting some new ones periodically. Some of the CMs have been less than stellar and we do not hesitate to call them on it. We have made a conscious decision that we will not accept substandard service from anyone--we will politely, but firmly refuse to accept it.

I don't care about towel animals, balloons in the room, special little trinkets from the staff, or other doodads--I want to be at my favorite resort with my family and enjoy them. The friendship of the staff is just an added perk, but we've worked to develop that over the years. No one can expect to be treated like family until they've invested a little effort into the process! The resort isn't perfect, there are definitely things I would change if I could--but after experiencing almost all of the other options, we still our Polynesian!

 

[SeaSpray]

Tess: I always really enjoys your posts You have a great way of saying things, and everything I've read of yours makes perfect sense.

I am usually a very upbeat person who does take the time to talk to people, whether it's the cashier at the grocery store or the waitress at our favorite restaurant. I have a feeling we'll be pleased with our stay at the concierge lounges (Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian) because I do agree that *most* of a vacation experience is what you make of it.

I also believe in planning for your own "surprises", rather than hope for something from the staff and then being disappointed if it doesn't happen. For example, I've already ordered a "wedding" type of anniversary cake to surprise DH with during our dinner at 'Ohana on the evening of our anniversary. I've ordered it from the Grand Floridian bakery and the concierge staff is going to arrange to bring it to our table that night.

I'm going to be ordering tuxedo strawberries to be delivered to our room, I've already ordered the new gold Mickey Ears hats, embroidered with our names on them, to be in our room. And I have a few other ideas I'm considering too. I like the idea of these extra fun things, but I don't think it's right when people expect the resort staff to provide them for them. Don't get me wrong though, I'd be THRILLED with any kind of surprise, and that would only add to our overall experience, but I am quite happy planning these things for my family too

I can't wait to experience both of those wonderful resorts for myself And I'm looking forward to giving a full report about our experiences.

 

[Tess]

I'm glad you enjoy reading my posts--I know you'll have a great time at Polynesian! I know we can't wait to get back there in a month!

 

[DisneyMim]

I agree with you 2 princes,1 princess. We have stayed Poly concierge many times and have NEVER received leis or sand buckets. We have always had to go to the GCH to get our leis if we wanted them. I think the problem is that people read way too much into some posts. Everyone expects, expects. The CMS have always been nice, sometimes not what some people would hope from concierge CMS, but pleasant enough. The food has changed over the years and the CMS I have talked to said it was because of the guests. Too many people try to make a meal out of the food at night when it's supposed to be a snack. There used to be tuna, ham sandwiches, etc. for the kids, but some people would take all of them leaving nothing for the others. They stopped putting out so much. Now they actually open the crustables and cut them into halves. Oh well, I could go on and on, but I don't want to sound so negative. We love concierge, but take it as it is, as it's supposed to be, not our personal service that supplies magic every minute. We make our own magic. If we want something we pay for it. Also I have to add that we have very rarely received an upgrade in all our years of going to WDW. We don't expect it. If you go looking for things wrong you will find them. I prefer to look for what's not wrong.

Have a Wonderful Vacation!!!