Pre-booking Through Concierge

[DisneyKids]

We'll be on the 4/17 Magic and are booked in a Cat. 3. Although we have cruised in a Cat. 3 on our last 3 cruises, this is the first that we actually booked. For the others, we upgraded at the port.

Since we never had the luxury of knowing we were in a concierge suite, we never took advantage of pre-booking anything through the staff. I have read that you can pre-book certain things (Palo, etc.) and want to take advantage. But, I don't have the number to call. Does anyone know this number and are willing to share? Thanks!

 

[justmestace]

This is a topic that has come up a lot in the past. It seems that sometimes people are contacted (by mail or e-mail) by concierge ahead of time, and some aren't. We've been in a Cat 2 twice, and have never been contacted before the cruise, nor did I find a number or e-mail for them. All they can do for you ahead of time anyway is book your shore excursions (which we can all do anyway) and possibly Palo. We had a large group the last time, so our Group Coordinator booked Palo.
What DCL means by concierge booking, is that you go to a meeting with the concierge team on embarkation day, and they help you with Palo and spa reservations then. You still have a much better chance of getting what you want, and you don't have to run all over the ship to do it, and they have drinks & snacks while you're doing that. They also will sign your kids up for the clubs (if you have any).
Even with our group coordinator, we couldn't book the spa in advance...no one can.
When you check in at the port, ask the CM where and when the concierge meeting is...and go! It was a great help.

 

[ms1]

My travel mates handled the concierge pre-booking. They didn't have a number either so they just called DCL and asked for the concierge team. From there they were able to get in touch with them and pre-book Palo.

 

[DVC4US]

I did what ms1 said. We were in a Cat 3 last year so I knew we could book Palo early and request a dinning rotation. We are in a Cat 1 this year and booked through a TA so I did not know if we would get a letter this time. So, I called DCL guest services and asked to speak to the concierge team about making Palo reservations. I was connected directly to the lady in charge if dinning and she took all of my request. The things you can book in advance are Palo (dinner, brunch, & high tea), you can request a dinning rotation, and excursions. As I am sure you know, once on board you will meet with the concierge team to make all of your other reservations. Let us know if you have trouble.


LeiLani

 

[cwbrannon]

We are in a category 3 sailing in a few days and it took me a while to figure out the concierge thing. Apparently, Disney will send a concierge letter directly to the customer when booked through Disney but if you booked through a TA, they send this letter to your TA and it's up to them to get it to you. My TA e-mailed me with the number but that was after someone on this board had already given it to me.

You can book your Palo reservations, request your dinner rotation and book your shore excursions; you cannot book spa . They do hold some of the shore excursions in reserve for concierge guests so even if you have tried to book a shore excursion that was sold out through the regular number, try it through your concierge. You must have your confirmation number to communicate with them as they will confirm that you are a concierge guest.

This letter also tells you where the meeting is with the coneirge team once you board. It usually lasts from 12:30 -3:30. You can ask before you board where the meeting is. Better yet, when you call for your conierge reservations, they can fax you the letter with the details.

 

[Billinaz]

I was in a cat 3 in February and called the concierge number to pre book palo.

If you email me, I will get the number for you.

 

[DisneyMom23Boys]

Originally posted by DisneyKids
We'll be on the 4/17 Magic and are booked in a Cat. 3. Although we have cruised in a Cat. 3 on our last 3 cruises, this is the first that we actually booked. For the others, we upgraded at the port.

Has anyone ever received a COMPLIMENTARY upgrade from Cat. 4 to Cat. 3 or above?? We are booking (today!!) for Cat. 4 on the Wonder 5/5/05 and are hoping that some extra pixie dust will come our way for our first Magical, WONDERful Disney Cruise!!

Side Note: DH's favorite # is 5 (his favorite baseball player - Brooks Robinson's number) and said that this 5/5/05 day will NEVER happen again!

WHEN ??? we book for our 7-night cruise sometime in the next decade we will definitely book Cat. 3 with three boys (now 10, 8 & 5)!! They will be 12, 10 & 6 for our first cruise.