Question about DVC Concierge Level Stays???

marvali

DIS Veteran
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Aug 8, 2007
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I have tried to read as much as possible but don't have a complete feel for the benefits of using the extra points for Concierge room.:confused3

Is there somewhere that tells you what all the benefits are for the different resorts if you stay in a Concierge level room? If not, can anyone help me out with what exactly you get for your extra points??? Just trying to figure out if it would be worth it for the family to do a Concierge stay on an upcoming trip.

TIA for any input!!!:thumbsup2
 
the DVC concierge is only AKV - food/drinks

the other DVC resorts don't have concierge - now some of the WDW resorts do - but they (if you are using points) are definitely NOT worth it. (my opinion)

they will serve you food and drinks during certain hours of the day and night.

it is a close off area - only concierge guests can be in that part of the hotel.
 
Do you think it would cut back on your food bill? Other than some food and drinks and a closed off area, do you get any other benefits?
 
the DVC concierge is only AKV - food/drinks

the other DVC resorts don't have concierge - now some of the WDW resorts do - but they (if you are using points) are definitely NOT worth it. (my opinion)

they will serve you food and drinks during certain hours of the day and night.

it is a close off area - only concierge guests can be in that part of the hotel.

Okay, our home resort is AKV, so that is the one we would be most interested in. When you say food and drinks, are you talking like cereal/danish at breakfast and maybe finger foods and sodas/coffee at other times of the day, or something more substantial? If it is more substantial then it might be a great way to go with three hungry boys. The extra points would be offset by less food bill while we are there possibly.

Also, as I understand it, you can use the Concierge service to help book your ADRs and they sometimes are able to get results when individuals aren't. You get turndown service and chocolates on your pillows at night, and also you get daily room service instead of the typical T&T, etc that you normally have with DVC. And I think you also get exclusive right to book one of the safaris (sunset safari maybe). Is all of this correct? Are there any other benefits? Better views? Less lines or crowds to deal with at certain areas of the resort? Maybe preferential check-in and check-out?

I guess the biggest benefit in our ccase could be the food if it is more than just snacks, etc.
 

This is the information that was e-mailed to me. We're staying in March.

Let me just take a moment to touch base with you about our check in procedure. If you arrive before 5 p.m look for the cast member at the Kilimanjaro Club check in podium just to the left of the front entrance.If you arrive after 5 p.m but before 10 p.m. you will need to enter the lobby and turn left to the Bell Services desk and they will assist you. Should your room be prepared at this time, a cast member will take you directly up to your room and you can come by the concierge lounge at your leisure to check in. However if the room has not been prepared yet, the bellman will put your luggage in storage and a cast member willtake you directly up to our concierge lounge. Either way, there will beno need for you to wait in line at the Front Desk. If you are arriving after 10:00 p.m.you will have to check in briefly with the Front Desk. Please be sure to stop by the Kilimanjaro Club desk in the morning before you head out so we can make sure we have your reservation in order regarding charging privileges and tickets.

Kilimanjaro club Hours of Service: Concierge Desk 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless there is an early safari. Food offerings: Macheo (Sunrise Offerings)For our early risers...coffee and assorted juices.

6:30 a.m. Miamko (Adventurous Awakenings)Start your adventure with an assortment of fresh fruits, juices, pastries and cereals.

7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Vitafunio (Safari Snacks)Take a mid-day break and enjoy a selection of African snacks and beverages.

11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Chai (Afternoon Tea)Sit back and relax with imported teas, freshly baked scones, cookies andtreats. A daily must in Africa!

3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kisikusiku (Twighlight Offerings)After and exciting safari, take pleasure in an array of wines, hors d'oeuvres, and savor African specialty appetizers from our resort restaurants, Jiko and Boma.

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Rehema (Evening Indulgences)Revisit your day's activities or plan for tomorrow while treating yourself to a sampling of fine desserts and a variety of premium cordials.8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Here is a rundown of the serving stations at Boma Flavors of Africa. This is not their physical order down the line nore the order they are eaten in.

It is a Market Place arrangement so guests are encouraged to browse around. Daily features are on a 3 day rotation so that they are offered twice a week.

Station 1:White Bean HummusBlack Olive HummusSun Dried Tomato HummusFresh Lavosh breadAssorted Fresh fruit

Station 2:Field Greens wtih Signature DressingsPasta SaladWatermelon Rind SaladKool SlaaiAvacodo, Papaya and Grapefruit SaladDaily feature salads.

Station 3:Daily Specials

Station 4:Roasted Prime RibRotisserie ChickenBaked Salmon of the dayBeef and Lamb BobotieCinnamon Raisin RiceAssorted African SaucesDaily Featured Specialties

Station 5:Fufu (Mashed white and Sweed potatoes)Pap and SheebaFalafel with Yogurt SauceCouscous MarrakeshDaily Feature Specials Children's Station:Chicken NuggetsChicken wingsFrench FriesMacaroni and CheesePasta with Meatballs and Tomato Sauce

Station 6:Signature Zebra DomesChocolate Mouse CrunchFresh Fruit TartsFreshly baked CookiesDaily featured items.

The Wildlife Discovery Excursion takes the Kilimanjaro safari experienceto the next level. Disney's Animal Kingdom invites you to venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve for a unique animal observation and photo excursion. Led by a seasoned Safari Guide and an Animal expert, this adventure takes you off the Safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savannah of the reserve. The tour takes place Tuesday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. Guest meet in front of Mombassa Marketplace 15 minutes prior to the tour. It can accommodate up to 14 guests who must be age 3 and older. Payment is taken at time of booking. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Cost is $45.00 per person inclusive. You spendabout an hour our on the trail slipping between ride vehicles of the Kilimanjaro Safari and stopping to view and photograph the animals. The vehicle is climate controlled. Guest may stand up in the vehicle (there are hand holds all over the vehicle). It is a great chance to get a different perspective on the Kilimanjaro Safari. You may take non concierge guests with you on this experience. Not included with any package.

Wanyama Safari is an approximately 1 and a half hour safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge where a guest will experience a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive. An opportunity to spend time with members from the Lodge animal programs team in a very personal environment. Learning about the natural history and managementof the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas . Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at JIKO, justlike the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you whichmay include a wine pairing. You will be meet at the Jiko Podium at 3:45 p.m. where you will be met by our animal Programs team. Safaris are offered on Monday,Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $160 per Concierge club guests 10 and up, $210 fornon-Concierge guests 10 and up and Half price for guest 8 and 9. Tax andgratuity included as well as a small contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund. 48 hour cancellation policy does apply so a credit card is required at time of booking. Admission is limited to 12 Guests and can be reserved 180 days in advance of arrival. Buy out safaris are offered with sufficient notice subject to there being no prior bookings for that date for a $2000 minimum price. There is no age restriction on buy out safaris as it is your exclusive event. Safaris are may be subject to minimum booking requirements. Other days may be available for booking. Ask your itinerary planner for details. All charges are posted as a room charge. No meal packages can be used topay for this event.

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is exclusive to concierge guests staying at our resort. It is offered on Thursdays and Sundays. The safari starts at 6:30 A.M. if the park opens at 8 A.M. & it starts at 7:30 A.M. if the park opens at 9 A.M.. You would meet in the concierge lounge at 6:15 A.M. or 6:45 A.M., depending on park hours & will check-in at the concierge desk. The concierge will scan your park admission into the park which is required to participate in this experience. An animal programs cast member will be meeting our guests in the Sunset Overlook to give a run down of the morning's activities. You will then take a private bus, which will go through some of the backstage areas atDisney's Animal Kingdom. You will then walk over to the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction and board the first jeep onto the savanna. You will be able to ask the animal programs cast member questions and there will be frequent stops for you to take pictures. The safari will last from 45 minutes to 1 hour long. Afterwards you will have a delicious breakfast buffet that awaits you. You are free to go about your day, at this point. If you would like to go back to the resort, you will take the regular bus back. The cost is $55.00 for adults and $27.50 for children 3 to 9. There is a48 hour cancellation policy. The unpaved roads of Harambe Wildlife Reserve pass through rough and rugged terrain. For your safety you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. If you have special needs (wheelchair or scooter) or dietary needs, please let us know so that we may accommodate you. Safaris are may be subject to minimum booking requirements. Other days may be available for booking if regular days have heavy wait lists. Ask your itinerary planner for details. All charges are posted as a room charge. No meal packages can be used to pay for this event. Sunrise Safari Breakfast Buffet Menu: Assorted Breakfast Breads and Pastries Seasonal Fresh Fruit Biscuits and Gravy Fruit Cobbler Scrambled Eggs Scrambled Eggs with Cheese Vegetable Pan Omelet Smoked Beef Sausage w/ Peppers and Onions Banana French Toast Bacon Sausage Patties Baked Ham Hash Brown Potatoes Fried Plantains Beverages - Coffee, Tea, Guava Juice, Orange Juice

Bobbi:goodvibes
 
I haven't been in concierge, but I think included in that letter above is the menu for BOMA's not concierge. I am not sure why they put that there, but I don't think all of that food is offered in the concierge.

Bobbi:goodvibes
 
All the club levels offer an easier checkin. You do so at the desk in the clubs proper instead of the lobby.

The only "meal" served is breakfast and it's continental at that. The various clubs vary in the snack offerings during the day. All serve appetizers from 5-7 and at some resorts this could be a light supper. At others, not so much. Desserts are out from 8-10 along with cordials and wine. Wine and beer are served during the appetizer hours.

I think the concierges have some extra leverage within their own resort for last minute reservations...at least that's what I've noticed. But it's not as if they can pull a CRT reservation out of a hat.

Oh, I just saw that Bobbi posted lots of info on AKL&V club level. We can probably only book AKV using points now. AKL would probably need to be a cash reservation.

There's a long thread on the resorts board about the various concierge/clubs. I'll find it for you. But they are quite expensive using points. We do enjoy booking club level stays using discounts on a cash reservation.
 
OK, here's a link to the club/concierge thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1943943


Bobbi, I think those are the food served in the club level except they're not all served on the same time. So it might be watermelon salad one day, pasta salad another, etc.. I never noticed what was served for kids though. Hummus has been served every night we've been there as well as crudites. The types of hummus have varied.

The desserts go fast. All we've ever seen is cookies and I think brownies but others have reported zebra domes, etc..

AKL is one of the resorts at which the appetizers could not serve as a light dinner IMO. The servings are quite small and the platters don't have much on them so I would feel awkward taking more than a sample of each. Now that I think about it though, some nights a soup or stew was served that could be sufficient for some.
 
I haven't been in concierge, but I think included in that letter above is the menu for BOMA's not concierge. I am not sure why they put that there, but I don't think all of that food is offered in the concierge.

Bobbi:goodvibes

This is correct. That is the menu for Boma. The evening food at the concierge lounge is small, appetizer side tidbits. It isn't meant to be or take the place of a meal. The only meal served is breakfast. They have hot and cold cereals, muffins/bagels/danish, fruit and juices/coffee/tea/etc. Even the desserts are mini-sized...but very yummy.

I wouldn't count on the lounge to cut your food bill much unless you are very light eaters. It will save you the cost of breakfast (unless you need eggs/pancakes/etc.) but that's about it.
 
Thanks everyone! Sounds like a really special treat to try sometime. The Sunrise Safari would be a great experience for the family, and the rest of the perks sound very appealing. Better plan ahead to take advantage of the 11 month booking window though it sounds like.
 
You also get daily housekeeping and nightly turn down service, I didn't see that mentioned anywhere else.

Here is the list of amenities that you should receive for AKV concierge bookings (just like cash lodge concierge stays):

Club Concierge-level Guests also receive these special amenities:
Make-up mirrors in each room.
Comfy robes available in your room
Turndown service
Staff available prior to and during your visit for reservations and vacation planning
Access to the exclusive Kilimanjaro Club featuring Continental breakfast, snacks and evening wine and cheese reception
Ability to participate in the Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure — an exclusive early-morning tour of Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park — offered only to a limited number of Club Concierge-level Guests for an additional fee
Ability to participate in the Wildlife Discovery Excursion — an exclusive guided tour of Kilimanjaro Safaris® at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park — offered only to a limited number of Club Concierge-level Guests for an additional fee
 



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