Concierge is basically a high level of personal service. In other hotels around the world, that typically does translate to better rooms, but with Disney, the rooms are basically the same as standard just with upgraded amenities. That sometimes includes a free refrigerator, better soaps & shampoos, a bathrobe and slippers. At the Animal Kingdom Lodge, concierge guests are also offered an opportunity to book a sunrise or sunset safari that's not available to any other guests.
Concierge service begins the moment you book your room. You're given a representative from the itinerary planning office who will take care of all your priority seating arrangements, your entertainment tickets, recreation, transportation, private dining, shopping assistance, pretty much anything that you can think of. While most people don't mind taking care of all this themselves, it does save a lot of time. You simply notify your pre-planner of what you want and they put it into their computer system. You don't have to wait until the reservation window opens up, which is especially nice for hard to get items such as Cinderella's breakfast and the fireworks cruises.
When you arrive at the resort, you can be met at the curb by a concierge greeter, or you might be sent a key that will allow you direct access to the concierge floor. I believe most of the resorts offer private check-in so you can bypass the normal registration line. The lounges offer nearly continuous food service from 6:30am until anytime between 7-10pm, depending on resort and level of concierge service that you purchased. I think it's pretty unanimous that the concierge breakfast will fill you up. Not only do you get the fruit and muffins, but they also have cereal, bagels, yogurt, etc. Throughout the day you'll find food that's more on the appetizer side, like vegetables and dip, hummus, nachos and light salads. In the evening, you'll most likely see a hot dish served along with wine and beer is available for those who ask. They normally end the evening with a dessert buffet that includes coffee and cordials. I think that the Contemporary and the GF offer a secondary reduced concierge service that does not include the alcohol or the desserts. Lemonade, iced tea, water, coffee, hot tea & cocoa are available throughout the day also.
During your stay, there is a concierge staff to assist you with any last minute changes or additions to your schedule.
It's really not possible to put a monetary value on concierge. If you're going to make your own reservations and spend nearly all of your time at the parks or other recreation, then this level of service is probably not a good choice. For those that are busy and want someone else to take care of all their arrangements and have set aside just as much time relaxing and enjoying the resort as they have for parks, then it's something to consider.
I hope that helps.
Tammi
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