To Concierge or Not to Concierge

[lizzie64]

Hey All,

Well, here's my next decision. I've heard so much talk about concierge level and now I'm trying to decide whether to upgrade. I currently have 2 savannah rooms at AKL for May.

Now, what you should all now is that DMIL, is paying for this trip. I get to do all the planning and choosing and she's paying. She's given us quite a nice budget to work with, so upgrading shouldn't really be worrying me but...

Can I justify concierge??

Do you think I can wait for the May codes to come out and then request a concierge room?

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

First of all how many people will be traveling and the ages of children. I have done concierge just for 2 people and found after this past trip it isn't worth it for us. but that first time, it was a thrill of a life time to feel like I was staying in a hotel like the stars.

 

[lizzie64]

Hi Gail

We are total a party of 7.

My DH, Myself
D MIL
DD 14
DS14
DS4
DS2

I'm thinking that the food value alone might be worth it

 

[BarbaraMB]

That's a good question. In terms of value for your dollar is it worth it? How much extra (approx) does it cost and what do you really get for it?

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

with 7 people going for breakfast alone that can become costly. There are snacks during the day plus little funger sandwiches or hordeiuvrs (SP) in early evening, you can't make ameal out of them but you can snack before dinner, there is wine and cheese which for the adults is nice before dinner then at night cordials, again for the adults. I think for 7 people it would be worth it and I am not just saying that because your MIL is paying. have fun, let us know what you decided. Once the codes come out you probably will get a good deal that you won't want to pass up.

 

[Kimkimba]

For 4 kids I think you are justified in upgrading. The breakfast alone should make up the difference. You must have a wonderful MIL - my MIL isn't paying for this trip, but she's done sooooo much for us - paid for our wedding reception when I was surprising her with her first (and probably only) grandson; given me and dh the honeymoon we never had; got us a minivan (used, but good) when we were out our second vehicle - and is always there, but never interferes. Even if I weren't if love with my dh, I might have to stay just for my MIL! We're doing concierge for the first time on our upcoming trip. A splurge for us, but I think the timing is right (so much stress) and we deserve this. We spend a good amount of time of the resort as we aren't all-day park people. I debated this sooooo much - but I finally decided that the extras concierge provide will probably make my family feel like royalty as we're not used to being spoiled. And the code really helped - I could never pay full price.

 

[joyful1nh]

I've been trying to justify concierge in my mind and just cannot do it -- but we are a family of three. If I had your family I might be able to make that leap!

 

[PMart]

It is sooo funny that you posted this, I too was in the same situation as you. I am planning a trip to WDW for 6 and my mother is paying. We are staying at the Poly, and at the last minute I justified making her pay for conceirge, I felt sort of guilty, but honestly breakfast alone will make up for the cost, so will the cordials and dessert LOL

 

[lizzie64]

Hi Pmart

Me too, I was dreading telling her. Even though she is paying, she is very careful with what she spends. But I had no problem. She agreed right away and even sent me the money for the additional deposit.

She's paying for this trip with a bond that she inherited, so I guess she feels, she's entitled to a little luxury herself.

GO for concierge.

 

[imbe@aol.com]

For that number of people, I absolutely think concierge is worth it (I think it's worth it no matter how many people you have There's cold cereal, hot cereal, fruit, pastry for breakfast, and there are nice dinner selections too .. all of which will definitely save you money.

 

[grumpyandbashful]

What you have to take into consideration is that you will be upgrading 2 rooms to concierge (7 can't fit in one room), so it will be pretty pricey. If money is no object for your MIL and it would make her happy to upgrade you, then go for it! We stayed in AKL concierge last summer (with a great discount ) and we really enjoyed it. The lounge was very nice and the food offerings were great for kids and adults (my 14 year old son loved the gummy worms ). The sunrise safari was also wonderful, although I feel it's better suited to older kids (our youngest was 10 at the time). Some of the toddlers didn't look too happy to be up at that hour!
One other consideration about concierge is that you may or may not get savannah view. Savannah view rooms are nice, but you are actually closer to the animals and can see them better if you're on a lower floor.
Good Luck with your decision!

 

[Tesabat]

It sounds like she may be looking at this trip as very special. If so, then I would upgrade...and then incorporate the extra touches concierge can provide you into the plan. She's inherited something and wants to pass on some of that to the people she loves in the here and now, rather than just roll it over into yet another bond. I think that is very loving...and I think that going concierge can be both practical - i.e. breakfast, snacks, etc. - and special - trip planning, the lounge, the Sunrise Safari. I think it is a careful choice on your part...and a wise one. Use your planning skills with the help of the concierge staff to make this an extra special trip for all, and it will be worth the money. Have fun!

 

[RumpleMom]

I have never stayed concierge, so I can't comment either way.

However, do you know about Disney Vacation Club? It sounds like your trip will cost a tidy sum. Your MIL could use this money for a substancial downpayment for vacation points, then you would have vacations until 2042, assuming you pay the yearly maintenance fees. JMHO