Useful Concierge Information

[Elitravelor]

Thanks, Kerry. Pastries from the bakery sound delicious!! By this time next week, we should have arrived at the BWI (if all goes well with the flight and ME transportation.)

 

[skipperkim]

Cast: Me, DBF, DB, and DSIL. Maybe more to follow.
Setting: AKL concierge, Jan 24-28 2009 (DB's 55th bday on 25th, my 50th on 26th)

I'm in the planning stages right now, no ressie. I have lots of questions, I'm hoping you all can help.

1. DBF has AAA and DB and DSIL live in Orlando. Which would get the better rate?

2. I've done some reading about AKL and now I want a savannah view with Zebras on it. Which one should we request? I also want to be on the same floor as the lounge and in a quiet room.

3. I want to do the Sunrise Breakfast Safari on DB's bday, the whole reason to stay there concierge, and for mine breakfast at Cindy's. If DB has his kids come down, lucky man has 3 granddaughters while I have no grandkids at all. That's so not fair. Do you think that while we are on the safari they will make a big deal of his bday?

4. I've tried to find a photo of the inside of the armoire, but to no avail. Does anyone have one. I'd love photos of a concierge room. I've seen the ones at allears, all 3 of them.

I'm sure I'll have more questions once I actually start putting this together. I just need a starting point. Thanks in advance.

 

[Luv2trav]

Help.. I am trying to find updated information on AKL conceirge. I am looking for detailed information on offerings etc... Thanks!

 

[Poppinsme]

Just wanted to say that the Poly IPO concierge has been wonderful.
Sarah seems to be trying very hard to get us what we want and she is pleasant to work with. All in all a very good experience as we get closer to our vacation.

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

Despite previous difficulties getting the WL IPO to respond to emails, I am happy to say they have been very helpful with my requests. I think the original problem was because I expected contact from the IPO right away as I was in the midst of planning euphoria. Being 3 months from our visit, perhaps it was my high expecation that I would hear from them sooner.

Anyways, we have had all of our requests worked out and I am very happy with the IPO at this time. Patience and politeness help.

 

[PoohsFan1]

Hi fellow DISers,

I am new to the whole CL thing and have some questions. First a background...we are planning a Sept 2010 trip and want to book a 1 bdr suite at the Poly. It will be me, DH, DD8 at the time, and DD6 at the time. We plan on staying for a week and will most definately be purchasing the platinum MYW package, we are finally taking our dream trip to the World and my DH says the only way to do it is to do it right (this is something I have been dreaming about for years). Now for my questions.

1) I have been reading this wonderful thread and since I am a newbie to this idea of staying, I was wondering about the CL planners you are all talking about. How far in advance do I have to contact this person about planning our Magical trip?

2) Since we are looking into reserving the 1 bdrm suite, do I have to reserve it one year in advance, 2 years, so forth? I know the rates are going to change by the time we actually go, but I didn't know how demanding these suites are.

3) Once we get to the Poly and decide that we wanted to make ressies to say CRT for dinner, would the planner be able to work with us and get those ressies for us, or do I have to still plan to call 180 days out.

4) Lastly, is there any literature that I can get on CLs so that my DH and I can read up and thoroughly plan out our once in a life time trip.

If anyone can help me out with these questions, it would be greatly appreciated. Like I said before, we are new to this (usually stay off site with a few days at a Disney resort during our trip) and I would like to go into this with some sort of knowledge and understanding.

Thanks for your help.

 

[TammiMcMan]

1) I have been reading this wonderful thread and since I am a newbie to this idea of staying, I was wondering about the CL planners you are all talking about. How far in advance do I have to contact this person about planning our Magical trip?

Typically, it coincides with your booking dates. If you only need them for dining ADR's, then it's good to touch base with them at about 190 days out. If you want help with purchases done ahead of time, or entertainment tickets, you can contact them closer to your trip.

2) Since we are looking into reserving the 1 bdrm suite, do I have to reserve it one year in advance, 2 years, so forth? I know the rates are going to change by the time we actually go, but I didn't know how demanding these suites are.

I believe the furthest you can book out is 18 months (room only). Pricing will be adjusted after the new rates are released. Also, at that time, you can look into changing to a package if you want. Based on past history, it looks like 2010 rates would be available in August 2009.

3) Once we get to the Poly and decide that we wanted to make ressies to say CRT for dinner, would the planner be able to work with us and get those ressies for us, or do I have to still plan to call 180 days out.

Disney is not a true concierge, so they do not set aside tables for last minute reservations. If a restaurant is sold out, it's sold out. The best they can do is try to find a last minute cancellation. That being said though, they do have onsite staff in the club lounge to assist you with any last minute requests. They're available 7 days a week, from 7am until 10pm.

4) Lastly, is there any literature that I can get on CLs so that my DH and I can read up and thoroughly plan out our once in a life time trip.

Allears has a pretty good section regarding Disney's club level. There's also the Luxury Guide to Disney which you might find helpful.

 

[PoohsFan1]

-TammiMcMann -

Thank you, Thank you, for your help. You really put me in the right direction. When my DH and I decided that this is what we wanted to do, I felt a little overwhelmed and lost because I had never booked one of these rooms before. Thank you again.

 

[TammiMcMan]

When my DH and I decided that this is what we wanted to do, I felt a little overwhelmed and lost because I had never booked one of these rooms before.

Glad to help. If you're definitely decided on the Poly, you have to check out Steve's site as well.

 

[dogsmom]

Bump!

 

[TinkTatoo]

Glad to help. If you're definitely decided on the Poly, you have to check out URL="*****************************************"Steve's[/URL] site as well.

It appears links to Steve's site are banned which is a real shame

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I am staying at the Poly tomorrow and have to say many in the IPO department dont know what they are doing. I have been dealing with Alliosn who is great. Thank god for her shes wonderful and she remembered me from my WL concierge trip last year.
I am not using the names of the bad but the info they give out is just sad. This am I was told when I arrive I can go into the main building and check in there. I was also told the IPO doesnt take room requests anymore which Allison said wasnt true. I have also been told they dont order cakes and items from private dining when they do all that for you. I was rally surprised at some of the info these newer people were giving out.
I have stayed concierge now at WL , GF , BC, BWI and the poly so i think I know the routine. If I was staying concierge for the first time and was told to check in in the main building I would be less than impressed. Thats part of the specialness of staying conceirge the special check in without waiting in line.
I was at the GF this summer for 10 nights and it was amazing. I hope the poly will measure up.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

We just returned from a wonderful stay at YC on the Club Level.
I highly recommend a stay here...the IPO office is amazing, the CM I was mostly dealing with came over to say hello. We were upgraded to a Lagoon View...our room was on the corner....steps to the elevators and lounge
Wonderful CM's ....took care of alot of things for us
They really go out of their way before your stay and during. Not sure how soon we will be back though cause we purchased DVC
The lounge never seemed too busy....as fas the offering...snacks are limited in the afternoon...but it is just snacks. It is definately convenient to have the lounge nearby...but its definately not a replacement for meals for those wondering. We were still on DDP. Our DD14 mths loved the lounge! We have spoiled her!

 

[ang38]

Don't know if anyone remembers, but in May Hubby and I will be staying in 4 resorts..3 concierge level for our 25th.
Back in June I had written to the CR / WL / AKL concierge and received emails from the IPO of all 3. Back then I had sent them my plans and ADR info. The other day I resent the same plans with a little note explaining that I made some changes. I also asked the CR IPO if they felt they would be able to make my ADR's for Victoria and Albert's in time. I stated that I understood they were busy and if they wanted me to do them I would. I received a note back from Becky explaining that Larry had made a note in the computer of all my plans and she will take care of everything as things got closer and email me the confirmations. She went on to say that Larry received a promotion and is now at MK and she is taking his spot and will be handling the planning at the CR from now on! So it looks like Becky is the new person to call at the CR.

I also received a phone call from AKL IPO telling me everything is in the computer and will all be done as soon as he can. He spoke to me for over 20 minutes about different things and different groups on the internet. He seemed really nice. Of course I forgot to ask his name But AKL IPO seems to have it on the ball also

I still have not heard back from the WL IPO. Guess I'll give that a couple more days.

So, my point of this whole thing is..yes, they do keep the Personal Itinerary Letter you fill out and send back to them and they do note everything on their calenders no matter how early you do it. And they don't get upset when you resend the same info and seem to enjoy "speaking" to future guests. SO contact the IPO of the resort you are going to stay at as soon as you want and don't worry that you are bothering them

 

[codyvt]

Hi -

I'm staying at Poly Concierge from 12/11 - 12/16 - I have read on here about a personal itinerary letter and other personal things - when would I receive that? I have not heard anything from anyone. We have a lagoon view room - does anyone have any suggestions about specific rooms? I have stayed at the GF concierge level and I don't remember checking in at a different place. Where do we check in at Poly? What else do I need to know... HELP!!!

Thanks!!!
Margey

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi -

I'm staying at Poly Concierge from 12/11 - 12/16 - I have read on here about a personal itinerary letter and other personal things - when would I receive that? I have not heard anything from anyone. We have a lagoon view room - does anyone have any suggestions about specific rooms? I have stayed at the GF concierge level and I don't remember checking in at a different place. Where do we check in at Poly? What else do I need to know... HELP!!!

Thanks!!!
Margey

As you can see by my signature I am going to be staying at the Polynesian in a Garden View Concierge room the day you happen to be checking out. Anyway my Dad made our reservation there back in February and we finally got an e-mail from them in mid August, while we were at WDW and staying at the Contemporary.

 

[codyvt]

Thanks CR Resort fan - I appreciate the info

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

You're welcome and I am happy that I was able to help.

 

[ang38]

I would write them a letter myself explaining who you are, when you are coming..and your reservation number.The addresses are at the beginning of this thread. That's what I did!

 

[jmkrat]

Hi -

I'm staying at Poly Concierge from 12/11 - 12/16 - I have read on here about a personal itinerary letter and other personal things - when would I receive that? I have not heard anything from anyone. We have a lagoon view room - does anyone have any suggestions about specific rooms? I have stayed at the GF concierge level and I don't remember checking in at a different place. Where do we check in at Poly? What else do I need to know... HELP!!!

Thanks!!!
Margey

Yes Margie, make sure you contact them. You should have heard from them by now. This happened to me once when I used a Travel Agent. The Travel agent I was using never gave them my information. I don't know how you booked, but that could be a reason. The concierge e-mails are at the beginning of this thread. You may want to call them, their IPO office is usually very nice and prompt. Make sure you put in your e-mails the dates you are staying and your reservation number. Hope you hear from them soon.