Useful Concierge Information

[funnybunny921]

I know a few people have asked but I haven't seen the answer, does anyone know then the CR's 14th floor will be rehabbed? (or is it already?)

 

[VAgal76]

The 14th floor rooms have not been rehabbed yet, but I'm not sure when it will be done.

 

[joliesmom]

When I called to make ressies for 14th floor for Sept, I asked the CM if the 14th floor was scheduled for rehab. The CM told me that it was scheduled for rehab in June. Don't know how reliable the info is, I seem to get different stories from different CM's.

 

[VAgal76]

When I called to make ressies for 14th floor for Sept, I asked the CM if the 14th floor was scheduled for rehab. The CM told me that it was scheduled for rehab in June. Don't know how reliable the info is, I seem to get different stories from different CM's.

That would be awesome if they could get it done before July, but that is my wishful thinking kicking in. I just sent an e-mail to CR IPO so let me see if they respond to it. (Crossing all my fingers and toes that they'll know something about it.)

 

[paladin]

I have read this through this thread - great information - but do have some additional questions regarding the deluxe concierge rooms at the BWI. Are they on both the 3rd and 4th floor? Do any of them have 1 king instead of 2 queens? Thanks

 

[perpetualplanner]

I know you guys can help me out. Here's the problem. We're die hard BWI CL fans BUT the kids are old enough (9 & 6) and really are interested in trying out stormalong bay. Last trip we spent TONS of time at the pool and that was in Feb. We're planning a Sept. trip (spur of the moment) and I'm thinking maybe YC CL (BC doesn't really appeal to us).

SO - those of you that have been to both - what are the differences??

Also - is the big pool slide completely covered all the way down?? That might be an issue.

Thanks for any help.

 

[VAgal76]

Paladin - I can answer part of your question. BWI's deluxe rooms only come with 2 queens and a fold out sofa. Hopefully someone can chime in and confirm locations for you...I am not one to take very good notes on room locations.

Perpetualplanner - I wish I could help, but I haven't stayed at these resorts. Hopefully, some more informed folks will stop by shortly.

BTW, welcome to the lounge to the both of you!

 

[BionicEar]

Also - is the big pool slide completely covered all the way down?? That might be an issue.

Thanks for any help.

Hey! We went to BC in July 2003, and the kids loved Stormalong Bay. It's a huge sand-bottom pool that was just wonderful for kids of all ages. I can't remember if the big slide is completely covered or not, but I think that the upper half is. But don't hold me to it. There is a "baby" slide at the bottom/other side of the big slide. All three of my kids (ages 3,5,7 at the time) did like that, and my oldest loved the big slide as well. But then again, my oldest is pretty fearless!

Hope this info helps and have fun in Sept! I envy you!

 

[BionicEar]

Mary, does your DH know that you booked concierge?

Yes, he does. In fact, he was the one who said we'd do that next time when we found out about it after our last trip!

We did do some number crunching, and we've decided to just stick with booking the package deal with the dining plan. I think we'll come out ahead, considering we want to do the dinner shows and one or two character breakfasts.

Last time we didn't even think to include food into our vacation budget. But we definitely have that thought out this time!

We still haven't told the kids about it. We're going to tell them at Xmas that we're going (in March). I have a few ideas on how to tell them -- any of you have any ideas? I'd love to to hear them!

 

[VAgal76]

Mary - What did you think of the BC's CL? I hear it's smaller than others, but was it crowded in the morning meaning did you have to eat breakfast back in your room? TIA!

 

[paladin]

Another BWI question - Do they have high speed internet connectivity here (or anywhere, while I am asking)?

(Probably should have asked this on the regular resort board)

 

[BionicEar]

Mary - What did you think of the BC's CL? I hear it's smaller than others, but was it crowded in the morning meaning did you have to eat breakfast back in your room? TIA!

I couldn't answer that question because we didn't do concierge when we went. Sorry! I wish I had and I would have if I'd known about it.

Hindsight is 20/20....

 

[Tess]

Mary - What did you think of the BC's CL? I hear it's smaller than others, but was it crowded in the morning meaning did you have to eat breakfast back in your room? TIA!

We weren't overly fond of the BC CL when we visited a few years ago. We loved the location of the resort and SAB was fun, but it was a hassle finding seats and the pool became way too crowded. The lounge itself is on the small side especially when compared to the Polynesian. The seating is limited. The treats offered were very similar to the morning offerings and afternoon offerings elsewhere. It was the evening service that we found lacking--it didn't change from night to night. That said, the evening nibbles were good--just the same each day. Also, the staff in the lounge never seemed to be around when you wanted something--they were behind the window doing something or other. We enjoyed the concierge desk staff, but the lounge staff did not impress us.

As you know, we prefer the Polynesian so we're probably biased. Would I stay at BC again--yep, but only as a split with Polynesian. I just didn't like walking through the lobby or down the back stairs to the pool--it's a long walk to your concierge room from SAB if you need a forgotten item or want something from the lounge.

Just some random thoughts. . .hope it helps.

 

[VAgal76]

Mary - Thanks for "trying." I didn't realize you hadn't stayed concierge. Boy, you are in for a real treat for your vacation!

Tess - Thanks for the heads up on BC! I know I LOVED my stay at BWI so I thought I'd give BC a try just so I can take a swim at SAB. This alone is not a good reason to book a resort as I want service also! Well, it looks like we'll just stick with CR or if we do a couple of nights in the Epcot area I'll just book the BWI and enjoy!

Paladin - I don't have a laptop so I never looked for high speed internet service while I was at BWI. Sorry!

 

[BCV23]

Paladin, BWI and BWV do have high speed internet. All the DVC resorts have it, GF, CR, and CSR. Supposedly all resorts will have it by Spring of 06 according to Deb's site. It's $9.95 for 24 hours. I've used it at BCV and it is pretty fast and very easy to connect.

 

[GoofyJoofy]

We stayed BC CL last August (2004) and we all loved it! We have not done any other CL so we can't make comparisons. Cast was me, DW, DD-13, DD-12 & DS-10.

We did breakfast at the lounge many mornings and did not have an issue finding a table. We were there early (7 or 7:30 ish) so that may make a difference.
There was one CM who walked through the lounge regularly to collect dirty dishes and replenish the side table. The other CM was behind the counter getting sodas and other "on request" items. Both seemed pleasant.
There was also some seating out by the CL desk staff.

SAB was great! Everyone had fun in that pool. It is huge, so beware. We lost sight of DS-10 for about 20 min. one afternoon. The big slide is not entirely covered but major portions are. Besides the slide, there is the sandy bottom, mmmm feels sooo good on the tired feet.
The sinking sands (deep pockets of sandy bottom where you can sink up to mid-calf), the water falls, the spas, the lazy river (we did it even without tubes) and very large swimming areas.

The big slide is across the road/walkway. No cars, but there is the occasional golf cart the service staff uses, and the surry bikes from the BWI, and pedestrians going to and from Epcot and YC. Might be a concern for little ones.

Hoping to try other CLs soon, though we would go back to BC in a heartbeat. Based on comments BWI, Poly, GF and AKL are all high on the list. Maybe a split stay to hit 2 or 3 at one trip?

 

[SueEllen]

Just bumping back to the first page since there have been several questions about concierge.

Sue Ellen

 

[VAgal76]

GoofyJoofy - Now you're just messin' with me, right? LOL! Now I want BC again for SAB!!! I don't want to give up CR because then I would be certifiable. It's a 14th floor 1 bdrm suite MK view. I don't think I could let it go. I'm thinking 3 resorts in 8 nights might be a little much. This decision stuff is making me crazy and I'm too close to going to be doing this to myself.

 

[GoofyJoofy]

GoofyJoofy - Now you're just messin' with me, right? LOL!
I don't want to give up CR because then I would be certifiable. It's a 14th floor 1 bdrm suite MK view.

Ooh, 14th floor suite, MK view. No, No, No, you don't want to give that up.
Sorry VAgal - didn't mean to be messin' with your head.

I thought your decision was between BWI and BC. In that case I say try out BC and SAB (or YC for that matter).

While some have done 3 resorts in 8 days, you gotta know yourself and think if this is too stressful or not.

AKL and BC are so different, that is a hard one, but I guess it comes down to what you like/want most. We love being close to Epcot.
'Course some day we will go AKL and watch the animals from our balcony.

 

[VAgal76]

I would be willing to pack a little lighter to do 3 resorts in 8 nights, but DH is not so adventurous. He'd rather just stay the whole week at AKL. Even his DM is willing to try out the different resorts since this may be the only time she goes. I'm still contemplating 3 in 8....we shall see, but it's not looking too promising. If I do, I think a 2 bdrm suite at BC would be in order. The regular concierge rooms are little small for the 5 of us. Yeah, any excuse is better than none, right. I loved IPO there at YBBW. I was very fortunate to have met Alana during the lizard meet a few weeks ago. What a sweet gal she is! IPO and the CM's in the lounge really went above and beyond while I was at BWI.