Useful Concierge Information

[YCFAN]

Angel16: Thank you for answering my questions about the Wanyama Safari. I have already contacted IPO even though our stay isn't until next July. They told me they would actually do the safari on another night than what is scheduled if we are planning on "buying" the entire safari. They also said I would be allowed to take my 5 year old on the safari since we are all one group and no one in the family would object. We have the presidential suite booked for this stay but I don't really think that has anything to do with it because I've heard of other people taking younger children because they have the whole safari booked too. Thanks for the heads up though.

 

[Angel16]

YCFAN - That sounds great! You will love the experience. As you are all aware AKL is our favorite resort. The animals, people, beauty of the woodwork in the lodge everything just fills my every sence. The food offerings at the lounge is pretty wonderful too.

I know you will have a memorible and fun filled family get-together.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Just back from my 4th Poly concierge trip. I only got the chocolate postcard on my first trip.

The new rooms were wonderful! Lots more storage. Loved the daybed as a couch and for 6 year (not comfortable for an adult to sleep on), roll out table from under the desk, the desk, the TV, the new safe was great-so easy to use, the beds comfy, there is a shelf over the vanity in the bathroom and shelves under the vanity.

I did notice several cut backs in offerings. They no longer had mini muffins, yogart or english muffins at breakfast (and I've never seen cold cuts or cheese at breakfast like in Steph's photos of SL concierge at GF). They also no longer have chocolate milk or juice boxes and overheard that they do no longer have ODoul's non alcoholic beer. They do have more snack offerings at mid day but the cookies were gone at 4pm. I seem to remember them at dinner on past trips. I also never saw any strawberries which I remember on past trips.

 

[cara loves the poly]

lovesdumbo, were the new headboards and lights up in your room?

 

[lovesdumbo]

The headboard was old but the light over the headboard looked new.

 

[VAgal76]

I know folks were interested in photos of the Presidential suites so here's a link:

http://community.webshots.com/user/harlow23024

Beach Club - Newport Suite, AKL - Royal Asante Suite and CR 14th Floor - 1 bdrm Suite are finally available for viewing.


We had a fantastic time this past summer despite a few bumps in the road. Once the CR is rehabbed, it's going to a phenomal concierge level and will probably become the most sought out. Our home is still AKL though we had things we liked about the other two resorts. If you have any questions, let me know.

 

[YCFAN]

Thank you for sharing those pictures! It makes my July 2006 trip to the Royal Asante Suite that much more exciting......can't wait.

 

[VAgal76]

YCFAN - You are sooo going to love the Royal Asante suite. The whirlpool tub was a real treat. You can position the shades to allow you to view the animals without streaking in front of the cameras, but you got do it just right to stay under cover. I retreated there daily. The double shower in the master bath was a big hit for everyone, too. It's extremely spacious and as you can see from the view pics, you'll be left side of Arusha Rock. I still prefer the location of the VP suite, but that's just me. I wasn't disappointed at all. The dining room table is made from a real tree trunk and I thought it was beautiful. There's just so many touches that make it really neat. DH's jaw dropped a half a mile when he walked into the suite. He thought we had just a 1 bdrm suite. Don't forget to have a snack or a meal on the balcony. We found it very soothing. It'd be a really nice touch if they stocked the fridges, but we just grab a drink from the lounge if we needed to wet our whistle.

 

[chamonix]

Did you ask them to stock the fridges for you and they declined? I would think if they can place the gifts, etc in the room, they could add a few bottles of soda or water to the fridges no problem. I seem to recall hearing other resorts had done that in their suites.

What floor is this suite on? What is the difference Location-wise that makes the VP suite better?

Thanks for posting this, I am hoping to include a stay there in the near future.

 

[VAgal76]

Did you ask them to stock the fridges for you and they declined? I would think if they can place the gifts, etc in the room, they could add a few bottles of soda or water to the fridges no problem. I seem to recall hearing other resorts had done that in their suites.

What floor is this suite on? What is the difference Location-wise that makes the VP suite better?

Thanks for posting this, I am hoping to include a stay there in the near future.

Both Pres & VP suites are on the 5th floor. The Pres suite is on the Kuba trail (or the left if you're facing the back of the lobby towards the Arusha Rock) while the VP suite is on the Zebra trail (to the right). I prefer the Zebra trail because you can normally see the ankole cattle better from that trail then the Kuba trail. I didn't ask them to stock the fridge for me, but I'm sure I wouldn't been the first one to ask them to do so. The only suite I had a stocked fridge was the CR on the 14th floor. I don't know if any other resort stocks the fridges for you.

 

[YCFAN]

How long did you stay in the suite? Did they leave you any arrival gifts from the hotel? When I stayed in the Graceland Suite at the Hard Rock Hotel they brought amenities daily to the suite as a little surprise. It was a very nice touch. Just wondering if they did anything like this at AKL. The Newport Suite looks very nice too!

 

[VAgal76]

I had concierge purchase golden mickey ears and had them personalized, pin/lanyard sets and some extra pins for our group as keepsakes. My MIL is now a pin addict - LOL! I didn't get a special welcome gift like that of the BC. I'd have to agree a welcome gift is an added touch. I spent 4 nights in the Royal Asante suite.

 

[paladin]

Just thought I would post on my experiences so far with the IPO for BWI. In a word - fantastic! They have been quick to reply and have taken care of everything (including my many changes ) quickly and efficiently. We decided the we might like to try an Illuminations Cruise, but of course I have read all the threads about people having to call first thing 90 days out. So I asked requested it through IPO and sure enough, a few hours later it was all booked (and this is only 49 days out). I can see why people say that once you stay concierge, you're spoiled!

 

[VAgal76]

Just thought I would post on my experiences so far with the IPO for BWI. In a word - fantastic! They have been quick to reply and have taken care of everything (including my many changes ) quickly and efficiently. We decided the we might like to try an Illuminations Cruise, but of course I have read all the threads about people having to call first thing 90 days out. So I asked requested it through IPO and sure enough, a few hours later it was all booked (and this is only 49 days out). I can see why people say that once you stay concierge, you're spoiled!

Absolutely, positively 100% spoiled rotten! I loved dealing with the girls at BWI/YC/BC IPO. Like Tammimcman has once posted - "It's like planning a vacation with your best bud."

 

[paladin]

I'm afraid that this concierge experience is going to make me want to go to WDW even more often. Oh, the horror

 

[YCFAN]

The YC/BC/BWI IPO group is great!! I have continued through the years keeping in touch with some of them and they are truly considered friends now. They are just the best.

 

[garada3]

Hi Experts

Now that the ADR policy has changed to 180 days out, should I contact the GF RPC planners?

Our trip isn't until May and I have been restraining myself from contacting IPO until closer to the trip

We can now make ADRs next week

Should I go ahead and contact IPO?

Thanks!

 

[VAgal76]

Hi Experts

Now that the ADR policy has changed to 180 days out, should I contact the GF RPC planners?

Our trip isn't until May and I have been restraining myself from contacting IPO until closer to the trip

We can now make ADRs next week

Should I go ahead and contact IPO?

Thanks!

Absolutely contact them TODAY so they can put your request in their system. I contacted IPO way before it was time to make the ressies.

 

[KristineN]

Yes...I would like to know now that the policy has changed to 180 days...when is the proper time to contact IPO?

 

[garada3]

Absolutely contact them TODAY so they can put your request in their system.

Thanks for the response!

Next question...

does GF IPO send out a planner that you can fill out and email back?

When we stayed at the Polynesian, in response to my introductory email, the IPO staff sent a planner that I filled in with our requests and sent back.

I was just wondering if GF RPC did this also or should I just send a list of requests.

Thanks.