Useful Concierge Information

[honeymo78]

that's the email I have been using. I had requested someone in my initial email but that wasn't who I got.

 

[Dis Ohana]

Also, is there a way we can request Calvin to help us? He sounds like he would be good.

When I wrote back I put in the subject line "Attn: Calvin" and he always responded. I wrote recently to add some ADR's and didn't put it to his attention, but he was the one to respond.
If it is the same Calvin, he is wonderful to work with. I am staying at two other CL deluxe resorts and he and Don at AKL are by far the most responsive. In fact, I haven't really asked much of Calvin since Don takes care of everything for me. All around great service so far . From the BC/YC I just got a generic type email in the beginning and haven't heard from them since.

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

Does anyone have a suggestion for a certain CM to address concierge correspondance's to at WL? Our trip is 117 days away and I am looking to set up some things for the family.

Thanks!

 

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

Does anyone have a suggestion for a certain CM to address concierge correspondance's to at WL? Our trip is 117 days away and I am looking to set up some things for the family.

Thanks!

Actually, they request that in the subject line of your email, that you just put your last name, the dates of your trip, and your reservation #.

 

[mirlow]

Looking for some opinions from others who have stayed at other CL's.
Right now we are booked in a LVC room at the Polynesian. Originally I was looking at adding three nights at the RPC, but there was no discount so I
settled for SL. We'll I was looking online and saw that I could book an AKL Deluxe CL room and I jumped on it. I thought this would be our last chance to stay there doing CL being that we are a family of five. I booked it and started making plans for our visit. We enjoy staying at the AKL so we can just hang out and relax at the resort. I emailed Don with all of our requests and later that afternoon I got a call from Guest Services saying that the computer should not have allowed us to make the reservation and that we would need to switch resorts. He offered us a two bedroom at SSR, but I told him we were interested in sticking with CL. He asked where I would be interested in and I said the CR or GF. There wasn't room at the CR, but SL
was available so I took it.

Now I'm second guessing my choice. While I enjoy SL I don't love it. There is no view and the lounge is so small and not a great place for the kids to just relax in. I'm wondering about the BWI? We have never stayed there and have wanted to give it a try. Wouldn't I have a chance of getting a room with a view over there? The lounge looks like a nice place to relax. Is it open all day? I know my older two kids would enjoy it over there more than at the GF although I personally like the GF more.

I'm driving my dh nuts. He said to just "leave well enough alone". I know I would have a geat time at SL it's just those couple of things that would make it a bit nicer I've got a number of things planned at the GF (spa, golf, restaurants, etc) I could easily change them like I was going to when were were switching to the AKL.

I don't even know if I can modify our relocated reservation or not?

You know what stinks is that the computer is still showing the AKL Deluxe CL rooms available. Oh Well

 

[KerryCM]

I stay at the BWI CL all the time. It is my favorite out of all the ones I have tried. The lounge is open all day and the cast is wonderful. You could get a deluxe room there with a bW view. I am not sure what they have available for your dates though.

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

Looking for some opinions from others who have stayed at other CL's.
Right now we are booked in a LVC room at the Polynesian. Originally I was looking at adding three nights at the RPC, but there was no discount so I
settled for SL. We'll I was looking online and saw that I could book an AKL Deluxe CL room and I jumped on it. I thought this would be our last chance to stay there doing CL being that we are a family of five. I booked it and started making plans for our visit. We enjoy staying at the AKL so we can just hang out and relax at the resort. I emailed Don with all of our requests and later that afternoon I got a call from Guest Services saying that the computer should not have allowed us to make the reservation and that we would need to switch resorts. He offered us a two bedroom at SSR, but I told him we were interested in sticking with CL. He asked where I would be interested in and I said the CR or GF. There wasn't room at the CR, but SL
was available so I took it.

Now I'm second guessing my choice. While I enjoy SL I don't love it. There is no view and the lounge is so small and not a great place for the kids to just relax in. I'm wondering about the BWI? We have never stayed there and have wanted to give it a try. Wouldn't I have a chance of getting a room with a view over there? The lounge looks like a nice place to relax. Is it open all day? I know my older two kids would enjoy it over there more than at the GF although I personally like the GF more.

I'm driving my dh nuts. He said to just "leave well enough alone". I know I would have a geat time at SL it's just those couple of things that would make it a bit nicer I've got a number of things planned at the GF (spa, golf, restaurants, etc) I could easily change them like I was going to when were were switching to the AKL.

I don't even know if I can modify our relocated reservation or not?

You know what stinks is that the computer is still showing the AKL Deluxe CL rooms available. Oh Well

DW and I stayed at BWI 10 years ago and we enjoyed it. There were enough activities on the boardwalk to entertain kids for a bit. Not to mention the bakery on the boardwalk. I don't know how old your kids are and we didn't stay CL when we went so I am not sure about the size of the lounge etc... If you enjoy Epcot and spend a lot of time there, it's a nice resort due to the locale...within walking distance of Epcot.

Across the lake and a few minute stroll is Beaches and Cream which is nice also. I hope this was somewhat useful.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

ok..I totally changed resorts today..now I am at the Yacht Club
So now I am considering CL..just because I wasnt happy w/ WL's IPO, considering trying again.
Tammi Mcann had a wonderful trip reportThanks for sharing
I told DH I know he wanted WL...but we have a mini "wilderness" every weekend in WI...I lvoed the GF...but want to try something different. Have visited BC...sorry off topic.

I will read up on YC CL...does anyone have any feedback in the mean time?

 

[Sazzo'sMommy]

Just back form YC CL...a definite must do! If you like CL and are at the YC...stay at theirs! The BC, YC, & BWI IPO is the best! In my many stays at all 3 CL'c they have never let me down!

The lounge is nice and never felt really crowded or small!

I give our experience there !

 

[DisneyBride'03]

I did it!!!!

Juct booked YC CL!!!! So excited can't even spell...lol

Did GV...but not worried abt the view!!!

Thanks for your comments!!

 

[sfbank]

mirlow-I agree with KerryCM-BWI is the our favorite too! We love the resort and the staff is the best!! You won't be disappointed!

 

[jmkrat]

There must be something to that old saying 3rd time is the charm. I have finally heard from the Contemporary IPO office. They indeed got my e-mails, and will send an itinerary next week. The CM did not sign the e-mail, but I think it is Larry from the color of text used and the way the e-mail was written. I am happy now, not so happy it took so long but still happy.

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

There must be something to that old saying 3rd time is the charm. I have finally heard from the Contemporary IPO office. They indeed got my e-mails, and will send an itinerary next week. The CM did not sign the e-mail, but I think it is Larry from the color of text used and the way the e-mail was written. I am happy now, not so happy it took so long but still happy.

I have a question...when you emailed the IPO what did you include in your email? I feel like I have gotten an automated response aside from 1 sentence answering only 1 of my questions for them.
Did you inlclude the dates/times that you wanted ADRs? What exactly were you asking for. This is our first time @ concierge level and I want to take advantage of the services without being a pest.
Any additional advice would be appreciated.

 

[jmkrat]

I have a question...when you emailed the IPO what did you include in your email? I feel like I have gotten an automated response aside from 1 sentence answering only 1 of my questions for them.
Did you inlclude the dates/times that you wanted ADRs? What exactly were you asking for. This is our first time @ concierge level and I want to take advantage of the services without being a pest.
Any additional advice would be appreciated.

When are you going? They more than likely will send you an itinerary that looks like it was automated. This has changed since I went in March. I got an e-mail that was from Corps something ( sorry I don't have it in front of me). I nearly deleted it. It contained my itinerary to fill out. I couldn't fill it out and e-mailed the IPO at Contemporary to send me a new on that I could fill out. They did and sent a note with it. I have since discovered that I could save the automated one as a draft in my e-mail and then type away. I am not computer savvy. If you e-mail them include your last name, reservation number, and dates in the e-mail header. Then again in the actual text. Don't worry about being a pest, you are paying for their services. If you need answers or you need something you should be able to get a response. I am always positive in what I say, and thank them for what the have done or thank them in advance for what I am asking. I always ask for an updated itinerary as soon as possible. If you don't hear from them keep trying. The IPO at the Contemporary have been the only one's that I have had problems with. But they do step up once you e-mail them enough or get the right CM. One thing I might mention is that if you book through a TA (travel agent) make sure that they have forwarded your information to the appropiate IPO. I had a travel agent years ago that never did. I had no idea that the IPO office even did the planning for you ( yes, I was very green). I had to contact the IPO for some allergy requests and the CM I spoke to said they were trying to find a way to get a hold of me. That they had contacted my TA several times to get information. I went through general WDW communications who in turn gave me the IPO e-mail address too. I never used that TA again, however I still use a TA today. She is a Disney specialist and wonderful. I hadn't discovered these boards yet either, so I was really lost. Good Luck with your planning.

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

When are you going? They more than likely will send you an itinerary that looks like it was automated. This has changed since I went in March. I got an e-mail that was from Corps something ( sorry I don't have it in front of me). I nearly deleted it. It contained my itinerary to fill out. I couldn't fill it out and e-mailed the IPO at Contemporary to send me a new on that I could fill out. They did and sent a note with it. I have since discovered that I could save the automated one as a draft in my e-mail and then type away. I am not computer savvy. If you e-mail them include your last name, reservation number, and dates in the e-mail header. Then again in the actual text. Don't worry about being a pest, you are paying for their services. If you need answers or you need something you should be able to get a response. I am always positive in what I say, and thank them for what the have done or thank them in advance for what I am asking. I always ask for an updated itinerary as soon as possible. If you don't hear from them keep trying. The IPO at the Contemporary have been the only one's that I have had problems with. But they do step up once you e-mail them enough or get the right CM. One thing I might mention is that if you book through a TA (travel agent) make sure that they have forwarded your information to the appropiate IPO. I had a travel agent years ago that never did. I had no idea that the IPO office even did the planning for you ( yes, I was very green). I had to contact the IPO for some allergy requests and the CM I spoke to said they were trying to find a way to get a hold of me. That they had contacted my TA several times to get information. I went through general WDW communications who in turn gave me the IPO e-mail address too. I never used that TA again, however I still use a TA today. She is a Disney specialist and wonderful. I hadn't discovered these boards yet either, so I was really lost. Good Luck with your planning.

Thanks, I am due to arrive on Halloween. I am in the process of making a list of "requests" that I would like to have in place for our kids first visit. I will certainly ask for the Itinerary Plan, since I have not received that yet. I had already made 2 ADR's but was hoping to have the times adjusted.

I guess I will just persist and be happy.

BTW, we are staying at WL...

 

[TammiMcMan]

I will certainly ask for the Itinerary Plan, since I have not received that yet. I had already made 2 ADR's but was hoping to have the times adjusted.

Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a common procedure setup for the IPO departments. Some people automatically get contacted, while others have to initiate it. Some automatically get the itinerary planner, while others don't. It's not something that is critical in planning. My suggestion is that if you have ADR's you'd like them to try and get for you, give them as much information as possible. For example:

I would like an ADR for 4 people on Oct 16 at O'Hanas. Our preferred time is 6pm, however we can be flexible for an hour earlier or later.

By doing it this way, if they cannot meet your specific request, at least you don't waste time going back and forth with e-mails to find out what's acceptable to you. Sometimes I'll even give a second choice if the first one can't be met. That's probably one of the biggest problems with booking ADR's through IPO, communication. If it's you on the phone with dining, then it's figured out immediately, as opposed to IPO who has to go back and contact you with the other choices, or make a choice for you and hope it's what you would have wanted.

 

[jmkrat]

Thanks, I am due to arrive on Halloween. I am in the process of making a list of "requests" that I would like to have in place for our kids first visit. I will certainly ask for the Itinerary Plan, since I have not received that yet. I had already made 2 ADR's but was hoping to have the times adjusted.

I guess I will just persist and be happy.

BTW, we are staying at WL...

If you have made some of your own ADR's you can ask them to add them to your itinerary. They send you a schedule of your ADR's and anything else you may have booked. I had to ask for mine last year and I am doing so this year too. Give them your information of your booked ADR's with confirmation numbers and dates/times. They will be happy to add it to your itinerary schedule. I just like having it all neatly written up for me, I tend to write on anything that is available and that can get confusing. I did it last year with a Segway Tour I had booked, and Cirque show my TA booked for me. They added it to my list with no problem. I always ask for an updated itinerary ASAP. But, of course nicely. I like filling out the form its easier for me, but once I have I just e-mail them with changes. They will book your transportation to and from the airport too. The form includes that information as well. You can send it to them too, you really don't need the form. Just make sure you follow up with them to make sure your reservations have been made. In my case they did make them 2 weeks ago, but no one got back to me.

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

Ok, I have sent another email to the IPO at WL. I have indicated items and requests, asked for the itinerary form to be provided, I included already booked ADR's and inquired about some others.

I do appreciate all of the help this board has provided thus far.

Have a Magical Day!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Troop...good luck, I am hoping to hear some positive comments regarding WL IPO. I was recently booked, but unhappy with the communication, or lack thereof.
Happy to say we are now at YC CL....
I sent WL CL an email last Tuesday to their email...never heard a word. I am giving them til this Tuesday, and will write another, to perhaps someone else.
I will be looking forward to your comments I really do hope you receive better service than I

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

Troop...good luck, I am hoping to hear some positive comments regarding WL IPO. I was recently booked, but unhappy with the communication, or lack thereof.
Happy to say we are now at YC CL....
I sent WL CL an email last Tuesday to their email...never heard a word. I am giving them til this Tuesday, and will write another, to perhaps someone else.
I will be looking forward to your comments I really do hope you receive better service than I

The YC is across the lake from BI, correct? I think I remember strolling through there when DW and I were on our Disneymoon. We chose the WL because of the location to MK, not too close and not too far.

I have received emails back from WL IPO within 24 hours of sending them out. I am hoping for more personalized response this time, if not than I shall certainly call and speak with someone. I am hoping it will get better. FYI the name on the bottom of all emails that I get back is JoAnn.

I will keep you posted as I get more info...