Useful Concierge Information

[Iggipolka]

I seem to remember hearing that AKL had Concierge level Villas now. You might want to look into that.

That's true. DVC members have Concierge level Villas that are on the same floor as the CC is. We're staying in a one-bedroom in June!

 

[Lilysmom]

I seem to remember hearing that AKL had Concierge level Villas now. You might want to look into that.

I believe the villas are on the concierge floor if you are able to book one of those.

 

[irish dancer]

The 6th floor (where the lounge is located) at AKL is now DVC, I've learned from researching for our Oct trip that there are 5 2br lock-offs which means 5 1brs and 5 studios that can be rented seperately or combined as a 2br. 3 of these are savanah view and 2 are pool view. Since that is not many rooms DVC owners are finding it hard to book a concierge level room so they might not be available for a cash reservation.

 

[betterlatethannever]

So, the entire 5th floor is now DVC. But none of these rooms (on the 5th floor) have concierge lounge access. Correct?

I guess I am trying to figure out whether the concierge lounge now handles twice (or nearly twice) as many people. It sounds like it doesn't.

Ed

 

[irish dancer]

So, the entire 5th floor is now DVC. But none of these rooms (on the 5th floor) have concierge lounge access. Correct?

I guess I am trying to figure out whether the concierge lounge now handles twice (or nearly twice) as many people. It sounds like it doesn't.

Ed

Correct, the 5th floor is DVC but does not have concierge access. The 6th floor is also DVC and those rooms have concierge access.

 

[JoanneNC]

I have always received a phone call or email back from AKL CL withing just a few hours - each time I have called/emailed them.
They all have been great - I hope to meet them all in a few days...

 

[Wee Annie]

Hi!

This may be a stupid question, but are there any disadvantages (or benefits) to using a travel agent to book a concierge-level reservation? Will they still help you plan, get ADRs, etc., if you are using an agent who is a Disney specialist (and who would do this for you also)?

Can the IPO (correct abbrev.?) help you in any way that a travel agent can't?

I'm thinking of using a travel agent so that I can stay on top of any discounts that might be offered, but wonder if their services might be redundant.

Any insight anyone can shed on this would be greatly appreciated!!

TIA!

 

[VAgal76]

Hi!

This may be a stupid question, but are there any disadvantages (or benefits) to using a travel agent to book a concierge-level reservation? Will they still help you plan, get ADRs, etc., if you are using an agent who is a Disney specialist (and who would do this for you also)?

Can the IPO (correct abbrev.?) help you in any way that a travel agent can't?

I'm thinking of using a travel agent so that I can stay on top of any discounts that might be offered, but wonder if their services might be redundant.

Any insight anyone can shed on this would be greatly appreciated!!

TIA!

A TA and IPO serve completely different roles. IPO is not going to be able to stay on top of the latest and greatest room deals for you. I've found a TA can do most of what IPO does with the exception of hard to book reservations such as early AM CRT reservations, specialty firework cruises (Breathless/Grand1), etc. A TA can get them, but I really feel IPO has the inside track on these specific items. IPO will put your request in the system and it's automated with the exception of the specialty firework cruises. They still have to call the marina for that. For normal dining a Disney specialist TA is really all you need. Most of them offer it as an additional service just for their clients. It could be one stop shopping for you. It seems like a waste to stay concierge level if you aren't using IPO but I've had the concierge team assist me in plenty of other things while on property. They can also arrange to have gifts in your room upon arrival. Just have something in mind and your credit card handy.

HTH!

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

Is there any way to get this guaranteed? I would even stay on a lower MKV floor with Atrium Access if I needed to. I have done this before at AKL conci for a SAV view.

 

[VAgal76]

Is there any way to get this guaranteed? I would even stay on a lower MKV floor with Atrium Access if I needed to. I have done this before at AKL conci for a SAV view.

I thought they had MK view versus lake view that you could choose and prices reflected the view choice because of all the room view requests. Have they done away with this or was it just regular rooms? It's been since a while since I stayed at CR and they weren't completely done with that floor yet. I stayed on their "makeshift" Atrium club level.

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

I thought they had MK view versus lake view that you could choose and prices reflected the view choice because of all the room view requests. Have they done away with this or was it just regular rooms? It's been since a while since I stayed at CR and they weren't completely done with that floor yet. I stayed on their "makeshift" Atrium club level.

They told me the view category choice was just for suites when I called tonight. I just can't justify a suite. We are rarely in the room. I just like the quick morning bite. Now if they want to upgrade me to a suite that would be a different story.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Is there any way to get this guaranteed? I would even stay on a lower MKV floor with Atrium Access if I needed to. I have done this before at AKL conci for a SAV view.

There is no way to be guaranteed a Magic Kingdom view when staying on the Atrium Club 12th floor. You can request one but it's nothing more then a request. So if a Magic Kingdom view is that important to you then maybe you should just book a Magic Kingdom view and stay on a regular floor in the Tower. The only way to guarantee a Club Level room with the Magic Kingdom view is to make a reservation for one of the various suites on the Tower Club 14th floor, that say Magic Kingdom view in the room description. You also can not book a regular Magic Kingdom view room and pay the Atrium Club rate to gain access to the lounge on the 12th floor.

Also to VAgal76, you are correct that when staying on a regular Tower floor the Magic Kingdom view is more expensive then the Bay Lake view. However on the Atrium Club floor the rooms up there are the exact same price, expect they are both more expensive then the Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake views on the regular floors.

 

[Wee Annie]

A TA and IPO serve completely different roles. IPO is not going to be able to stay on top of the latest and greatest room deals for you. I've found a TA can do most of what IPO does with the exception of hard to book reservations such as early AM CRT reservations, specialty firework cruises (Breathless/Grand1), etc. A TA can get them, but I really feel IPO has the inside track on these specific items. IPO will put your request in the system and it's automated with the exception of the specialty firework cruises. They still have to call the marina for that. For normal dining a Disney specialist TA is really all you need. Most of them offer it as an additional service just for their clients. It could be one stop shopping for you. It seems like a waste to stay concierge level if you aren't using IPO but I've had the concierge team assist me in plenty of other things while on property. They can also arrange to have gifts in your room upon arrival. Just have something in mind and your credit card handy.

HTH!

Thanks for the info, VAgal76! I'd like to stay concierge because we may be sticking around the resort more than others might with a toddler (and would love to be able to get snacks/a bite to eat throughout the day for her and her two older sisters). We don't go to WDW often, so I would love to do it up! (We'll be staying at the Poly!) When it comes to Disney, the one thing I've learned is to always have my credit card handy....

BTW, took me forever to figure out what HTH means. I'm a little slow sometimes.... (I got it eventually)

 

[ang38]

I just found out that we have been upgraded to the Honeymoon Suite at the WL for our anniversary trip. Has anyone stayed in one before or know anything about the views etc? I really want a Bay Lake View and requested one. I know that isn't guaranteed. I Just don't want to wind up with a view of the rooftops if that is what the hm suites have. I also don't want to sound ungrateful. I did book club level so it is a bit of an upgrade. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks~~

 

[brergnat]

I just found out that we have been upgraded to the Honeymoon Suite at the WL for our anniversary trip. Has anyone stayed in one before or know anything about the views etc? I really want a Bay Lake View and requested one. I know that isn't guaranteed. I Just don't want to wind up with a view of the rooftops if that is what the hm suites have. I also don't want to sound ungrateful. I did book club level so it is a bit of an upgrade. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks~~

There are only 4 honeymoon suites. Request one on the NORTH side of the lodge (facing MK). You will LOVE the view, trust me (Contemporary, MK, Grand Floridian, and Seven Seas Lagoon, PLUS fireworks nightly!).

The rooms are located on the 7th floor, 2 on each side of the lodge. 2 are on the side where Whispering Canyon Cafe is and the other two are on the side where the check in desk is (these two have views of the roofs of the villas next door...if you can avoid them, try to!).

 

[ang38]

Ok..but how would I request something that they actually gave me? I mean, I requested a club level room facing Bay Lake and then they upgraded me to a hm suite. Do I email them and say "by the way, thanks for the upgrade but can you make sure it's on the north side of the hotel?" I really don't know what is correct. What would you do? Or should I wait till check in and then ask them if it's the north side and if they say no request to be moved there and if that's not possible request to be given what I asked for in the beginning ?

There are only 4 honeymoon suites. Request one on the NORTH side of the lodge (facing MK). You will LOVE the view, trust me (Contemporary, MK, Grand Floridian, and Seven Seas Lagoon, PLUS fireworks nightly!).

The rooms are located on the 7th floor, 2 on each side of the lodge. 2 are on the side where Whispering Canyon Cafe is and the other two are on the side where the check in desk is (these two have views of the roofs of the villas next door...if you can avoid them, try to!).

 

[brergnat]

Ok..but how would I request something that they actually gave me? I mean, I requested a club level room facing Bay Lake and then they upgraded me to a hm suite. Do I email them and say "by the way, thanks for the upgrade but can you make sure it's on the north side of the hotel?" I really don't know what is correct. What would you do? Or should I wait till check in and then ask them if it's the north side and if they say no request to be moved there and if that's not possible request to be given what I asked for in the beginning ?

I understand you not wanting to sound rude or anything about a free upgrade. However, I would make it clear that the view is EXTREMELY important to you. Although, to be fair, when you book concierge at WL, you could end up ANYWHERE on the 7th floor, and your view could stink, request be darned! The Honeymoon suites are pretty awesome...we stayed in one for our honeymoon. The bathroom is where it's at! There is a HUGE whirlpool tub/shower combo that has a waterfall faucet. Plus, you'll get a king sized bed (you might end up with 2 queen beds instead). I'd take the honeymoon suite, no question! When you check in, politely ask about the view. Or, make a request on the reservation for a "nice view". They'll know what you want.

Good luck! I would KEEP the honeymoon suite, though. The location of them is awesome. They open up to the main lobby, and they are not noisy inside the rooms. But, to leave your room and look down...amazing! Plus, you're steps from the concierge lounge and elevators to the lobby. It's perfect!

 

[ang38]

I understand you not wanting to sound rude or anything about a free upgrade. However, I would make it clear that the view is EXTREMELY important to you. Although, to be fair, when you book concierge at WL, you could end up ANYWHERE on the 7th floor, and your view could stink, request be darned! The Honeymoon suites are pretty awesome...we stayed in one for our honeymoon. The bathroom is where it's at! There is a HUGE whirlpool tub/shower combo that has a waterfall faucet. Plus, you'll get a king sized bed (you might end up with 2 queen beds instead). I'd take the honeymoon suite, no question! When you check in, politely ask about the view. Or, make a request on the reservation for a "nice view". They'll know what you want.

Good luck! I would KEEP the honeymoon suite, though. The location of them is awesome. They open up to the main lobby, and they are not noisy inside the rooms. But, to leave your room and look down...amazing! Plus, you're steps from the concierge lounge and elevators to the lobby. It's perfect!

Ok...then I'll keep it and on check in nicely ask if we have a room with a view.The king bed would be nice since that's what we have at home and walking out with a lobby view would be great.I'll just keep my fingers crossed Thanks for your help!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

ang when are you going?

 

[dogladyjw]

I booked thru a travel agent at AAA and AKL sent me a set of papers to be filled out and returned and they called me.