Useful Concierge Information

[Angel16]

Hi Everyone I have enjoyed reading about all your plans, ideas and questions and answers over the last few weeks. Now, I have a question for anyone that can help. We are going to Poly Concierge and AKL Concierge in Sept/Oct. We have stayed at AKL CL before and did both the Sunrise Safari and the evening safari with dinner at Jiko's. They both were wonderful, we are even thinking of repeating them again this trip. However there is a new concierge level safari called "Wildlife Discovery Excursion" it only available to concierge level guests, but it does not have to be AKL concierge only guest. Has anyone experienced this Safari/Excursion? What did you think? Where did you go? I would appreciate any help I can get at all.

Angel

 

[HINative]

Hi Angel -

We did the Wildlife Discovery Excursion in late April (last month) and really enjoyed it. In my opinion, it was better than the Backstage Safari, which we took the next day (which included a personal trek through Kilimanjaro Safaris).

You travel through the safari area in a bus (seats maybe 20 people) with very large windows. The driver takes you through areas slowly (and often parks off of the main road) so that you can take pictures.

Also on board the bus is a staff member from the AK telling us about the different animals. We enjoyed having our questions answered about the different animal behaviors, how the staff cared for them, etc. etc.

All in all a great trip. If you liked the Wanyama Safari - think of this as a Wanyama-like excursion through Africa. I'd give it a 9 out of 10 (if only they could add on Sundowners and a dinner at Jikos...) )

Enjoy!

Iris

 

[VAgal76]

Hi Everyone! So excited because we just booked BWI concierge for August (largely because of the great reviews I've read on this and other threads). We stayed AKL CL last August and are now hooked (drat, I mean yeah!). Anyway, I was wondering if anybody has any ideas about room requests. I've never even been over to the BW area (hard to believe that we've neglected this place in all of our visits). I've seen maps of the resort, but have no idea where the concierge rooms are located or what we should be aware of for requests. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Flyball - I'll be experiencing BWI next week for the first time, too. I booked the deluxe room since they all have a Boardwalk view, which I think I would enjoy more. I've also requested 4th floor to be closer to the lounge. Water/Boardwalk views I guess would be prime real estate - LOL! KerryCM is the best person to answer this question since she's the only one that I know that has stayed so many times in the past (it's her favorite resort). I think regular CL rooms have a mix of views and I'm not really sure what the choices are other than gardens and Boardwalk/water.

 

[KerryCM]

Flyball You are at my favorite resort!!! The concierge rooms are located on the 4th floor with 3 deluxe rooms on the 3rd. Deluxe rooms all have a BW view. Even numbered rooms are BW view and odd numbered rooms are garden view. The garden view rooms overlook the garden suites and quiet pool. I have had both views and enjoyed both. If you want to people watch then ask for a BW view room. Of course there is a price difference. The deluxe rooms are wonderful. the extra space is great. You have picked a great resort to stay at. The cast of the Innkeeper's Club go above and beyond for their guest. Any other questions please ask.

 

[Chicago526]

Chicago526 - First time CL stay-er - LOVE IT! Beware, once you go CL it's going to be sooo hard to return to non-concierge. GF is one I've always wanted to try, but just haven't been able to twist my DH's arm enough to go. I can't wait to hear how things went for you. Sending some pixie dust to you for an upgrade. Are you celebrating a special ocassion?

We'll be on our honeymoon!

 

[flyball]

Flyball You are at my favorite resort!!! The concierge rooms are located on the 4th floor with 3 deluxe rooms on the 3rd. Deluxe rooms all have a BW view. Even numbered rooms are BW view and odd numbered rooms are garden view. The garden view rooms overlook the garden suites and quiet pool. I have had both views and enjoyed both. If you want to people watch then ask for a BW view room. Of course there is a price difference. The deluxe rooms are wonderful. the extra space is great. You have picked a great resort to stay at. The cast of the Innkeeper's Club go above and beyond for their guest. Any other questions please ask.

Thanks so much, KerryCM! I'm a little confused about something you said regarding the price difference between the regular garden view rooms and the BW/water view rooms. When I booked, the CM said we would have either one of those views, but never mentioned an extra charge for the BW view. I wonder if I should give them a call and find out. Judging by your response, it sounds like both views are desirable. I think that for our first time, it would be nice to view the BW/water, since the large expanse of water is the only thing I really missed when we stayed at AKL. If all the regular concierge rooms are on the 4th floor, can I assume that none of them are very far from the lounge? Thanks for all of your help!

 

[KerryCM]

I would call CRO to make sure about the price difference. To guarentee a BW view I would book a deluxe if you can. I didn't feel it was a long walk to the lounge from the rooms, but it is a hike to the elevators. I also loved using the quiet pool opposed to the main pool. You can always mention it to your planner that you really want a BW view. You are going to be very impressed with the IPO. They can work some great magic for their guests.

 

[flyball]

I've been thinking that we'll be using the private pool as well, as my DDs (12 and 13) are not really fond of that weird looking clown face and the private pool setting looks beautiful! Do you know if there's a huge price difference between the deluxe and regular concierge rooms?

 

[VAgal76]

Flyball - There is about an $85 difference between the two. They also offer AP discounts on the concierge deluxe rooms. I didn't know if you were a passholder. Here are the rack rates I pulled off www.allearsnet.com:

Room Type Value Regular Peak Holiday
1/1-2/16, 4/17-7/4 2/17-4/16 12/20-12/31
7/5-10/4 10/5-11/26
11/27-12/19

Concierge $435 $490 $565 $625
Concierge Deluxe $520 $570 $630 $690

Hope this helps. The deluxes have quite a bit more room than the standard CL rooms and have a fold out sofa so it can accommodate 6 people. I got it just to guarantee a BW view myself.

 

[Tess]

I'll second (or third) that vote for the deluxe concierge rooms! We had a BW/water view when we stayed at BWI and these rooms are terrific! While it was just my husband and I when we stayed at BWI, we loved the room. We also enjoyed the quiet pool setting while we were there. We ventured over to the themed pool as well, but we also loved the secluded quiet pool setting. The extra space in the deluxe rooms and the view of the Boardwalk area was really great!

 

[hedwig]

First time posting, long time reader-
Tammi- 14th flor CR is awesome!

We have stayed there twice in the past two years and DH doesn't want to stay anywhere else. Here is a run down of how it went last time-

I received a welcome letter with maps etc and a questionairre about 90 days out. I emailed my answers back to them. I had my iteniary back within a day, with the times I wanted for everything. I made changes a couple of times, and each time received a new iteniary back. They even helped me with Disney Florist for a gift for my children when we got there. The emails were only signed generally- but I assumed that whoever was there that day or hour just took care of it so you were not waiting for someone specific to fulfill your request.

When we arrived at CR, we pulled to the gate with our car, and the CM at the gate already had us down and gave us our parking card. We then went up to the valet to deposit our luggage, we told them we were with concierge, and they called up to have someone come get us. As we went through the front doors, our Concierge CM was right there to escort us to the 14th floor. She showed everyone the lounge and give the children a coloring book and crayons. The desk is right off the elevator- so you see the CM right away. We checked in, and since we wanted a MK view, and it wasn't ready ( we were there early) they stored our luggage etc. while we went to the park.

The lounge is wonderful, the balcony with the MK view is magical, and the food offerings were great. They have the cappucino machine back in the kitchen, but all you have to do is ask and they make one for you.

The CM's here are wonderful ( well there was one who didn't do a lot - except play computer games- but was pleasant). They always said hi when they saw you and if you were leaving they said have a great day, and when you returned asked how was your day. Always asked if we needed something. I do have to say our CM who did turndown was the BEST! She was so nice and left extra chocolates for the children, and just very pleasant to talk to.

So I hope this helps, and if you have any questions, just let me know.

 

[BlueFairy1]

Going Concierge @ the Poly August 8th-14th. Stayed there years ago concierge and non concierge.....am really looking forward to it!! Has anyone experianced the service lately?

Thanks!!

 

[Angel16]

Hi Angel -

We did the Wildlife Discovery Excursion in late April (last month) and really enjoyed it. In my opinion, it was better than the Backstage Safari, which we took the next day (which included a personal trek through Kilimanjaro Safaris).

You travel through the safari area in a bus (seats maybe 20 people) with very large windows. The driver takes you through areas slowly (and often parks off of the main road) so that you can take pictures.

Also on board the bus is a staff member from the AK telling us about the different animals. We enjoyed having our questions answered about the different animal behaviors, how the staff cared for them, etc. etc.

All in all a great trip. If you liked the Wanyama Safari - think of this as a Wanyama-like excursion through Africa. I'd give it a 9 out of 10 (if only they could add on Sundowners and a dinner at Jikos...) )

Enjoy!

Iris

HINative Hi

Thank you for the information. From your discription it sounds like it would be fun and educational. I assume this is really new, as I don't see much chatter on the DIS regarding this tour. The price at $45.00 pp seems reasonable. We certainly enjoyed the Wanyama Safari. What a great afternoon evening that was. I think I'll book if DH would like to go

What island are you on in Hawaii? DH and myself love the islands, we are planning a trip to Maui/Hana late December into early January.
Thank you again Iris.

Aloha,
Angel

 

[Chicago526]

I just sent an e-mail to GF IPO (just a few seconds ago). Any idea of the turn around time? How soon should I expect to hear from them?

 

[Mister Disney]

I just sent an e-mail to GF IPO (just a few seconds ago). Any idea of the turn around time? How soon should I expect to hear from them?

That depends on the complexity of your requests. With the exception of one time, I have always received a response within 24 hours, normally even less than that.

Joey and Travis are incredible over there. They've humored me and my changes numerous times.

 

[funnybunny921]

Yea!!!

We got out itinerary from the CR CPO. We got every time slot we asked for We also have the wildlife discovery tour planned for a 10AM slot!!

I know I wasn't asking for anything hard (just dinner ressies) but it is so much easier to let someone else do the work. it's hard enough to pick where you want to go, but the waking up and calling and then finding out you don't get what you want and then to re-plan... well you get the point this is so much nicer

I am getting so excited

Now I just have to finish planning that pesky wedding so I can go on my disneymoon!!!

 

[wdwaholic]

Hi all-I love this thread -it has such great info.I do have one question that I can't seem to find the answer to tho.
We are staying AKL-C for three nites in Aug. and I have had some wonderful e-mails with Andrea,Sue and Don.I have given them a list of my requests and they will be beginning to book them starting today.My question is will they let me know on a day by day basis if they were successful or will they tell me all at once after they book all of them?I am only concerned re:an special Illum. cruise to surprise DH(Requesting Breathless to knock his socks off!!).What has been anyones experiences with confirming?

Thanks,
Trish

 

[eller]

It has been my experience to be email after all the ARs are set or not at all. If you have especially concered about your criuse email them and ask. Just let them know you are anxious about it and they will take great care of you!

Lori

 

[wdwaholic]

UPDATE
YIPPEE!!!
Just got an e-mail from AKL-C-so far all my requests were gotten-including the Breathless Illum cruise!!! my DH will be speechless(very rare event) I am already planning to book some days Concierge on our next years vacation and we haven't even experienced it in person yet!!
Andrea,Sue and Don are the best!!

Trish

 

[LoopyLoo]

We have also had an excellent service from Andrea Jack & Don from AKL C they have managed to get all my PS or AR as they are now known, they are so prompt in replying.