Useful Concierge Information

[lovesdumbo]

I could really see it going either way as DD is quite the naturalist (from her Dad the horticulturalist) but I'd be so upset if she disturbed other people paying a lot of money for the experience. I'm going to book them both on the Behind the Seeds Tour at Land instead. I know she'll LOVE that one and DH will too.

I'm trying to plot out all my dining plans as we're getting close to 90 days. I tried to ask DH what he wanted to do and he actually said "as I recall there aren't all that many places to eat there". What would he ever do without me?

 

[lovesdumbo]

Look what I just found in my email from IPO:

The only ones she can attend if I remember correctly is the Wildlife Discovery Excursion tour, Behind the Seeds, and the Family Magic Tour (a scavenger hunt at the Magic Kingdom).

 

[TammiMcMan]

I had looked into the Behind the Seeds tour for my oldest DD. She is in college majoring in ecology, conservation biology. Her first love is marine life though, so I ended up going with the Epcot Living seas aqua tour. She got to see the manatees and the dolphins, plus some other behind the scenes stuff. The best part for her was being able to dive in the big tank. You don't need to be scuba certified, but you do use the tank. Kids as young as 8 can participate.

I wonder if our DH's were separated at birth? Mine never gives me any input on vacation plans, only the standard line of "you know what I like". It's a fine line that we walk, I love to have an itinerary and he'd prefer to go without a plan.

Looks like your vacation dates should put you in Poly concierge right after the rehabs are complete. I've never been a big fan of the theme, but those new rooms look really nice.

Tammi

 

[lovesdumbo]

I've got my fingers crossed on the Poly rehab. I figure they'll be doing their best to keep to the schedule. With 100 rooms out of service at at least $400/night that's a lot of lost revenue. DD just won't hear of any other resort. I asked her about the GF since we've walked over there several times and it has the sand beach and view of castle like Poly but she just says she only wants Poly. She's like her Dad that way-doesn't want to try anything new. Just this morning she was saying she didn't want to go to camp but she went and had a great time of course and can't wait to go tomorrow. So I'm sure she'd adjust if we have to but I'm hoping we don't have to. Wonder how she'll react to the Garden View? Poor little princess will have to walk to the lounge or beach.

I was actually very, very apprehensive about staying at the Poly my first time. Even looking at the photos before hand I thought I'd hate it but I stayed there because I thought it was the best choice being 6 months pregnant. And I've got to say that while I've like all the other resorts I've stayed at I LOVED the Poly. I found it so relaxing. It's like you're a world away from the parks yet you can see the castle and SM. I also really like all the seperate buildings but I can understand how some would prefer to have be in the same building as the lobby. I can't wait to see the new rooms. My DS will freak when he sees the new TV! How will I ever get him out and into the parks? As it is the only thing he says he wants to do is sit in the cars after Test Track (he loved the ride but claims he's not doing it again) and go Trick or Treating at MK. Hope the new day bed is still comfy.

I've got planning to do.....

 

[paladin]

The information that I received on the Wildlife Discovery Excursion says that "All Guests must be at least 3 years old."

 

[AlexandNessa]

jjhartsAs for limo transfers, I did use that service this past December. I believe it's the TrioTrans company that they use. We had a limo that picked up DH, myself and my two younger children and a town car took care of my oldest DD who flew in the day after us. We had no problems with our pickup, but DD got delayed in Atlanta due to weather and they did an excellent job keeping track of her and someone was there waiting for her almost 4 hours after she was due to arrive..

Tammi

Hi Tammi, I am just curious if you remember if the cost of TrioTrans was comparable to other noted transportation companies on these boards like FL Tours, Tiffany, and Happy Limo?

TIA!

 

[TammiMcMan]

AlexandNessa, the Trio Trans town car that we had for our DD ran about $20 more (one-way) and the stretch limo that we used was closer to $80 more (roundtrip). They do have a website, but you have to call or fill out an online request form for a rate. They can be found at www.triotrans.com .

Tammi

 

[twinmomplus2new]

To chime in on 2 items here.

First off I have done the Behind the seeds tour. with 3 adults my then 7 year old and at teh time 2 year old twins. ( The babies were in a stroller) Everyone enjoyed it and even the little ones were interested. They show you the natural pset control section, IE.. Lots of BUGS. The agator tanks, fish farming. We all thouroughly enjoyed it.

As for Limo trans.. Ducklite on these boards was kind enough to recommend Jimmy. Of Golden Limo, out of Altamonte Springs. He drove us in December on a last minute trip, after I hung up on Happy Limo in anger. We had a family medical issue and had to get last minute transportation. 2 days prior happy was called and the quote was almost 60 higher than the website.
Plus they wanted an extra $10 for early pick-up before 7am. and an extra $10 because they said AKL was So far out. Jimmy for a white stretch was around $40 total more.
We are taking him again in October I think my Quote was around $220 round trip, MCO to Yacht and Beach. Jimmy is a real sweetie and I do not hesitate to recommend him. By the way he was 20 minutes early for my Morning pick up and waiting with my flight departure time info double checked.

 

[#1hockeymom]

I'd also like to totally recommend Jimmy from Golden Limo! I never had a problem with Happy Limo, but they couldn't fit us in one day. I called Jimmy and it was no problem. After using him once, I realized how much better he was than the other companies! Three cheers for Jimmy!

 

[AlexandNessa]

Thanks for the info, Tammi! We have used FL Tours and TTC with success, and I was just curious as to how much more expensive it is to have the IPO office arrange transfers. Thanks again.

 

[KerryCM]

I used Trio-Trans in october. it was arranged through the IPO at the Epcot Resorts. The driver told me they are used by that IPO and the AK IPO. They were a little more than other companies, but I figures if the were booked through IPO I wouldn't have any issues. No money exchanged hands, only the tip. I would use them again.

I did the Wildlife excursion in May and it was wonderful. Our guide was in charge of the primates and was a wealth of knowledge. We went off the usual safari path and were able to stop and watch the animals and get great pictures. It was well worth the money.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I was going by published rates on some of the websites for the companies you mentioned. Based on the Golden Limo rate that Twinmom posted, TrioTrans was only $26 more (roundtrip) for the stretch limo. This was our first time using a car service and like KerryCM, the fact that YC IPO recommended them and made all the arrangements, I figured we were in good hands. DD18 was travelling alone the day after us and having the payment already taken care of with my credit card was another factor in our decision.

I think it's great to compare rates and get some feedback on the different companies. There are so many choices out there.

Tammi

 

[penel3]

I have not heard from WL concierge for my weekend trip Aug4-7, should I just e-mail them directly to make my requests? We only booked this about one week ago, so there is no delay on thier part, I just want to make my priority seatings soon. I am so EXCITED to go back!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

I have not heard from WL concierge for my weekend trip Aug4-7, should I just e-mail them directly to make my requests?

Absolutely give them a call or e-mail them directly. If you need it, all their contact information is on page 1 of this thread.

Have a great time.

 

[solotraveler]

Hi all!

I just booked a Concierge room at the Yacht Club for my January trip And as it is my first Concierge experience, I have a couple of questions.....

1. I booked my room through the WDW website. I know that when you book through a TA that you should contact the IPO directly, but will the IPO have my information from the web ressie or should I shoot them an e-mail?

2. I know that the concierges can set up all your dining reservations, spa appointments, tours, etc, etc, etc. Would it be out of line to ask them to get additional information for me for my stay.... say, what the schedule of speakers at the Health and Fitness Expo will be so I have it when I arrive... or would that be too much? (I don't want to come off as difficult-- LOL.)

3. Some people have mentioned the staff getting things for them pre-arrival. Again, what's acceptable and what isn't? I am assuming that if I asked for, say one of those White Chocolate Mickeys and some choclate truffles in my room for arrival that would be OK, but asking them to purchase marathon merchandise from the Expo ahead of time would be asking too much. Or am I off base here?

I am really looking forward to my stay and I REALLY don't want to seem demanding or difficult with the staff-- so I am trying to get a gauge on what is "good form" and what isn't.

Thank so much for your help!
Solotraveler

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi Solotraveler, we had a nice experience at the YC cl this past December. Sometimes the IPO department will not get your personal information if booked through a TA. I wouldn't hesitate to drop them an e-mail, introduce yourself and get the ball rolling. Alana, Amy, Angie and Lauren work in that department and IMO, they are absolutely the best to work with. They'll have a nice packet of information to send out to you complete with park maps, recreation guide, resort information, pre-planning questionnaire and a concierge elevator key.

If it's within their power to get you the information you need ahead of time, then they will take of that for you. The same thing with any park merchandise or other items that you'd like to have taken care of before you arrive. They will require your credit card and it will be charged as they purchase items for you, but I've had no problem with these types of requests. It's all part of the service. They are really there to take care of you and I don't know what would be considered pushing the limits. The one thing I do try and do is keep my changes down to a minimum. I think that would be more aggravating than anything else.

Have fun planning,
Tammi

 

[zachsmomie]

We are staying at the BC CL lounge in less than 2 weeks . In the evening, is their a charge for the beer and wine offerings or are they included in the CL price?

Thanks!

 

[VAgal76]

We are staying at the BC CL lounge in less than 2 weeks . In the evening, is their a charge for the beer and wine offerings or are they included in the CL price?

Thanks!

Zachsmomie - Hello! Beer/wine are included in the CL price. What are your dates at BC? I'm going to be there 7/28-7/30. If you are, you won't miss the 5 of us - tall husband and short me with red-head MIL. Don't be afraid to say hello. Oh - time to do your dance - You're going to BC CL!!!

 

[zachsmomie]

We will be there from the 24th to the morning of the 28th. We leave that morning for the cruise ship so unless you are arriving early just to say hi, we'll miss one another. If you see a group of 4 adults and one pre-teen, that will be us! LOL

I'd love to hear someone else is staying BC CL because I am starting to get scared that we made the wrong choice. It seems as if almost everything I read on the boards is very negative about the Cl at the BC. We LOVE BC and this is our first CL experience.

The IPO's have been great!

 

[VAgal76]

We will be there from the 24th to the morning of the 28th. We leave that morning for the cruise ship so unless you are arriving early just to say hi, we'll miss one another. If you see a group of 4 adults and one pre-teen, that will be us! LOL

I'd love to hear someone else is staying BC CL because I am starting to get scared that we made the wrong choice. It seems as if almost everything I read on the boards is very negative about the Cl at the BC. We LOVE BC and this is our first CL experience.

The IPO's have been great!

IPO's are fab-u-lous aren't they! I know there are some negative posts, but I just have to try and see. Yes, I don't like the fact that lounge closes between offerings. However, it's not a deal breaker for me. If I need something I've been assured that's no big deal to get me something even if the doors are closed. I plan on hanging out by SAB instead the lounge and my balcony this go around.

I'm switching from CR to BC on the 28th. I don't know how early I'm going to get there for check-in, but something tells me it won't be until after you cruisers leave. That's okay! You have a terrific time on your cruise. I also hope you enjoy BC. If something isn't quite up to par, don't be afraid to speak to someone. Give them a chance to make things right. From the little bit of dealings I have had with CMs and management, they are reasonable folks and do whatever necessary to fix the problem and make your more stay pleasant.