Useful Concierge Information

[joliesmom]

Note my answer in the above post to #1. That was my second time of working with the GF, POLY, CR, & WL IPO. The first time they totally dropped the ball when I was going to stay at the GF RPC, so I gave them another shot with my WL CL stay. One person dropped the ball after I had been in constant contact with him, while the other did an excellent job of following my orders to a T!

"Their IPO is like a box of chocoloates...you never know what you're gonna get!"

Thanks for the encouragement. I guess I'll try calling instead of e-mailing.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Joliesmom, I totally understand what you are trying to say. It's unfortunate, but not all IPO departments are equal. I was used to dealing with the group at the GF and while they took care of all my requests, it was done purely with a cool, professionalism. I always sort of felt at arms length with them and asking for suggestions or recommendations was sometimes like pulling teeth. Anyway, fast forward to this past December when we stayed at the YC concierge level. After just one e-mail to the staff, I felt like we were old friends. They were so warm and friendly, it was amazing. Each e-mail was "signed" and even though I knew I was working with a team, it was nice to know who I was conversing with.

Tammi

 

[joliesmom]

Joliesmom, I totally understand what you are trying to say. It's unfortunate, but not all IPO departments are equal. I was used to dealing with the group at the GF and while they took care of all my requests, it was done purely with a cool, professionalism. I always sort of felt at arms length with them and asking for suggestions or recommendations was sometimes like pulling teeth. Anyway, fast forward to this past December when we stayed at the YC concierge level. After just one e-mail to the staff, I felt like we were old friends. They were so warm and friendly, it was amazing. Each e-mail was "signed" and even though I knew I was working with a team, it was nice to know who I was conversing with.

Tammi

That's EXACTLY how I feel. It's the same way with me because I'm dealing with 2 IPO depts at the same time. So I guess that distance is just par for the course with them. Thank you so much for the re-affirmation.

 

[PRaffen]

In looking at a couple places that have information on the Polynesian they list LVC rate and suite concierge rate as the same. (this is NOT the princess suite - that rate is higher)

So what is the difference between a LVC room and "suite" room? Thanks

 

[Tess]

In looking at a couple places that have information on the Polynesian they list LVC rate and suite concierge rate as the same. (this is NOT the princess suite - that rate is higher)

So what is the difference between a LVC room and "suite" room? Thanks

About $500 p/night. . .

Seriously, it is probably referring to the "add-on" rooms in the Tonga building (suite concierge). Typically they will use the rooms to enlarge a suite and rarely will they rent it as a "room". That's my explanation anyway. . .

 

[Angel16]

W are soo excited to do the Sunrise Safari! I was wondering if someone could give me a review??

Sunrise Safari

The Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays and it is exclusive to only concierge guests staying here at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Concierge guests going on the Sunrise Safari will meet in the 6th floor concierge lounge at 6:15 AM. At this time, there will be coffee and juice available and an Animal Programs Cast Member will be on hand to give you a run-down of the morning's activities. At promptly 6:30 AM, a private bus will be departing from the Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Animal Kingdom Park, where you will be able to see some of the backstage animal areas. Once there, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride, where you will go on a 45 minute or so safari with your Animal Programs Cast Member. They will be able to share with you information about the animals, the habitat we have created and answer any questions that you may have. After the safari, you will be escorted to a private dining room (called the School Room) in the Tusker House Restaurant. There you will find a lavish buffet set-up that has an assortment of both traditional American and African breakfast items. At this time, you will be given a Fast Pass to go and enjoy the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride as it is for our regular guests. Park admission is required and there is a separate charge for the Sunrise Safari. For adults it is $39.50 and for children (3-11) it is $24.95. Guests can sign up for this service 90 days in advance of their arrival. This charge is for the safari and the breakfast together. Admission to the park is a separate charge. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy.

:thewave:

DH and myself really enjoyed this last year. We met up in the conciege lodge. You are offered a lite bite to eat, but they warn you not to eat too much as there are no bathrooms on the safari. We then proceeded to the front of the lodge and board a bus to take you over to AK. You travel back roads and see buildings and a few animal areas. There is a short walk to board the Kilimanjaro Safari tour bus. On board there really isn't a bad place to sit. Your guide takes you through the entire area stopping for animals and giving you a good education on the animals and their native countries. The guides answer questions and you are not rushed at all. During our tour they had just let the Giraffes out from their sleeping lodge. We looked up a rise and there were about 10 giraffes coming down toward us. The guide stopped the bus and we all just watched in amazement. They walked with-in a foot from us and even stuck their heads in at us. I will never forget this as long as I live. The morning was cool and safari area was quite, there were birds chirping in the background and down comes a herd of giraffes. When the tour is finished you are escorted over to Tusker house for a wonderful buffet breakfast. They have the tables set up with places to sit with your names done on cards with Africian symbols. You are welcomed by African music and the hosts dressed in Africian dress. The hosts were very friendly and explained all the items on the buffet. You are not rushed and can enjoy your breakfast. When we finished eating we went out to roam the AK park. It was early and hardly anyone was around. Things were just opening. It was a great experience! We loved it so much we are scheduled to go again on our visit in three weeks.

Let me know if you have any questions. I know you are going to love it.

 

[SeaSpray]

In looking at a couple places that have information on the Polynesian they list LVC rate and suite concierge rate as the same. (this is NOT the princess suite - that rate is higher)

So what is the difference between a LVC room and "suite" room? Thanks

Not sure if this is the right answer either, but this past spring while planning our Polynesian LVC stay, the rate for the room in the Tonga building (I forget what they called that room, maybe a 1 bedroom suite or something like that) which is now the Honeyroom room, WAS the same exact price as our LVC room.

 

[jacksmom]

Angel16, Thanks so much for the lovely review! We are now even more excited!

 

[PRaffen]

Not sure if this is the right answer either, but this past spring while planning our Polynesian LVC stay, the rate for the room in the Tonga building (I forget what they called that room, maybe a 1 bedroom suite or something like that) which is now the Honeyroom room, WAS the same exact price as our LVC room.

I was so surprised to see a "suite" room and LVC room being listed at the exact same rate. I'd call CRO but figure given my past experience with them, they wouldn't have a clue.

Just curious, Terry, any reason why you didn't book the 1 bedroom suite which was the same price? Does Tonga not have a lagoon view?

Enjoyed your pictures and report so much that I am considering upgrading to concierge for my August visit.

Just can't quite justify the extra $$$ Still on the fence ... if you or Tess or any other Poly lovers have any thoughts to help with the decision and kick me off that fence, please share.

Pat

 

[mjkaferle5]

Itinerary Planning Office
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Phone: 407-938-4755
Fax: 407-938-4759
email: wdw.aklodge.concierge@disney.com
First, let me say that this concierge experience is considered one of the best by many who frequent concierge level service. Another plus is being able to see animals not only right outside your balcony, but during two get aways that you can only reserve if you are a concierge guest!
The Sunrise safari accepts all ages and goes through the back entrance of AK and onto the savannahs. The tour is very thorough and stops are much more frequent than during the regular ride. The tour ends with a fabulous breakfast buffet at Tusker house for all of the participants. The cost is aprox. 50 dollars per person/ less for children and is held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
The sunset safari is for concierge guests 12 and over and explores the savannahs on the lodge property, and ends with a delicious full course dinner similar to a chef's table experience, complete with wine pairings. There is a limit of 8 guests for the Sunset Safari and the cost is 150.00 per person.

Lounge offerings are as follows, but may change at any time:
(taken from DISboards)
Macheo (Sunrise Offering)
6:30am
Coffee and assorted juices

Miamko (Adventurous Awakenings)
7:00AM - 10:30AM
An assortment of fresh fruits, juices, pastries and cereals.

Vitafunio (Safari Snacks)
11:30AM to 3:00PM
Various snacks and beverages

Chai (Afternoon Tea)
3:00PM - 4:30PM
Loose leaf teas, assorted scones, cookies and biscuits.

Kisikusiku (Twighlight Offerings)
5:00PM - 7:00PM
Assorted wines, hors d'oeuvers, and specialty appetizers (provided from the Lodge's restaurants, like Jiko and Boma)

Rehema (Evening Indulgences)
8:00PM - 10:00PM
Desserts and Cordials


The concierge floor consists of 55 deluxe rooms, 17 suites and the Vice Presidential and Presidential Suites. The deluxe rooms are larger than the standard rooms at 381 sq. ft. Most of the rooms are located on the 6th floor, with some on the fifth floor. Special requests for views in other areas of the lodge not usually considered concierge rooms are usually granted.

All this... and baby ankole, too!


THERE! DONE! (and done, and done again!)

Have a LOVELY weekend everyone! *biggiegrouphugs*
Debbie

Now are all of the different offerings - breakfast stuff, snacks, etc. - an extra charge or perks for being a conceirge guest? Not trying to be cheap, just trying to understand the conceirge package.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Now are all of the different offerings - breakfast stuff, snacks, etc. - an extra charge or perks for being a conceirge guest?

These offerings are complimentary for guests staying on the concierge level.

 

[#1hockeymom]

The only things that are an extra charge would be the sunrise and sunset safaris. Everything else is included.

 

[kath1210]

I made a reservation on the AP Best Rate Program for CR Tower Concierge? On my reservation, it says "Tower Clubs." I assumed that meant 12th/10th floor, but could it mean 14th floor?

 

[Tess]

Just curious, Terry, any reason why you didn't book the 1 bedroom suite which was the same price? Does Tonga not have a lagoon view?

I don't think the "room" you've been discussing is a LV--ditto the "Honeymoon Suite". You can verify this on Steve's (Tikiman) site since I am by no means a Tonga expert. It just seems to me that I've read that information recently. Tonga suites do have a LV, but frankly I like the views from Hawaii better. . .just a personal opinion however.

Enjoyed your pictures and report so much that I am considering upgrading to concierge for my August visit.

Just can't quite justify the extra $$$ Still on the fence ... if you or Tess or any other Poly lovers have any thoughts to help with the decision and kick me off that fence, please share.

Pat

I would STRONGLY encourage you to hop off that fence and give concierge a whirl if you've not experienced it before--especially at the Polynesian. Be forewarned however, there is a real danger of serious addiction and I am living proof of it. I just have a terrible time prying myself from Polynesian to any other resort.

We have made an effort to try other resorts for a few days here and there during our visits. Last year we had planned to split our stay, but changed our minds around April when we managed to add several days at an AP rate! My husband is already trying to talk me into a split stay for 2006 and intellectually I'd like to try another resort to add to our list, but I just can't get excited about it. We've stayed at GF, BC/YC, BWI, AKL, CBR, POR, ASMu (with band), and offsite at Caribe Royale. I really have no desire to stay at Contemporary--just doesn't do it for me. Swan/Dolphin are somewhat appealing due to location and frequent great rates, but Wilderness Lodge isn't our cup of tea either. Still, I'd give it a try for the right price. We've enjoyed our stay at each resort we've experienced, some more than others, but Polynesian has our heart!

I guess the bottom line is you have to decide if your curiosity is such that you want to bite that big $$$$ bullet to satisfy it. I know our family is hooked and sometimes I'm not sure that's a good thing! Good luck on your decision.

 

[dreamflight99]

I made a reservation on the AP Best Rate Program for CR Tower Concierge? On my reservation, it says "Tower Clubs." I assumed that meant 12th/10th floor, but could it mean 14th floor?

It's been two years since we stayed a week on the 14th in a 1BR suite (MK view~!). But...lots of things have changed since then, and some of the renovations are completed...and over the summer, some were still underway/beginning. I do recall at the time I reserved our suite, AP rates were not available for this level of concierge, and was only applicable to the other Concierge floors (which were not considered FULL club, with less food offerings & limited hours, etc.).

I've also read there is no 12th floor Tower Club anymore. Well......at least not for a while - - I'm presuming. The 14th floor is now specifically called the "Tower Club" and the old "other" Tower Club floors are called the Atrium Club (and stated to be located on the 10/12th floors). Perhaps someone recently there, can verify all of this for you. It would be WONDERFUL to stay on the 14th Tower Club, with an AP rate~!!
I hope you are correct, and are staying on the 14th~! From the description on your ressie, and from what I've heard---you could be correct!

If so...have a fabulously MAGICAL time!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

I made a reservation on the AP Best Rate Program for CR Tower Concierge? On my reservation, it says "Tower Clubs." I assumed that meant 12th/10th floor, but could it mean 14th floor?

To the best of my knowledge, until the renovated 12th floor re-opens, it's still referred to as Tower Club concierge, temporarily housed on the 10th floor. There's a DIS'er that goes by the name of The_Insider who knows a lot about the CR. You might want to post your question on his active thread here, http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=895708 or drop him a PM.

Hi Lisa. Welcome home.

Tammi

 

[triplefigs]

They got us all of our ADR's within 15 minutes of requested times (including CRT, PSB, and LeCellier). This morning they got us the Wishes Fireworks Cruise and the Sleigh Ride from WL. I'm very happy and quite pleased with their wonderful service!!!!!!!!!

 

[kath1210]

Thanks, Tammi and dreamflight99!

 

[PRaffen]

Thanks Tess for the feedback!

Have a request in to my TA to see how much extra concierge would be. We may shorten the trip by a day or two and upgrade to concierge.

 

[Steph H]

Tess: I don't think I've ever mentioned how much I love your "pout" pictures. They crack me up every time I look at them. You have a very understanding family with a very good sense of humor to get those pics. My DH would never go for that. Heaven forbid he be made to look silly.

Triplefigs: Just 'dore your beautiful GF Christmas graphic!!!