Useful Concierge Information

[psar]

Unless things have recently changed, the sunrise/sunset safaris are only offered to concierge guests at the AKL. There is a Wildlife Excursion offered to all concierge guests. It departs on certain days at 10:00 and 1:00 and the price was $45.00. This does not include breakfast and the experience of being in the park before it opens. Perhaps someone who has done this has more info.

 

[solotraveler]

Hi everyone!

I am beginning to work on my itinerary for my January trip and I would really like to keep things as flexible as possible. There are maybe one or two ADRs that I want set in stone, but I just don't know about what the rest of the trip will bring. (Ah, the joys of travelling solo) Anyhow, I figured that I would have the concierge book what I think I will want and then make changes as necessary during the trip---

So, my question for all of you concierge veterans: What kind of luck have you had with getting last minute ADRs/spa appointments/tours? Ever get shut-out dispite the staff's magic?

Thanks so much in advance!
Solotraveler

 

[Tess]

It has never been a problem for us changing ADRs at the last minute. Many times our plans change in the morning and sometimes in the afternoon. Concierge has always been able to accommodate our requests for a time or date change on an ADR. Since you're going in January it really shouldn't be an issue at all where ADRs are concerned--our experience is primarily in June, a busier time of the year. If they can work magic when they are more booked, I'm sure a less busy time won't be a problem at all.

I can't speak to the spa appointments--we never take the time to do those types of things when at WDW!

 

[solotraveler]

Tess-

Thanks, that's what I was hoping to hear. My plans tend to change from day to day based on what I'm in the mood for, so it's good to hear that I should be able to do that with relative ease.

Thanks again,
Solotraveler

 

[paladin]

I have a question about the BWI deluxe rooms. I thought I had read that they were all boardwalk view, but someone says on another thread that they are not. Does anyone know for sure? Thanks

 

[paladin]

Just thought of something else. I know there is a site with pictures of the rooms, but I can't remember what it is. Not Deb's site, but another that I think is a travel agency, but darn if I can find it. Any ideas?

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone!

I am beginning to work on my itinerary for my January trip and I would really like to keep things as flexible as possible. There are maybe one or two ADRs that I want set in stone, but I just don't know about what the rest of the trip will bring. (Ah, the joys of travelling solo) Anyhow, I figured that I would have the concierge book what I think I will want and then make changes as necessary during the trip---

So, my question for all of you concierge veterans: What kind of luck have you had with getting last minute ADRs/spa appointments/tours? Ever get shut-out dispite the staff's magic?

Thanks so much in advance!
Solotraveler

We were at the Polynesian concierge this past summer, the week after 4th of July. On that Saturday night, we needed to change our dinner plans. We got stuck in a downpour in the Magic Kingdom and looked like drowned rats by the time we got back to the resort.

On our way through the GCH, we stopped at Kona Cafe to see about getting a dinner reservation. The CM at the podium told us they were booked solid that night.

On the way back to our room we stopped at the concierge desk and told them we were missing our Boma reservation and that we needed a new dinner reservation. We told them we tried to get one at Kona and they were booked solid. When I asked the CM if he could help us, he said "Absolutely!" and proceeded to let us choose the time we wanted to dine at Kona that night

Anyway, the point to this story is that I've since heard that most restaurants keep a few dining slots open for last-minute concierge guests. Especially in January, I don't think you'll have too much trouble.

Have a great trip!

 

[minniesota]

paladin - Does this help?

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp...a/resortPix/bw/bwdeluxe2.jpg&resId=BWI&resort

 

[paladin]

Thanks minniesota - that's what I was looking for!

 

[paladin]

I'm asking this again to see if I get a response - I have a question about the BWI deluxe rooms. I thought I had read that they were all boardwalk view, but someone says on another thread that they are not. Does anyone know for sure? Thanks

 

[minniesota]

Hi again!
My notes say there are only 6 deluxe CL rooms, three on 3rd and three on 4th, and they are all BW view. Hope that helps! The lounge is on the 4th floor, btw.

 

[southjerseymom]

Concierge Newbie - We are staying in the BWI Deluxe room mostly for the extra room. We have small kids and my Mom is joining DH and I too (yeah). I know WDW is good for kids everywhere but I look at the pictures and I wonder whether they will be comfortable there. No small TV and sitting area etc. I had trouble finding info about BC or YC deluxe room. Even called the resort and couldn't get a straight answer. Are they deluxe rooms at either of those resorts the same size as BWI deluxes? Is the concierge more kid friendly?

 

[KerryCM]

southjerseymom, The CL at the bW is very kid friendly. They will put movies in for your children and change the channel for children, no problem. I have stayed at the BC and YC concierge and feel the BWI is far superior in service to their guests.

All deluxe rooms have a BW view. If you want to be close to the lounge you need to request a 4th floor room.

 

[Designated_planner]

Thanks to everyone posting in this thread--it's been very helpful so far.

We'll be at the Poly with Garden View CL during the nightmare week between Christmas and New Year's. We have two small children who will be napping in the afternoon, so I thought it would be best to request a ground floor room so my husband and I could hang out outside (or take turns browsing the resort without opening the door) during their naps. I also understand some GVCL ground floor rooms are near the pool, which would be convenient for my five-year-old.

Any suggestions for specific room requests?

 

[Tess]

Thanks to everyone posting in this thread--it's been very helpful so far.

We'll be at the Poly with Garden View CL during the nightmare week between Christmas and New Year's. We have two small children who will be napping in the afternoon, so I thought it would be best to request a ground floor room so my husband and I could hang out outside (or take turns browsing the resort without opening the door) during their naps. I also understand some GVCL ground floor rooms are near the pool, which would be convenient for my five-year-old.

Any suggestions for specific room requests?

All of the rooms in Hawaii (concierge building) are close to a pool--either the volcano or quiet pools. I don't think you can go wrong with any ground floor room since they are all equally convenient to the pool areas. I would avoid the rooms nearest the check-in lounge area because they are also next to the service delivery area. If you want to make a request, perhaps simply making your first priority a ground floor with an added request to be somewhere in the mid range of the floor. Concierge will do its best to fulfill your requests, but remember it's just a request not a guarantee.

Have a terrific trip to my favorite resort!

 

[kath1210]

Just wanted to say that I just had my first "taste" of the concierge life and I may well be addicted!!

I received the IPO information form on Friday and sent it back right away with our dining preferences for December 18-25. Early the next morning, Jeffrey from the WL IPO team sent back a complete itinerary with all of my reservations!! I didn't think that dining reservations could even be made until September 18, since we are checking in on December 17 - but everything is done! I got everything within 30 minutes of my requested time, including LTT for December 20, prior to MVMCP!

Wow! This is SO much better than my planning for our October trip, when I was up at 7 a.m. every day for 6 days in a row! (I know about the 90+10, but that was not in effect yet.)

 

[paladin]

Just wanted to say that I just had my first "taste" of the concierge life and I may well be addicted!!

Yes, itsn't that the truth. Our trip is in December and I have been been making lots of changes/additions to our plans (CP, Fantasmic, fishing, etc.) and the IPO has been just wonderful - pleasant, quick to respond and just great!

 

[Sazzo'sMommy]

"Early the next morning, Jeffrey from the WL IPO team sent back a complete itinerary with all of my reservations!!"

Yes, isn't Jeffrey the best! He sent me an itinerary for our 12/20 trip and all of our ADR's were made exactly as I had requested them! He has been so very thoughtful and helpful! Enjoy your trip!

 

[jjharts]

Does IPO at the Poly usually send a follow up email with your ADR confirmations? Mine should have all been made last week and I haven't heard anything back yet. I'm assuming I got CRT cause my credit card was billed.

 

[Sazzo'sMommy]

Email them and you should get an attachment with all of your ADR's! That's what happened when I emailed them, but I email Jeffrey constantly! I usually hear back from him within three or four hours. Email, you should hear back soon!