We are concierge....my other family is not...

[emilyann415]

Because the point of the concierge lounge is that it feels empty and private! ! That's the entire point. The last time I was on the Wonder I saw a concierge event where there were lots of people jammed into the outlook cafe. I said to myself I cannot believe those people are paying the premium they are paying to be jammed into a room for an hour. It did not look premium or luxurious to me at all. If additional people are using the lounge it will and does take away from people who have paid an insane amount of money to be away from the masses. It's not the same as a room upgrade or other perks that do not affect others. I would never go concierge, but I respect the rights of those who do. Why don't you?

Because it doesn't affect me in the slightest. Like I said, I've never EVER experienced being crammed into the happy hour like a herd of cattle and if it were that crowded I would expect the concierge to use their judgement and tell them they couldn't help them with their request. And I would expect the guest to be understanding with that which it sounds like they would be. Would I ever ask for a special privilege. Yes....I asked for my sister and her girls (also staying concierge but in a Cat V) to be able to have Palo dinner with us in our room. They said yes that was fine. If they'd have said no I'd have totally been fine with that....as it sounds like the OP would be as well. They certainly never came off as entitled to me even in the slightest. There are lots of things that get under my craw but this just isn't one of them.....it has never impacted my vacation one little bit same as what other people wear to dinner. As long as they are covered up in the places that should be covered up.....that's all I care about. And if the argument is I paid for the service and they didn't, then the the verandah upgrade is exactly the same example and you're correct it doesn't affect you at all....just like an extra person at a meet and greet really doesn't at the end of the day. Again, if you can show me evidence of massive amounts of non paying concierge people using the services then I'll start to see your point. I have yet to read one review where those types of things are being inundated with non paying guests. And I've certainly never experienced it....until then it sounds like an awful lot like whining over something that really has no direct impact on anyone else.

 

[Hundredacre]

Because it doesn't affect me in the slightest. Like I said, I've never EVER experienced being crammed into the happy hour like a herd of cattle and if it were that crowded I would expect the concierge to use their judgement and tell them they couldn't help them with their request. And I would expect the guest to be understanding with that which it sounds like they would be. Would I ever ask for a special privilege. Yes....I asked for my sister and her girls (also staying concierge but in a Cat V) to be able to have Palo dinner with us in our room. They said yes that was fine. If they'd have said no I'd have totally been fine with that....as it sounds like the OP would be as well. They certainly never came off as entitled to me even in the slightest. There are lots of things that get under my craw but this just isn't one of them.....it has never impacted my vacation one little bit same as what other people wear to dinner. As long as they are covered up in the places that should be covered up.....that's all I care about. And if the argument is I paid for the service and they didn't, then the the verandah upgrade is exactly the same example and you're correct it doesn't affect you at all....just like an extra person at a meet and greet really doesn't at the end of the day. Again, if you can show me evidence of massive amounts of non paying concierge people using the services then I'll start to see your point. I have yet to read one review where those types of things are being inundated with non paying guests. And I've certainly never experienced it....until then it sounds like an awful lot like whining over something that really has no direct impact on anyone else.

Additional people in the concierge area and at concierge events definitely impacts other concierge guests. To what extent? Well, it depends on how much it is being abused. Concierge services are for concierge guests. You can say people are selfish who don't want to "share" with non-concierge guests, but Disney isn't running a charity either. By your logic we should all be able to go in and out of concierge and get a drink when we want- that should not impact the experience of other concierge guests, right? If your friends and relatives join you in concierge, why can't I go to the private meet and greet too? There are plenty of kids on the ship that want to attend the private concierge meet and greets, plenty of moms who would love to grab a free espresso in the afternoon in the quiet of the concierge lounge. Why do only people you want to pull into concierge with you get to experience free concierge services? Because by your logic, we should all be able to use concierge.

 

[phinz]

You can say people are selfish who don't want to "share" with non-concierge guests

Yeah. I called the neighbor down the street selfish the other day because he wouldn't let me borrow his Ferrari to run to the store. I told him he could ride with me. Jerk.

 

[emilyann415]

Additional people in the concierge area and at concierge events definitely impacts other concierge guests. To what extent? Well, it depends on how much it is being abused. Concierge services are for concierge guests. You can say people are selfish who don't want to "share" with non-concierge guests, but Disney isn't running a charity either. By your logic we should all be able to go in and out of concierge and get a drink when we want- that should not impact the experience of other concierge guests, right? If your friends and relatives join you in concierge, why can't I go to the private meet and greet too? There are plenty of kids on the ship that want to attend the private concierge meet and greets, plenty of moms who would love to grab a free espresso in the afternoon in the quiet of the concierge lounge. Why do only people you want to pull into concierge with you get to experience free concierge services? Because by your logic, we should all be able to use concierge.

No I'm saying that it has NEVER not one single time impacted MY trip. I don't believe if concierge OCCASIONALLY allows an exception to the rules it's the end of the world. I don't believe that non concierge people are flocking to the events held for concierge guests. It isn't happening and if the requests did get out of hand THEN I believe that concierge has a duty to say "no" to a customer. Just because someone gets a perk ONCE that they shouldn't normally get isn't affecting anyone. Show me ONE picture of the lounges in concierge overcrowded with people. One...other than embarkation day......it's always crowded and that is with just concierge guests.......it isn't happening....so why all the fuss.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

This thread is like a bad freeway accident, no matter how hard I try to not look at as I'm passing by, I just keep looking at it! When will I learn?????

 

[hanscarlet]

The point of all the fuss is that where does the line stop? There are exceptions and then there's abuse of a perk. Look at what happened with taking items to sign on board - sometimes you give an inch and people abuse it. It is human nature to be opportunistic and that is why people are a bit flustered by it all and because the perks wouldn't exist if people weren't paying for them. The point of the perk is to pay for it. Also I don't think that if your sister is in a Cat V room that it's a big deal for her to eat in your room, she paid for concierge. I don't think anyone would have a problem with that exception because your sister paid just like everyone else - that example is a reasonable exception vs abuse of privilege. Obviously the entire topic is subjective.

 

[phinz]

Also I don't think that if your sister is in a Cat V room that it's a big deal for her to eat in your room, she paid for concierge. I don't think anyone would have a problem with that exception because your sister paid just like everyone else - that example is a reasonable exception vs abuse of privilege. Obviously the entire topic is subjective.

That would be the same as extended family eating in a connected T and V. No big deal.

The only reason Cat V can't eat MDR in their rooms is because there's no table.

 

[AquaDame]

As it is today they can be reasonable and alter the rules using their own judgement but that likely won't be sustainable in the long run. Without a defined policy people naturally test the limits to see what they can get away with. There are two outcomes here - the poster who is putting a couple people in a lower cat is either going to get what they want or they won't. Scenario A, they are happy, come back and assures more people that it will work which leads to more people doing it, which puts further pressure on concierge. Its likely Disney - at least for now - will go that route because scenario B is telling the guest no, which can lead to heated arguments, bad reviews which could end their term on the ship, threats of bad press (I'm NOT saying this particular poster will do any of this mind you) and dealing with an angry guest for a week. A guest who likely would keep letting their family into the lounge anyway/into lines, etc since what CM can watch them every moment for a week?

For the purposes of the boards, the only answer that matters is Disney's written opinion on the matter, which would be you may only use concierge perks if you are paying concierge fare for a concierge stateroom. They are free to break their own rules at their own discretion.

 

[SoozCruise]

I'm not sure why people are saying that "if the Disney Corporation says yes to my request, it's okay." It's not "Disney;" it's a person whose tips and reviews (and therefore job security) are dependent on keeping cruisers happy.

 

[TimeAndTide]

These threads are always fun. We typically book a one bedroom concierge for DH and me. And we put our three young kids and our caregiver in an inside stateroom (because clever kid with autism, so one fewer way for kid to escape).

We are very conscientious about not taking advantage of concierge services for our non-concierge family members. But the concierge staff has always been almost....forceful...in offering services for our family.

We check in together. They register the kids in kids club. They walk us onboard together (and yes we bypass the line). We do the onboard orientation in the lounge together as a family.

We do not bring our kids into the lounge for breakfast or meals. Our caregiver gets the kids breakfast and gets them off to kids club. (I usually sleep late and have room service.)

We eat meals together at dinner (and sometimes lunch) but never in the lounge. But the concierge staff always make sure we have character meet and greet opportunities for our young kids. We don't ask. They just do it. They ask for ways to make our stay enjoyable. They've actually praised us for bringing a caregiver because it just makes things easier for everyone. They make a huge effort to engage our kids.

If the ship tenders, we get to go together with priority escort.

On debarkation day last time, they pretty much insisted we bring the kids to breakfast. But it was crowded so we had them eat in our room. We debarked as a group with the special escort and all of that. We never asked for that.

Honestly if there's something they offer, and it makes it easier for everyone, we may say yes. We may decline if we think our kids may be annoying. But it's a bit like if you bring a guest to your country club (to which we do not belong, but are sometimes guests), the staff will try to accommodate the guests.

I felt far more scandalous on Delta airlines when I was in Business and DH was in "Comfort". I already had my nice headphones so I asked the flight attendant if she would mind giving my complimentary earphones to my husband a few rows back. She smiled and gave them to him (saving me the trip back).

The point is that we rarely if ever ask for perks for our family. We try to be considerate. But if it's offered and it makes sense, we accept with no guilt.

 

[emilyann415]

The point of all the fuss is that where does the line stop? There are exceptions and then there's abuse of a perk. Look at what happened with taking items to sign on board - sometimes you give an inch and people abuse it. It is human nature to be opportunistic and that is why people are a bit flustered by it all and because the perks wouldn't exist if people weren't paying for them. The point of the perk is to pay for it. Also I don't think that if your sister is in a Cat V room that it's a big deal for her to eat in your room, she paid for concierge. I don't think anyone would have a problem with that exception because your sister paid just like everyone else - that example is a reasonable exception vs abuse of privilege. Obviously the entire topic is subjective.

That is the job of concierge to determine. It's their job to gracefully manage that line and I think they do a great job as not one person has shown me a picture of any of the perks of concierge being inundated with non paying or even with paying guests...

 

[emilyann415]

Bu

The point of all the fuss is that where does the line stop? There are exceptions and then there's abuse of a perk. Look at what happened with taking items to sign on board - sometimes you give an inch and people abuse it. It is human nature to be opportunistic and that is why people are a bit flustered by it all and because the perks wouldn't exist if people weren't paying for them. The point of the perk is to pay for it. Also I don't think that if your sister is in a Cat V room that it's a big deal for her to eat in your room, she paid for concierge. I don't think anyone would have a problem with that exception because your sister paid just like everyone else - that example is a reasonable exception vs abuse of privilege. Obviously the entire topic is subjective.

But you are making an exception for my family. Only people in cat R rooms are allowed to order from Palo. You are correct though that it an EXCEPTION to a rule and concierge determined no one would be severely impacted by saying yes.

 

[emilyann415]

What ticked me off with the OP is how she kept saying I paid more over and over and expected that if she didn't use some of the perks that go with concierge that her family, who wasn't in concierge, use it. I couldn't care less if someone is in concierge or not, or order Mickey bars if it is on the room service or MDR menu or not. If someone's trip has a pixie dust moment I am ok with it, even if I didn't. I am leaving for my cruise soon, I am flying first class. A perk of the class is free alcohol drinks and a seat that can turn into a bed. If I don't drink or sleep does that mean I can give my perks to someone else who is in coach? I would expect that I couldn't give my allotment of drinks to someone else, as for the seat, I wouldn't give that up. I enjoyed my two other Disney cruises, I expect to enjoy the one coming up. I don't look over my shoulder to see who is getting something I am not.

And my reply to this is so what? So what if she believes she paid more and should get more. She can ask concierge and they can say yes or no which they sometimes do. When someone asks the question she asked, the appropriate thing to say is ask concierge and they will tell you yes or no....not shaming them for even asking. I'm not saying you did but some of these responses are just crazy. And it's perfectly acceptable to ask and if Disney says yes it's because it's not going to affect the other guests in any substantial way. if every concierge guest starts asking (which they won't) then I would expect concierge to say no to those requests....sad day for that person I guess. I'm sorry to beat a dead horse here but I really try to see where you guys are coming from and just don't see it....oh well...

 

[JoieNsk]

It is interesting too, how people ASSUME about what other people ARE or AREN't going to do. And they also so energetically play the judge here

I might be mistaken, but I had an impression last "angry" responses were to me. I don't really know what "OP" means, but I assume they meant me - by the content of their replies. As it was me who mentioned - that no matter - if I put all four of us into this 1-bedroom, or 2 people into 1-bedroom + 2 into other non-concierge room, - the amount of money I would pay would be at least the same. It also doesn't increase the amount of people involved.

And - yes - the soda thing - that was also me

But some people just assume (I'm wondering also - why they even come up with this idea so easily, as even evil-me didn't think of this )) - that we are going to march to concierge lounge in crowds and abuse the concierge stuff with our requests, so the pure scared by us concierge would put all other guests in danger of loosing their amazing concierge privileges

Come on, people, grow up.

 

[JoieNsk]

I work in ER, and we have different areas in the back - critical, medical and fast track, but waiting room is the same. Patients are just get assigned to those different areas - depending on the problem they are having.

So patients who are going to be treated say in fast-track area sometimes go back earlier - even if they came later. Other patients get upset, they come and yell at us - why this person is going ahead of me?!!! Because they ASSUME that that is what is happening.

It is not really good analogy with the situation in this discussion, but I just can't help myself thinking about it, reading last angry responses in this thread.

At least our pure patients have the reason to be irritated, as they might be in pain, and they often are the type which is called "underprivileged". So basically they are generally unhappy.

But here - supposedly are happy cruisers? Who are so privileged that they can get themselves concierge privileges? Where all this irritation is coming from?

 

[phinz]

Bu

But you are making an exception for my family. Only people in cat R rooms are allowed to order from Palo. You are correct though that it an EXCEPTION to a rule and concierge determined no one would be severely impacted by saying yes.

What about people who are in a *connected* room to Cat R, like 12004, 12000 and 12504? Technically they aren't in a Cat R, but if you open the connecting doors then magically they kind of are.

It's all a bit fuzzy when it comes down to it, and rules are kind of fluid in most situations. Some people have claimed they've gotten really special stuff in concierge because, well, they're ultra special. But they won't tell us what it was because then it wouldn't be so special, or at least that's what they think.

 

[ASchwa]

And my reply to this is so what? So what if she believes she paid more and should get more. She can ask concierge and they can say yes or no which they sometimes do. When someone asks the question she asked, the appropriate thing to say is ask concierge and they will tell you yes or no....not shaming them for even asking. I'm not saying you did but some of these responses are just crazy. And it's perfectly acceptable to ask and if Disney says yes it's because it's not going to affect the other guests in any substantial way. if every concierge guest starts asking (which they won't) then I would expect concierge to say no to those requests....sad day for that person I guess. I'm sorry to beat a dead horse here but I really try to see where you guys are coming from and just don't see it....oh well...

It was a constant refrain in the posts, "I spent a lot of money for concierge and oceanview. I and my husband won't be using some concierge perks so it should go to my daughter and mother who are not in concierge." I agree she should ask, but not expect the answer to be yes. The time she is going, around Christmas time is very busy and it is expensive because cruise prices go up when the ship fills. If they are all in concierge, it is a moot point. If not all in concierge she shouldn't expect that the two not in concierge will be able to access the lounge and certain special priveleges. She can have them in her room. It really doesn't matter about the money spent but her expectations of being able to transfer perks that she expects to not use. A triage situation is not similar to what she is asking, a life and death scenario is not the same as concierge perks. One is more important than the other and to make an analogy between the two is insulting.

 

[JoieNsk]

A triage situation is not similar to what she is asking, a life and death scenario is not the same as concierge perks. One is more important than the other and to make an analogy between the two is insulting.

It's funny how people can read what I didn't even wright (probably good idea to read - before respond?), then respond to their own thoughts, get all hyped up, and even get insulted

But it doesn't matter. I was stupid even to ask question in this topic, after I read how people were responding to the person who initially started it. People are just too emotional here, and take everything very personal. I feel sometimes like I'm having discussion with my teenage daughter

 

[emilyann415]

What about people who are in a *connected* room to Cat R, like 12004, 12000 and 12504? Technically they aren't in a Cat R, but if you open the connecting doors then magically they kind of are.

It's all a bit fuzzy when it comes down to it, and rules are kind of fluid in most situations. Some people have claimed they've gotten really special stuff in concierge because, well, they're ultra special. But they won't tell us what it was because then it wouldn't be so special, or at least that's what they think.

But they weren't connecting and even if they were they still weren't in an R and so they technically weren't allowed. I just don't get why you sit there and condemn some requests and not others. It's crossing a line.....what if a one bedroom finds out and they want Palo now too? Slippery slope and all? Why did you read my OP and feel it was ok to make my exception but the other poster was putting the entire concierge service at risk? As I said many times before, the concierge hosts manage that line and do it quite well and none of us should be going around policing making sure someone doesn't get what they don't deserve. It just seems like such an angry way to spend part of your vacation and a horrible way to treat other people. That's all I'm saying....and I don't mean to direct this all at you. I just, wish, on this board we could find a bit more kindness and far less judging. Heck, after reading this thread I hope I LOOK enough like a concierge guest and no one accosts me when I enter the lounge next time asking to see my card.

 

[TestingH2O]

I don't really know what "OP" means, but I assume they meant me

OP means original poster. In theory, this means the person who started this thread.

My $0.02 is that the concierges are pretty much trained to say yes to everything. I choose to ask things that are allowed so I don't put them in an awkward situation. I've experienced them going above and beyond what I asked before, but never to the point of breaking or even stretching rules.