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

[TestingH2O]

So appreciate those brave enough to post their 'above and beyond' experiences while in concierge

I find this statement very odd. If asked, many people will tell you about special things concierges have done for them that were above and beyond. However, many of these same people choose to keep the rule bending favors to themselves. I don't know why you would consider one option brave.

While Dis users don't account for a very large percentage of cruisers, tips and tricks spread like wildfire. I just googled concierge booking non concierge excursions on Disney. This thread is third. I promise there will be some increase in concierge requests for extended services. Once rule bending becomes common knowledge, it becomes an expectation. Eventually, this could mean concierges will lose those ability to use discretion and will no longer be able to offer the same level of service to concierge guests. I hope you can understand the perspective of people who feel that concierge perks are meant to be for concierge guests.

Your upcoming vacation sounds like a lot of fun. I hope you enjoy the celebration and take full advantage of your lovely suite. I'm sure the hosts will take good care of you and do everything in their power to ensure you have a wonderful time.

 

[jmpurdy]

I find this statement very odd. If asked, many people will tell you about special things concierges have done for them that were above and beyond. However, many of these same people choose to keep the rule bending favors to themselves. I don't know why you would consider one option brave.

While Dis users don't account for a very large percentage of cruisers, tips and tricks spread like wildfire. I just googled concierge booking non concierge excursions on Disney. This thread is third. I promise there will be some increase in concierge requests for extended services. Once rule bending becomes common knowledge, it becomes an expectation. Eventually, this could mean concierges will lose those ability to use discretion and will no longer be able to offer the same level of service to concierge guests. I hope you can understand the perspective of people who feel that concierge perks are meant to be for concierge guests.

Your upcoming vacation sounds like a lot of fun. I hope you enjoy the celebration and take full advantage of your lovely suite. I'm sure the hosts will take good care of you and do everything in their power to ensure you have a wonderful time.

I removed the statement you find odd. I still think they are brave to comment at all given they are subject to attack about taking advantage of the 'system'. But for argument sake, I don't want to further fuel the negativity. Nice things happen, bad things happen; we are on a cruise with the people we love. I cherish this more than you know.

 

[Stephen Burch]

I just googled concierge booking non concierge excursions on Disney. This thread is third. I promise there will be some increase in concierge requests for extended services. Once rule bending becomes common knowledge, it becomes an expectation.

I'm pretty sure it's an "expectation" because it's a publicized perk of Concierge? To the best of my knowledge it's one of the listed benefits, not a bending of the rules.

 

[TestingH2O]

I'm pretty sure it's an "expectation" because it's a publicized perk of Concierge? To the best of my knowledge it's one of the listed benefits, not a bending of the rules.

Guests sailing in concierge may book at 120 days regardless of CC status. Others may book based on CC level. Any non-concierge guests who are not platinum would, per the rules, need to wait until their window opens. However, it is clear this rule is being bent by shoreside concierge.

It's ok, you've made it clear in previous posts that you have different definitions of rule and policy than some of us do.

 

[Stephen Burch]

Guests sailing in concierge may book at 120 days regardless of CC status. Others may book based on CC level. Any non-concierge guests who are not platinum would, per the rules, need to wait until their window opens. However, it is clear this rule is being bent by shoreside concierge.

It's ok, you've made it clear in previous posts that you have different definitions of rule and policy than some of us do.

That's not what I meant here. I meant, I'm pretty sure that it's a perk that is publicized by the Disney Cruise lines that you can link your reservation to guests in your party that aren't in concierge rooms. If that's correct then it's not bending or breaking or asking them to change the rules to do it, its utilizing your perks *as they are offered*.

I could be wrong on it being a listed perk though.

 

[tink1970]

I always enjoy the debate that ensues when Concierge is mentioned in a post!

To try to answer the OP questions, I just traveled over NYE with 7 family members. Four of us were in a 1 BR suite, the other 4 in an inside cabin (due to SIL's multiple phobias, I just cut out the veranda option). Interestingly, my DN felt sorry for us b/c we didn't have a porthole! Love kids...

Anyhoo...
While I wasn't able to link their excursions or meals on line, I wouldn't be surprised if, had I asked, shoreside concierge would have done this. This was clearly my experience, perhaps others are more facile with DCL's at times quirky system. The only thing I'd asked shoreside concierge (other than dinner reservations) was for tickets to the princess meet and greet (I didn't know if my mother would have to have her own to go with DN, she didn't, fyi, one ticket per family, however that is defined). As it happened, when we had our meet and greet with Ashley, he had tickets for both my room and DB/DSIL/DD/DN as well as UNASKED for tickets to Anna/Elsa. Again, I hadn't requested tickets for the other room, they were provided.

We didn't order from the menu so I can't say, although normally I don't think they keep a firm tally of what's ordered. I will say if there are just a a small group in the Suite and then there is a large order, someone might notice...do anything...maybe not...but possibly notice.

On a different note, for those of us who ask "how would they know if you're in concierge?." Well, many wear their KTTW cards on lanyards. Concierge is gold, non is silver (an exception, I believe, is EDGE for the tweens which was red when DD attended). Now, not everyone wears theirs (I usually have mine in my pocket or forget it somewhere inconvenient). That leads me to the second point which is the Concierge Hosts know the guests on their floors. I'm pretty sure there is some sort of horrible photo from boarding that is sent up and I wouldn't be surprised if any history accompanies this. How do I know? On our most recent cruise my DD (age 15) was allowed to board with us (who were in the suite) so she didn't have to sit in the terminal for 2 hours waiting on the other family members in her 9th floor room to arrive (and why they weren't there when we were...long story with family dynamics. Short answer-maintain the peace, folks, gotta maintain the peace during a multi-generation magical family cruise. Sigh).

The Host remembered her-asked her why she wasn't on the CL with us (death glare from 15 y/old) and gave her tickets marked CLEARLY with her room number 9---. She also threw a ROYAL HISSY as only 15 year old girls can when I told her that the CL was off limits to her. Because I'm one of those rule followers.

My family did visit us in our room, but DN preferred her "porthole" room so DMother spent more time there. DD was swanning all over the place (but not the CL!) and I think we maintained a nice balance between meeting in public places, cramming in their room (I'm claustrophobic) and spending time in our larger digs (I was sick [but not contagious-migraine} the entire cruise so fortunately I was particularly fond of my room :I ).

I do believe the Concierge Hosts try very very hard to make everyone happy. Even not feeling well, I could appreciate how hard they worked.

 

[Jillikins]

Guests sailing in concierge may book at 120 days regardless of CC status. Others may book based on CC level. Any non-concierge guests who are not platinum would, per the rules, need to wait until their window opens. However, it is clear this rule is being bent by shoreside concierge.

It's ok, you've made it clear in previous posts that you have different definitions of rule and policy than some of us do.

I am traveling in two weeks with two other families. Two families are traveling concierge and one family is not. They linked our reservations but our non-concierge family was not allowed to book their excursions, spa time, etc. until THEIR booking window opened. I am 100% certain of this because I both emailed and called shoreside concierge to fully understand the policy - if I, traveling concierge, could have booked their stuff, I would have in order to ensure that we would be able to be on the same excursions.

Turns out it wasn't an issue - they were able to book everything they wanted at their booking window anyway.

 

[TestingH2O]

I am traveling in two weeks with two other families. Two families are traveling concierge and one family is not. They linked our reservations but our non-concierge family was not allowed to book their excursions, spa time, etc. until THEIR booking window opened. I am 100% certain of this because I both emailed and called shoreside concierge to fully understand the policy - if I, traveling concierge, could have booked their stuff, I would have in order to ensure that we would be able to be on the same excursions.

Turns out it wasn't an issue - they were able to book everything they wanted at their booking window anyway.

This was also my understanding of the policy. Thanks for offering a first hand account.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I am traveling in two weeks with two other families. Two families are traveling concierge and one family is not. They linked our reservations but our non-concierge family was not allowed to book their excursions, spa time, etc. until THEIR booking window opened. I am 100% certain of this because I both emailed and called shoreside concierge to fully understand the policy - if I, traveling concierge, could have booked their stuff, I would have in order to ensure that we would be able to be on the same excursions.

Turns out it wasn't an issue - they were able to book everything they wanted at their booking window anyway.

Glad it worked out--but that is how it should be. Not concierge?? Then no concierge services.

 

[NYdizneymom]

We are staying in the Roy on our next cruise, first time concierge ever, fifth Disney cruise. My sister and her husband are coming and they are not staying concierge. Our reservations are linked. Are they able to book excursions with us? Do they have to wait until it is their turn and book on their own? (I am worried they will be booked by then) We want to explore together.
Also, if we choose to eat dinner in our room can they join us? Even if we choose to eat Palo in our room?

Please post updated photos of the room. When are you going?

 

[wcw57]

well, I'm going to stay FAR AWAY from the concierge lounge...I don't want to be dragged into the impending fist fights between steerage and the high-brows.

Whenever I think of concierge I think of "The Producers" (original film) where the lady is leaning out of the window and tells Zero Mostel that she IS the "con-see-urge".........

A lot of great comedy is based on poking pins into the perceived upper class. I guess the class warfare situation still exists on all sorts of socio-economic levels............

class dismissed

 

[Uncleromulus]

So do you REALLY think I go Concierge just to impress folks I've never seen before, probably won't see much of on the ship, and will likely never see again??

 

[Hundredacre]

well, I'm going to stay FAR AWAY from the concierge lounge...I don't want to be dragged into the impending fist fights between steerage and the high-brows.

Whenever I think of concierge I think of "The Producers" (original film) where the lady is leaning out of the window and tells Zero Mostel that she IS the "con-see-urge".........

A lot of great comedy is based on poking pins into the perceived upper class. I guess the class warfare situation still exists on all sorts of socio-economic levels............

class dismissed

So you are against different products being sold to different people? No freedom? Companies cannot sell people what they want to buy? They must only have one product for everyone?

 

[wcw57]

huh? whaaaa?

where did that come from? I certainly didn't imply that and i'm not sure how you inferred that.....

in reviewing my post, i didn't even mention products or the sale of anything or companies....

u , hundredacre, have me flummoxed

 

[bumbershoot]

That's not what I meant here. I meant, I'm pretty sure that it's a perk that is publicized by the Disney Cruise lines that you can link your reservation to guests in your party that aren't in concierge rooms. If that's correct then it's not bending or breaking or asking them to change the rules to do it, its utilizing your perks *as they are offered*.

I could be wrong on it being a listed perk though.

Linking reservations does not mean "and now the other room gets all your benefits". It allows them to know you are together and that you might want dining together.

In our first concierge cruise's case we did not link as we didn't want to dine together. The kids at their ages did NOT eat when we were together. We wanted them to eat, so we were never at the same table. In retrospect it might have been nicer to done together because on a three night cruise it ended up being hard to find common interests. But linking wouldn't have given them the extras we chose to pay for. (A whole $300 more than the room we had booked...oooh we were so snooty)

huh? whaaaa?

where did that come from? I certainly didn't imply that and i'm not sure how you inferred that.....

in reviewing my post, i didn't even mention products or the sale of anything or companies....

u , hundredacre, have me flummoxed

Then what does your post mean? You're talking about class warfare and such. Concierge level is a product. Each type of room is a product.

The lady in the producers is funny but remember she just doesn't understand he word madame and thinks he's saying she's running a house of ill repute.

 

[phinz]

So you are against different products being sold to different people? No freedom? Companies cannot sell people what they want to buy? They must only have one product for everyone?

"Taco Bell was the only restaurant to survive the franchise war, so, now all restaurants are Taco Bell."

 

[JoieNsk]

I read everything in this topic, and generally I would agree with the point of view that it's not good idea to bring other people into concierge areas if they are not booked concierge and so on.

But I just want to bring something here, which probably is not so obvious.

I'm planning a Christmas cruise, and we are party of 4 adults (me and my husband, 71 yo lady, and 18 yo girl). I already booked one-bedroom for us. But the sleeping places in 1-bedroom are not that great for 4 adults really. So I priced out booking 2 people in one-bedroom, and 2 people in an oceanview. The price for two rooms is a little higher then booking all four into one-bedroom. So appears to be, that all four of us staying in concierge would pay even less money, then if only 2 of us would stay there. And really we are not adding more people into concierge lounge compared to all of us staying in one-bedroom - if say the concierge stuff would offer us to bring other two people with us - like some people mentioned here.

I think probably that is not rare situation to happen. And that is probably why the concierge stuff uses their judgement, and allows some concierge benefits to be used by family members staying non-concierge. As everything is paid off by this family anyways - one way or the other?

Technically one-bedroom can fit 5 people. So when the concierge room is not booked to a full capacity, it allows more space in concierge lounge and other areas. And the amount of money our family would pay for example - would not be any smaller then other party of 4 adults staying in one-bedroom pays. We would certainly have more comfortable beds for our party - with two rooms. But it doesn't really take anything away from other people.

 

[Hundredacre]

I read everything in this topic, and generally I would agree with the point of view that it's not good idea to bring other people into concierge areas if they are not booked concierge and so on.

But I just want to bring something here, which probably is not so obvious.

I'm planning a Christmas cruise, and we are party of 4 adults (me and my husband, 71 yo lady, and 18 yo girl). I already booked one-bedroom for us. But the sleeping places in 1-bedroom are not that great for 4 adults really. So I priced out booking 2 people in one-bedroom, and 2 people in an oceanview. The price for two rooms is a little higher then booking all four into one-bedroom. So appears to be, that all four of us staying in concierge would pay even less money, then if only 2 of us would stay there. And really we are not adding more people into concierge lounge compared to all of us staying in one-bedroom - if say the concierge stuff would offer us to bring other two people with us - like some people mentioned here.

I think probably that is not rare situation to happen. And that is probably why the concierge stuff uses their judgement, and allows some concierge benefits to be used by family members staying non-concierge. As everything is paid off by this family anyways - one way or the other?

Technically one-bedroom can fit 5 people. So when the concierge room is not booked to a full capacity, it allows more space in concierge lounge and other areas. And the amount of money our family would pay for example - would not be any smaller then other party of 4 adults staying in one-bedroom pays. We would certainly have more comfortable beds for our party - with two rooms. But it doesn't really take anything away from other people.

That is interesting, but it still means there are people in non-concierge oceanview level rooms using concierge services. Why should someone staying in oceanview get to use concierge services over another cabin in oceanview? Also, one bedroom concierge rooms are not really meant to fit four adults comfortably any more than an inside cabin fits 4 adults comfortably. Sure, you can do it, but it's not comfortable. I suspect Disney has designed the rooms that way on purpose, so as to discourage it.

 

[JoieNsk]

That is interesting, but it still means there are people in non-concierge oceanview level rooms using concierge services. Why should someone staying in oceanview get to use concierge services over another cabin in oceanview? Also, one bedroom concierge rooms are not really meant to fit four adults comfortably any more than an inside cabin fits 4 adults comfortably. Sure, you can do it, but it's not comfortable. I suspect Disney has designed the rooms that way on purpose, so as to discourage it.

I get it. But my point is that like somebody brought here - that Concierge stuff (as people describe them here) look like they are smart and well trained, and probably even well paid. I can see the management giving them the leverage of making their own decisions etc. Like somebody mentioned here - in other places then DCL - they call it "pixie dust".

I like the example somebody brought here - like upgrading people to the suite in Disney resort (that happened to me, so I know what I'm talking about - I was thrilled ))). Or even upgrading in the port when people don't pay the money other people payed, but still get to stay concierge.

Life is not white and black. And treating life as white and black - sure would take away the enjoyment of it. At least for me - for sure.

 

[JoieNsk]

I'll bring our family example - for comparison.

If we end up booking two rooms instead of one - I don't plan to use concierge lounge a lot even for myself. I can see me and my husband (booked in concierge) getting coffee there, but my daughter and my mom don't drink coffee. Free alcohol - I don't drink almost at all when I travel, as I too often have headache from alcohol, and I never drink cocktails for that reason. My daughter would not drink, she would be only 18, my mom doesn't drink almost at all. We don't need tickets for photos with Princesses etc. Concierge sundeck - I do not see the point in it, it doesn't even have ocean view, or at least some water feature - like for example in Haven on NCL. I'd rather prefer to sit on the balcony instead, where we are by ourselves. I see myself taking soda from the lounge - but I don't drink soda at all - my daughter would be drinking "mine". I might use concierge for getting cabana for all four of us at adult beach, but I'm not even sure we would need one.

Are we going to be abusing those concierge privileges? I don't think so. I would rather feel we would be paying a lot for something we would not even use - for 2 of us, my husband and me. But I'am not going to go to the lounge or concierge sun desk - just because I paid for it )))) For me - that defeats the very purpose of staying concierge - to make our vacation more relaxed and comfortable.

The only valuable benefit for me in Disney Concierge - and the main reason I decided to pay the kind of unreasonable price for concierge with DCL, - that we can comfortably spend time together in the same room, eat there, sit together on the balcony - without other people around, as I assume Christmas Cruise is going to be packed.