what does "concierge" actually get you?

[franandaj]

You get sodas and bottled water in the room (1 BR) from concierge. We don't drink soda. The concierge swaps out our soda for more water.

Concierge swapped out a Palo reservation for us.

Concierge got us a schedule ahead of time for all alcohol tastings on the cruise, and got us tickets for one.

I knew about the ability to choose which beverages they stock in your room, but the tastings was something I really wanted to know about. How early do you find out about the tastings? Before you board? How do these bookings work through concierge? I definitely want to do a few of these.

Also we are on the Wonder, does anyone know if you can book a Rainforest room pass before getting on the cruise? If not, can the concierge book this for you? Do you just head for the Conceirge once you board the ship to make arrangements?

We booked concierge because my partner is disabled. We have an HA room, and will spend a lot of time in the room relaxing, so we wanted to have more space. Also I told her that if she doesn't feel up to going out to eat we can always order room service. From what I've read, on the Wonder you can order from the different restaurants in addition to the regular room service menu.

Another question...i saw that we get some amount of complementary internet, they have a computer lab on the ship, so I don't have to bring a computer to check in with my DIS friends right?

 

[justmestace]

I doubt it, but there may be a time when we'd sail in concierge again at some point, but I AM really glad that they contact passengers before their cruise now. That's a big plus, in my book.
Back before they did that, and before they had the new lounge on the Dream and Fantasy, I really didn't think concierge was worth it.....except for the larger rooms.

 

[disneywonderfun]

I doubt it, but there may be a time when we'd sail in concierge again at some point, but I AM really glad that they contact passengers before their cruise now. That's a big plus, in my book.
Back before they did that, and before they had the new lounge on the Dream and Fantasy, I really didn't think concierge was worth it.....except for the larger rooms.

I agree with your point. When we left the Roy on the Wonder for the first time, I kept asking my wife if there was any real benefit besides simply more square footage. The new ships have a much better overall experience if you are so inclined. I do think the escalating costs make the question of booking a concierge cabin all the more difficult. For example, on our last cruise, we simply booked two cabins with connecting rooms for approximately 1/3rd the cost of a Cat T. We still had 600 square feet, two bathrooms, a double balcony, etc. In some ways, it might even be better than a Cat T as our kids easily went to sleep in a regular bed with the connecting door open and we (adults) could stay up later. We did book a Cat R for next year, but I am not sure we will continue to do so. I guess it just depends.

DWF

 

[AlexandNessa]

I knew about the ability to choose which beverages they stock in your room, but the tastings was something I really wanted to know about. How early do you find out about the tastings? Before you board? How do these bookings work through concierge? I definitely want to do a few of these.

Also we are on the Wonder, does anyone know if you can book a Rainforest room pass before getting on the cruise? If not, can the concierge book this for you? Do you just head for the Conceirge once you board the ship to make arrangements?

We booked concierge because my partner is disabled. We have an HA room, and will spend a lot of time in the room relaxing, so we wanted to have more space. Also I told her that if she doesn't feel up to going out to eat we can always order room service. From what I've read, on the Wonder you can order from the different restaurants in addition to the regular room service menu.

Another question...i saw that we get some amount of complementary internet, they have a computer lab on the ship, so I don't have to bring a computer to check in with my DIS friends right?

Sorry, I can't help with the rain forest pass. You get 100 minutes of free internet (it is charged, then credited to your account). You will get instructions in your concierge folder when you go to the concierge meeting. We bring our iPad. I know on the Dream, of you didn't bring your own, they had iPads you could borrow in the lounge.

As far as the tastings, your concierge should have a schedule of all the tastings that will be offered on your sailing. At least that's how it worked on the Magic. The concierge made us a copy of the schedule for our concierge folder. Then simply call the concierge, and have her (him) get you tickets. The concierge will deliver tickets to you cabin. You will be charged for them, of course.

 

[Ptwolfman]

I knew about the ability to choose which beverages they stock in your room, but the tastings was something I really wanted to know about. How early do you find out about the tastings? Before you board? How do these bookings work through concierge? I definitely want to do a few of these.

Also we are on the Wonder, does anyone know if you can book a Rainforest room pass before getting on the cruise? If not, can the concierge book this for you? Do you just head for the Conceirge once you board the ship to make arrangements?

We booked concierge because my partner is disabled. We have an HA room, and will spend a lot of time in the room relaxing, so we wanted to have more space. Also I told her that if she doesn't feel up to going out to eat we can always order room service. From what I've read, on the Wonder you can order from the different restaurants in addition to the regular room service menu.

Another question...i saw that we get some amount of complementary internet, they have a computer lab on the ship, so I don't have to bring a computer to check in with my DIS friends right?

I can answer the Rainforest Room question. On the DCL website, under In Room Gifts, if you scroll down just after the Halloween gifts, you'll see the daily pass. You can print out the order form or call DCL to buy these. HTH

 

[franandaj]

Sorry, I can't help with the rain forest pass. You get 100 minutes of free internet (it is charged, then credited to your account). You will get instructions in your concierge folder when you go to the concierge meeting. We bring our iPad. I know on the Dream, of you didn't bring your own, they had iPads you could borrow in the lounge.

As far as the tastings, your concierge should have a schedule of all the tastings that will be offered on your sailing. At least that's how it worked on the Magic. The concierge made us a copy of the schedule for our concierge folder. Then simply call the concierge, and have her (him) get you tickets. The concierge will deliver tickets to you cabin. You will be charged for them, of course.

Yikes! I've never used an iPad before! I think we better bring a computer along just in case!

I called Disney earlier today, and got my answer on the rainforest room. They can book individual days, but not the weekly unlimited pass. I'm not sure I'd need it for the whole week. It's $16 for one day so I'll have to go over my itinerary again and see how many days I might actually use it.

 

[Doingitagain]

We have cruised with concierge over the past ten years. The on-shore concierge team service has been getting increasingly better. I think we get more concierge service before the cruise than on the cruise...I am a big planner and like to have everything arranged before we leave.

They encourage you to do your booking online if you can, but they can help you if you need it. They have helped me re-arrange excursions when we changed our minds, put notes in our reservations for special requests (type of soda, type of seating, dining rotations, etc.). This last cruise, I was very impressed because I had responses on a Saturday to emails I sent that day, even though concierge hours are technically Monday-Friday.

 

[SharonLowe]

We have cruised with concierge over the past ten years. The on-shore concierge team service has been getting increasingly better. I think we get more concierge service before the cruise than on the cruise...I am a big planner and like to have everything arranged before we leave.

.

Unfortunately, I have to say we had the opposite experience with the on-shore team. We were in the Walt Suite on the Dream in August. I had a few requests for the on-shore team including asking if certain beverages could be put in our frig - we don't drink cola beverages but my daughter likes Sprite and ginger ale and I like club soda/sparkling water. They replied to my email requesting that certain items be stocked in my frig by stating that since there was a lounge, the frig's weren't stocked but we could get our own things from the lounge and put them in our frig. Totally incorrect info especially for the Royal Suites. I had asked them to book cabanas for us (2 castaway cay days) and some excursions, but based on their answer to the frig question, I wasn't confident that they would do them in time, so I booked all of our excursions, spa treatments, and cabanas on our own.

Once on board, the situation changed completely and anything we wanted we got. We were treated like royalty and were able to add/change spa treatments to anything we wanted. Our frig was stocked with the things we wanted and our freezer was kept full with mickey bars. We booked all our tastings the day we arrived. The concierge bartender, Jenny, was awesome and remembered my champagne of choice and always had it available for me. She was also awesome on the cabana beach, serving great drinks and brining special treats when she could...We had a wonderful Palo meal delivered that last evening of our cruise at no charge other than tips for the servers. We decided that if we can do it again in a Royal Suite, we would have all our meals delivered to the room - we much preferred it to the MDRs and got better service too. Yes, we spent a lot of money to get the Royal Suite (5 day cruise) but we felt we got what we paid for. But, the on-shore staff needs to be trained better and learn what the on-board staff already know - that nothing is impossible and all things can be answered with a yes.

 

[mouseears1]

We have cruised with concierge over the past ten years. The on-shore concierge team service has been getting increasingly better. I think we get more concierge service before the cruise than on the cruise...I am a big planner and like to have everything arranged before we leave.

They encourage you to do your booking online if you can, but they can help you if you need it. They have helped me re-arrange excursions when we changed our minds, put notes in our reservations for special requests (type of soda, type of seating, dining rotations, etc.). This last cruise, I was very impressed because I had responses on a Saturday to emails I sent that day, even though concierge hours are technically Monday-Friday.

We also have had great service with the concierge staff for the past 5 years and I do agree they are getting better each year.

For my upcoming trip on September 22, 2012 they have booked the cabana of my choice, linked my reservations with two other people we are traveling with, booked Palo and Palo brunch for me and my guests with specific tables requested, organized a party for us in the Walt suite with specific food requested, coordinated a private Mixology party for my group of 40, arranged for specific drinks to be in my fridge and Mickey Bars in the freezer for my husband, taken my requests for a bridge tour and passed them to the ships captain for approval etc.....They have done everything they could for me and my husband and if it is not in their job scope to grant us a request, they just note it in our file so that the on board concierge team can take care of it. They are amazing and very helpful and courteous . They employees in concierge are the main reasons we keep booking with the Disneyland Hotel , Disneyland, WDW, Disney Yacht and Beach Club and DCL. All of their concierge services we were fortunate enough to utilize have given us top notch customer service.

 

[disneyholic family]

We also have had great service with the concierge staff for the past 5 years and I do agree they are getting better each year.

For my upcoming trip on September 22, 2012 they have booked the cabana of my choice, linked my reservations with two other people we are traveling with, booked Palo and Palo brunch for me and my guests with specific tables requested, organized a party for us in the Walt suite with specific food requested, coordinated a private Mixology party for my group of 40, arranged for specific drinks to be in my fridge and Mickey Bars in the freezer for my husband, taken my requests for a bridge tour and passed them to the ships captain for approval etc.....They have done everything they could for me and my husband and if it is not in their job scope to grant us a request, they just note it in our file so that the on board concierge team can take care of it. They are amazing and very helpful and courteous . They employees in concierge are the main reasons we keep booking with the Disneyland Hotel , Disneyland, WDW, Disney Yacht and Beach Club and DCL. All of their concierge services we were fortunate enough to utilize have given us top notch customer service.

what's a good table to request in the MDRs and Palo?
I guess for Palo brunch it would be a window table. Any particular one?
and in the MDRs, what should i request? I guess i should ask to be near crush. But it would also be nice to be in one of the booths in the enchanted garden.
i'll try to remember to call them and ask.

 

[mouseears1]

what's a good table to request in the MDRs and Palo?
I guess for Palo brunch it would be a window table. Any particular one?
and in the MDRs, what should i request? I guess i should ask to be near crush. But it would also be nice to be in one of the booths in the enchanted garden.
i'll try to remember to call them and ask.

Those are exactly the tables in the MDR's that I have asked for as well For Palo, I asked for a table with an exceptional view near the windows. I have confidence that they will fill that request and that we will be quite pleased . I also want to sit in those little booths in the Enchanted Garden as well. We think alike!

Alisia

 

[cypressmom]

Those are exactly the tables in the MDR's that I have asked for as well For Palo, I asked for a table with an exceptional view near the windows. I have confidence that they will fill that request and that we will be quite pleased . I also want to sit in those little booths in the Enchanted Garden as well. We think alike!

Alisia

Do you have any suggestions for preferred seating on the Magic?

 

[disneyholic family]

Those are exactly the tables in the MDR's that I have asked for as well For Palo, I asked for a table with an exceptional view near the windows. I have confidence that they will fill that request and that we will be quite pleased . I also want to sit in those little booths in the Enchanted Garden as well. We think alike!

Alisia

it's not a dealbreaker for me, but i know my mom would very much like to be near the window in palo..

when we ate there for brunch (when we were in the royal suite - DH, DD, DS and me), we were about 3 rows removed from the window, but we didn't care. As far as the MDR, i didn't really even notice where we were. We really didn't care one way or the other. But one thing i definitely wanted was to be by ourselves at a 4 top, and that we did get.

 

[mouseears1]

Also on a side note, some people need specific food and or items in their fridge because of a medical condition, or a certain table because of mobility issues. You never know what one person in life is facing until you have walked in their shoes.

In my experience, all the people I have had the opportunity to meet on the ships have been kind and gracious. I love sailing on DCL.

 

[justmestace]

the walt disney suite on the wonder used to have a grand piano, but it's my understanding that it has since been taken out.

When we stayed in it, there was a piano.

I'll go find the picture of DD sitting at it. Not sure why they took it out, but it was fun for her to have (she's a singer/songwriter so it came in handy for her - she performs with a guitar, but she writes on a piano).

i never booked concierge to impress anyone. I book concierge because i want a nicer room. And sometimes for the better service, but usually for the room.

The piano has been gone for some years. We were told that the motion of the ship kept ruining the tuning on the piano--don't know if that's true or not. In any event, the pianos on the Magic and Wonder have been removed.

Also, the pianos in other locations on the ship have been changed to nasty electronic instruments. The beautiful instruments that the ship used to have.....long gone. Yes, I know that the ones they have now are easier to maintain, but they don't have the same sound quality.

Several people I know just got off the Magic in New York, and they specifically checked for me....the piano in the Atrium IS a REAL, regular, non-electronic piano. It does have a cord attached for amplification when needed, but it's still just a piano.

 

[justmestace]

I'm pretty sure the piano was being played in may in the lobby of the magic as we waited for pictures......???? Was it electronic?

See my post above....on the Magic, at least, you were correct.

 

[justmestace]

Also on a side note, some people need specific food and or items in their fridge because of a medical condition, or a certain table because of mobility issues. You never know what one person in life is facing until you have walked in their shoes.

I'm curious if there is an option for non-concierge guests to have items such as these made available to them as soon as they get onboard?
Is there a shore-side contact for this?

 

[sissy_ib]

I'm curious if there is an option for non-concierge guests to have items such as these made available to them as soon as they get onboard?
Is there a shore-side contact for this?

I don't know about having food/drinks in you room, but if there is a medical need DCL will do just about anything. There is a medical needs form that can be faxed in.

 

[mouseears1]

I'm curious if there is an option for non-concierge guests to have items such as these made available to them as soon as they get onboard?
Is there a shore-side contact for this?

I am sure there is. For example, I am an insulin dependent Diabetic and because of this, at night mostly, my blood sugar can get dangerously low so I need access to orange juice to boost my sugar within seconds. Disney has been very good at making sure that I have that and certain food items in my fridge that help me stabilize when I need them and I am positive if I wasn't traveling Concierge that they would assist anyone with any sort of medical condition as well. When I booked my first cruise, I asked the same question and they told me that whether or not I was in Concierge, that they would assist me.

 

[BethA]

I'm curious if there is an option for non-concierge guests to have items such as these made available to them as soon as they get onboard?
Is there a shore-side contact for this?

I believe there used to be a form you had to have filled out about med needs but I would think you could contact DCL to be sure any special needs are set up before hand