WWYD? Concierge Level or Dining Plan???

[cara loves the poly]

I've seen them run out at several of the resorts--and there was no waiting, there was nothing left. I think it's incredibly rude to take heaping plates full of what is meant as an appetizer--a few pieces to nibble on as opposed to a full dinner, especially when others might not get any or have to wait as a result.

When we were at the Polynesian, they replenished the supply. There was plenty and then some.

 

[Cass]

I've stayed concierge at WL, AKL & BC, I have only ever encountered hoarders at AKL, a family of 4 or 5 who would heap their plates and literally clear out a entire pan of skewered chicken or platter of cheese with no regard to other guests. As I recall the food was not replenished.. it was simply... done!

 

[~pixiedust~]

Thank you all for taking time to reply to my question. Here is a little background on us (some of you asked what our touring plans were). We have 2 sons (7&5) and I am pregnant due to have our 3rd son next month. We have been (as a family) to Disney 2 times. Once was in 2005 when we stayed at WL concierge level with the dining plan. While I did love everything about that trip I did feel like it was a little to much food. What I mean by that is for example, one night we had reservations at Whispering Canyon for 6:30. The lounge had clam chowder and something else for the nightly offering. I had a few bites of the chowder and loved it. But b/c we had reservations we did not sit and have a cup of the chowder b/c we did not want to go to dinner already feeling content (hunger wise). Now if we had not been on the dining plan we would probably have cancelled our ressies and enjoyed the soup and offerings. But b/c we did not want to leave with all these table services still on our card we went to the ressie. It felt like everytime we went to a park there was a meal we had a reservation for, a counter service that needed to be used and then when we went back to our room there was breakfast,snacks,soup,desserts, etc... waiting in the lounge. I felt like "food, food everywhere but we are to stuffed to eat!" Now I completly agree that if you do not want to eat then do not eat. Just b/c it is there does not mean you need to eat it. That is why I am trying to figure out which to do b/c I also hate paying for something when I know before hand it may never get used. Does that make sense??

Our second trip was in 2007 to the Caribbean Beach. It was a grand gathering with 23 of us. I really liked that trip also. It was very different from the first trip but completly fun in its own way. We did do the DP on that trip. Left a table service, 5 counter services and a bunch of snacks on the card.

Now on to our (hopefully) upcoming trip. THis time we will be traveling with a baby. We also feel like for the time being we have "done Disney." We have rode everything we have wanted to 2+ times. We have seen the parades, signed the books, etc... The one thing my kids are always sad about when we get home is the fact that they never get to just play at the pool. We usually give them an hour a day in the pool b/c we are very busy touring parks. So this time we want to actually relax at Disney World. No setting the alarm clock in the morning (ok I will just to hear Mickey but it will not be set for 6:00am). Playing in the pool until we are done. If we only get to a park for a few hours at night then so be it. If there is a day we never make it to a park then so be it. We want to come back from this vacation and NOT feel like we need a vacation. Does anyone know what I mean? We love the "feel" we get while at Disney and the kids LOVE Disney. That is why we are not chosing to go somewhere else for our vacation. So that is why I am torn on the DP and CL. It seems like just going to a few character meals will make the cost of the DP worth it even if we do CL. I am sooo confused on what to do.

To add a new question. Anyone ever go at the end of August?? How hot and crowded?????? We are torn between first week in June and last week in August.

About WL CL. While we were there the food was always replaced. The one thing I did see being horded was beer. I would see people putting them in their pockets. But when we wanted one we would just ask the CM and they would happily go in a back room and get us some.

~Lisa

 

[ducklite]

I'm going to throw a new idea out to you. Scrap the club level and food plan. Based on your additional information, I'd look into a 1BR at a DVC resort. You'll get a washer and dryer which will be priceless with a newborn. You'll have a full kitchen. You'll have a living room with a DVD player. You can put the baby down in the bedroom while the older kids are in the living room. No one will feel cramped or like they have to be quiet. The full kitchen will give you the opportunities to feed the kids when they wake up, without having to get dressed to go to breakfast.

The biggest drawback is that the only tub is a deep jetted soaking tub, so you'll have to wash the baby in the kitchen sink.

And did I mention that tub? Perfect for mom to relax after a long day.

I'd use my money that way. The most relaxing WDW trips we've had have been in villas. There's room to spread out, and you'll feel like you can really take your time int he morning, because breakfast is right there already.

 

[Cass]

To add a new question. Anyone ever go at the end of August?? How hot and crowded?????? We are torn between first week in June and last week in August.

I've been in August several times... very hot and humid and it rains every day in the afternoon. The trade off is that the crowds are low and you can enjoy the parks without lining up for rides.

 

[cara loves the poly]

I'm going to throw a new idea out to you. Scrap the club level and food plan. Based on your additional information, I'd look into a 1BR at a DVC resort. You'll get a washer and dryer which will be priceless with a newborn. You'll have a full kitchen. You'll have a living room with a DVD player. You can put the baby down in the bedroom while the older kids are in the living room. No one will feel cramped or like they have to be quiet. The full kitchen will give you the opportunities to feed the kids when they wake up, without having to get dressed to go to breakfast.

The biggest drawback is that the only tub is a deep jetted soaking tub, so you'll have to wash the baby in the kitchen sink.

And did I mention that tub? Perfect for mom to relax after a long day.

I'd use my money that way. The most relaxing WDW trips we've had have been in villas. There's room to spread out, and you'll feel like you can really take your time int he morning, because breakfast is right there already.

This sounds like a great idea for you with a baby!