Are the "Concierges" at concierge level rooms really concierges?

[durangojim]

I know my title is a bit confusing, but when I read about someone staying at a concierge level in a deluxe resort it seems that all that person is getting for the extra money is some snacks and maybe alcohol? It doesn't seem that a concierge at WDW can really do anything for a guest that guest services won't do for them, so I'm wondering what the attraction of this type of room level is. When we went on our honeymoon to Hawaii, my wife and I were fortunate to stay at some excellent resorts -- Halekulani, Princeville, and Four Seasons Wailea. The concierges there arrange dining, sailing, helicopter rides, etc for us and were able to get us into some places that were "completely booked" when we called ourselves. I guess that is what my idea of a concierge is and although I could be wrong, it seems that the Disney version is nothing close to that. For those of you who have had experience at Disney could you tell me what I'm missing? Thanks!

 

[wcj1968]

We were on the Concierge level at AK a couple years ago, and it was much more than a few snacks. most of the benefit that we used came in the trip planning phase before we arrived. Once you book a concierge room you will be contacted by a CM to plan your entire trip. They will then do ALL the leg work for your entire trip. You can ask for almost anything and they can make it happen (for a price). We asked for Cindy's table breakfast, Cirque tickets, Sunrise safari, and many other reservations. Within a short time I received our entire itinerary by email with all the conformation numbers and times. Once you are there you can stop by the desk or call to rearrange, add or delete any of those. and the "offerings" as they call them are more than just a few snacks. It was very convenient to stop by on the way out each morning for a danish or bagel before heading out to the parks. In the evening they had appetizers from Boma and Jiko. You really could make a light meal out of either. We also asked that autograph books and a few other items be in the room at check in, which saved us a detour with the kids excited about getting straight to the magic.

 

[BruceWayne]

We were on the Concierge level at AK a couple years ago, and it was much more than a few snacks. most of the benefit that we used came in the trip planning phase before we arrived. Once you book a concierge room you will be contacted by a CM to plan your entire trip. They will then do ALL the leg work for your entire trip. You can ask for almost anything and they can make it happen (for a price). We asked for Cindy's table breakfast, Cirque tickets, Sunrise safari, and many other reservations. Within a short time I received our entire itinerary by email with all the conformation numbers and times. Once you are there you can stop by the desk or call to rearrange, add or delete any of those. and the "offerings" as they call them are more than just a few snacks. It was very convenient to stop by on the way out each morning for a danish or bagel before heading out to the parks. In the evening they had appetizers from Boma and Jiko. You really could make a light meal out of either. We also asked that autograph books and a few other items be in the room at check in, which saved us a detour with the kids excited about getting straight to the magic.

That sounds great. We will have to try that sometime.

 

[bears163]

AKL sounds awesome. we are doing it next years trip...tried this year...booked up

 

[sarabi]

AKL sounds awesome. we are doing it next years trip...tried this year...booked up

AKL *is* awesome. I had the fortune to stay there once (a Disney vacation at any on site resort requires quite a bit of saving for my economic means). There is nothing like waking up to giraffes roaming outside your balcony. It's the only Disney resort where I lingered with coffee in the morning, just sipping and watching the animals.
The bar above Boma is also excellent with great specialty martinis. And I don't think I need to say anything about Jiko and Boma.

 

[KnK]

We stayed at WL Concierge last year. The folks did contact us about setting anything we needed up. Elizabeth at KK had done most of the prestuff for us, but they could have also done this.

We also had the option of going on a private safari (small fee) and that was fab! I don't think we will ever be able to go on the regular ride again. We got very spoiled.

We had a couple of special items at checkin.

We are staying again this year! We got very spoiled last year.

 

[mom_rules]

I know my title is a bit confusing, but when I read about someone staying at a concierge level in a deluxe resort it seems that all that person is getting for the extra money is some snacks and maybe alcohol? It doesn't seem that a concierge at WDW can really do anything for a guest that guest services won't do for them, so I'm wondering what the attraction of this type of room level is. When we went on our honeymoon to Hawaii, my wife and I were fortunate to stay at some excellent resorts -- Halekulani, Princeville, and Four Seasons Wailea. The concierges there arrange dining, sailing, helicopter rides, etc for us and were able to get us into some places that were "completely booked" when we called ourselves. I guess that is what my idea of a concierge is and although I could be wrong, it seems that the Disney version is nothing close to that. For those of you who have had experience at Disney could you tell me what I'm missing? Thanks!

We've stayed concierge at Beach Club twice, Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club and all times the concierge staff made all ADR's, sporting activities (tee off times, wakeboarding etc) reservations, transportation. They called us several weeks in advance to let us know how to contact them. Now this was a few years ago so things do change but we never had to do anything. Even got us last minute dining reservations on a few occassions.

 

[durangojim]

I'm curious though, what service they provide that a guest could not do for themselves. What I'm really trying to find out is if it is simply more convenient to stay with a concierge or are they able to make things happen that a guest cannot? My example would be that I can or my travel agent can make ADRs and I can purchase autograph books, but what if during my stay I wanted to dine at the California Grille but the night and time I wanted was booked, would they be able to get me a table, like many concierges at other fine hotels would? I think the sunrise safari at AKL would be way cool and would probably be worth the expense for that, just not sure any other resorts would be in my opinion.

 

[KnK]

I'm curious though, what service they provide that a guest could not do for themselves. What I'm really trying to find out is if it is simply more convenient to stay with a concierge or are they able to make things happen that a guest cannot? My example would be that I can or my travel agent can make ADRs and I can purchase autograph books, but what if during my stay I wanted to dine at the California Grille but the night and time I wanted was booked, would they be able to get me a table, like many concierges at other fine hotels would? I think the sunrise safari at AKL would be way cool and would probably be worth the expense for that, just not sure any other resorts would be in my opinion.

No, they could not get you a table at CG on a wim. We tried that one night last year. There is a safari option avaialble to anyone staying on a conierge floor at, not just AK. It's not the sunrise one. We did it last year and it was Fab.

Yes, most of the things you can do yourself. We enjoyed all the small little extra's like the cast members always addressing us by name when we came and went.

 

[durangojim]

No, they could not get you a table at CG on a wim. We tried that one night last year. There is a safari option avaialble to anyone staying on a conierge floor at, not just AK. It's not the sunrise one. We did it last year and it was Fab.

Yes, most of the things you can do yourself. We enjoyed all the small little extra's like the cast members always addressing us by name when we came and went.

Thanks for the info about the safari, I didn't know it was open to any of the concierge resorts, very cool. I understand what you mean about having the cast members address you by name, which is why I tip all cast members that I encounter $50 and tell them they'll get another $100 when we see them again if they remember our names. It gets a little expensive when we get to the park but oh well:ROFLOL:

 

[Ashitaka]

We are staying at AKL concierge this coming October. So far the staff has been very helpful to us. I let them know what dining reservations we wanted ahead of time so when the first day they could be made came, they booked them all for us. They also booked the tours we wanted. Then they emailed me the entire intinerary with the confirmation numbers. This was all from just one phone conversation with the concierge. I didn't have to worry about calling in exactly at 180 days out to get our lunch reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table.

I've also emailed the concierge our travel arrangements (we're flying in from two different cities and departing on different days). When the Magical Express system allows the info to be entered (60 days out I think), the concierge will do so and email me a confirmation.

So they can be helpful if you make use of them. Yes, I could have done all this myself directly by calling the main Disney numbers, but it was far more hassle-free to do it all through the concierge.

Once there, I'm sure I'll make use of them again. There are a couple of nights we don't have any plans. Maybe we'll decide that day we want to eat a nice meal. ADR's seem to be hard to get these days unless you book way in advance. Maybe the concierge will be able to help pull strings to get us into somewhere that otherwise would be all booked up. It's worth trying.

We wanted to stay in concierge level this time so we could book the Wanynama (Sunset) Safari, but it was access to the lounge that financially justified it for us. We looked at the money we'd save on breakfasts, a couple light dinners, and nightcaps (3 adults x 2 glasses of wine each at the lounge instead of Victoria Falls) and saw that it would largely offset the extra cost it would be for a concierge level room over a savanna view room. Thus we went for it.

 

[durangojim]

We are staying at AKL concierge this coming October. So far the staff has been very helpful to us. I let them know what dining reservations we wanted ahead of time so when the first day they could be made came, they booked them all for us. They also booked the tours we wanted. Then they emailed me the entire intinerary with the confirmation numbers. This was all from just one phone conversation with the concierge. I didn't have to worry about calling in exactly at 180 days out to get our lunch reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table.

I've also emailed the concierge our travel arrangements (we're flying in from two different cities and departing on different days). When the Magical Express system allows the info to be entered (60 days out I think), the concierge will do so and email me a confirmation.

So they can be helpful if you make use of them. Yes, I could have done all this myself directly by calling the main Disney numbers, but it was far more hassle-free to do it all through the concierge.

Once there, I'm sure I'll make use of them again. There are a couple of nights we don't have any plans. Maybe we'll decide that day we want to eat a nice meal. ADR's seem to be hard to get these days unless you book way in advance. Maybe the concierge will be able to help pull strings to get us into somewhere that otherwise would be all booked up. It's worth trying.

We wanted to stay in concierge level this time so we could book the Wanynama (Sunset) Safari, but it was access to the lounge that financially justified it for us. We looked at the money we'd save on breakfasts, a couple light dinners, and nightcaps (3 adults x 2 glasses of wine each at the lounge instead of Victoria Falls) and saw that it would largely offset the extra cost it would be for a concierge level room over a savanna view room. Thus we went for it.

From what other members in thread and in other threads have said, it seems pretty unlikely that this will happen, but like you said, it's worth a try.

 

[DisneyJoe]

but what if during my stay I wanted to dine at the California Grille but the night and time I wanted was booked, would they be able to get me a table, like many concierges at other fine hotels would?

They would try, certainly, but many of the fine dining establishments at WDW book solid 180 days in advance, and they don't hold tables just for concierge use.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

I'm curious though, what service they provide that a guest could not do for themselves. What I'm really trying to find out is if it is simply more convenient to stay with a concierge or are they able to make things happen that a guest cannot? My example would be that I can or my travel agent can make ADRs and I can purchase autograph books, but what if during my stay I wanted to dine at the California Grille but the night and time I wanted was booked, would they be able to get me a table, like many concierges at other fine hotels would? I think the sunrise safari at AKL would be way cool and would probably be worth the expense for that, just not sure any other resorts would be in my opinion.

You are correct, many of the things you can do yourself, but if you think of the majority of people that vacation at Disney, they don't have a clue as to what all is available, ADR's at 90 or 180 days, and on and on. For them, the service is invaluable.

There are other special events that you have access to including an evening dinner safari that is also exclusive to concierge. I'm sure they have a full list of limited access items.

Yes, they use the same access to reservations as is used by guest services and the phone line. The can't make tables appear, but they can (and do) try a variety of options and alternatives to get a request for you.

I also don't know of any Disney concierge that can arrange for escorts (like some nice hotels I've stayed at), and I don't miss that service either. :animwink:

 

[durangojim]

You are correct, many of the things you can do yourself, but if you think of the majority of people that vacation at Disney, they don't have a clue as to what all is available, ADR's at 90 or 180 days, and on and on. For them, the service is invaluable.

There are other special events that you have access to including an evening dinner safari that is also exclusive to concierge. I'm sure they have a full list of limited access items.

Yes, they use the same access to reservations as is used by guest services and the phone line. The can't make tables appear, but they can (and do) try a variety of options and alternatives to get a request for you.

I also don't know of any Disney concierge that can arrange for escorts (like some nice hotels I've stayed at), and I don't miss that service either. :animwink:

I'm not so sure, I think there are some You tube vids with Minnie and Daisy that might suggest otherwise:lookaroun

 

[DABIGCHEEZ]

Thanks DurangoJim.......I tried this same question in a thread before you but most seemed to respond to you. After reading the replies.... I have to say I know why I don't spend my money on this. I could do mostly everything they do without much time and effort. The only thing I see as an extra is the safari...... and between the animals at the lodge and AK we get our fill. As far as eating the foods supplied and saving the money on meals..... wouldn't the dining plan be ALOT cheaper???

Sorry, I just don't see the bang for my buck if you will.... unless that is one gigantic mint they place on my pillow!!!!!

Of course, this is just my opinion and if you used it, or are going to use that is wonderful and hope you enjoyed or will enjoy it!!!!!

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Thanks DurangoJim.......I tried this same question in a thread before you but most seemed to respond to you. After reading the replies.... I have to say I know why I don't spend my money on this. I could do mostly everything they do without much time and effort. The only thing I see as an extra is the safari...... and between the animals at the lodge and AK we get our fill. As far as eating the foods supplied and saving the money on meals..... wouldn't the dining plan be ALOT cheaper???

Sorry, I just don't see the bang for my buck if you will.... unless that is one gigantic mint they place on my pillow!!!!!

Of course, this is just my opinion and if you used it, or are going to use that is wonderful and hope you enjoyed or will enjoy it!!!!!

And you're 100% right....but just like DVC, Adventurer's Club, the Dining Plan, Deluxe and Platinum plans and so many other options....they work great for some, not a value for others. In this case, it's not a bang for your buck (mine either, because I would not make optimal use of what is available).

We plan our vacations is many different ways.....it's just good to have the option.

 

[PrincessBitty]

We've been there, done that with Disney concierge - unless you are a newbie its so much easier to plan out your own itinerary in advance and do it through the Disney direct number - we've found it to be much faster. We've even gotten more surprises and perks when not staying concierge (free desserts at dinner reservations, gift baskets in the room, ease of having things delivered to the room prior to stay, etc.). Since the concierge can't get you better seats, tables at booked solid restaurants, etc. it's pretty useless compared to the "string pulling" that you get at 5 star resorts / hotels in other destinations. When we've done concierge, we always end up feeling like it was a waste of money for a mint and food that we're never at the hotel to eat. (There's too much to see, do, and eat throughout the "World" to be running back to the hotel for snacktime!) But that's just imho.

 

[MickeysMagic]

Just really curious, has anyone ever booked a courtyard room and gotten a concierge...my husband and I booked a courtyard room at the Wilderness Lodge for our 15th Anniversary at the end of Sept. thru the beginning of Oct., any chance of getting a concierge. We did get a favor from a family friend who works at Disney with a Other Guest Resort Cast member discount for the room? So I'm not complaining. Not planning on an additional upgrade, but it would be a nice anniversary surprise.

 

[durangojim]

Just really curious, has anyone ever booked a courtyard room and gotten a concierge...my husband and I booked a courtyard room at the Wilderness Lodge for our 15th Anniversary at the end of Sept. thru the beginning of Oct., any chance of getting a concierge. We did get a favor from a family friend who works at Disney with a Other Guest Resort Cast member discount for the room? So I'm not complaining. Not planning on an additional upgrade, but it would be a nice anniversary surprise.

We've stayed at the WL probably between 10 and 15 times and have always stayed in a woods view or courtyard view room and have never received an upgrade to concierge. We've had quite a few upgrades from woods to courtyard though -- most recently when we were there during Memorial Day week we were upgraded from a woods view to a main floor courtyard view room close to the dock. It was great for the convinience especially with having kids, and to top it off we had a AAA rate on the woods view, so it was like getting a AP discount on the courtyard view!