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Alicia in KY:
I've never stayed in a concierge room at any hotel. I'm planning my first Disney World trip for next year and I'd like to do it right. I
haven't made any decisions about a resort yet. Could you tell me a bit about the various concierge rooms and services that are available
at Disney World. Are they worth the extra money or would I be better off spending the money on some other aspect of my vacation?
Pam Responds:
Ahhh, a luxury Disney trip. I know there are many folks who plan that vacation to include all the rides,
and the shows and the meals, but it is also important to plan some time for relaxation, and even a little
indulgence. This is a vacation! As was discussed on MFL last week, life is too short, and we all deserve
to enjoy the finer things in life ;) The concierge is one of those finer things. You may want to give it a
try when you are planning a special getaway. On the other hand, it's just a great way to spend any
vacation. You certainly donít need an excuse to enjoy concierge service. Just make the reservations!
And, in the age of discounted Fairytale packages, code and AP discounts etc. concierge can be a Dollarless
option. We are talking "value" here. In other words, getting the most for the money you spend, and the best
value is not always least expensive option.
I know some families that stay in the concierge rooms because after they add up all the food benefits they
feel they come out ahead, and their figuring doesn't even consider the extra services that are provided to
concierge guests. Do the math; it may work for your family as well.
If a concierge stay is out of your budget range, you could always consider spending a couple of nights at
the beginning or end of you Disney World vacation in a concierge room. This would be a perfect way to enjoy
some of the benefits while still keeping your lodging budget in line.
The concierge rooms are often located in a floor or building of the hotel that can only be accessed with
the special concierge room keys. The concierge spaces are not open to non-concierge guests. Concierge is an
extra level of service. Itís some extra pampering and some extra amenities. You feel "special" and the staff
works to make you feel that way.
Now, let's get to the good stuff.The benefits of booking a concierge room:
1) Food and drinks in the lounge.
This is the big plus and one of the reasons that a concierge stay can be such a value. Each concierge has its own food
offerings. Some even have some specialty items. The AKL and the Polynesian concierge both have specialty
juices that we love.
The concierge lounges each have a continental breakfast daily. It has a variety of pastries,
cereals, bagels and fruit, juices, milk, coffee and tea. We never have trouble finding something we want
for breakfast in the lounge. (It's more than stale bagels and an apple)
In the afternoon there is usually a snack or tea. Cookies, snack food, or maybe some scones are often
available. Beverages, including water, soft drinks, Perrier, juices, milk, coffee and tea are available.
You can also stop in the lounge to pick up beverages most times of the day. I canít tell you how nice it
is to walk into the lounge in the afternoon and grab a cold drink and a little snack. Or to have a concierge
staff member encourage you to take a few bottles of water on your way out the door to the parks. It makes
your stay so nice, and it is little things like this that make concierge stays so wonderful.
In the evening there are usually small appetizers and snacks available. There is usually and assortment of
hot and cold dishes as well as more drinks and in most lounges a small choice of wines.
Finally, in the evening there is usually an assortment of desserts and cordials. This is a great way to end
the day, sipping a cordial as you devour a scrumptious cake, cookie, or chocolate covered strawberry :)
2) You have access to the concierge staff
They are available to help you plan your vacation. After you make a concierge reservation, you can
contact the concierge staff at the hotel. They can help you make PS and recreation reservations. They
can even help you get those hard-to-get PS and recreation reservations. Another thing to note is
that when you arrive for your PS at the restaurant, the restaurant knows that the concierge made the PS
reservations. They may even offer you a great table just because you are a concierge guest. (This has
happened to us on a few occasions) They can also help you plan little surprised and note
special requests for your vacation. The concierge staff is well-trained and in addition to
the pre-planning services, they will also be available during your stay. They are really friendly and
approachable, and can always help find a way to add a bit of magic to your stay.
3) The concierge lounge
This concierge lounge is often a really nice place just to ěhang out.î Each lounge is different, and
some have great views. You may have an expansive view of the lounge lobby, or a great view of the Magic
Kingdom fireworks. Each lounge has its own atmosphere and view. All of the lounges are lovely and emit the
feeling of the resort. There is a TV in each lounge, a sitting area and also some tables, and newspapers.
So it is a great place to enjoy a quick drink or a concierge snack.
4) Express check-in.
There may be something better than pulling up to your hotel, dragging out all of your luggage, going to the
front desk, waiting with your family for the next available CM while your children run wild around the
lobby, standing through the check-in procedure, and then taking your luggage to your room. (Not that this
is a horrible experience, Disney seems to do a pretty good job making the check-in procedure as painless as
possible, but there is something better.)
As a concierge guest you have a separate check-in area. For instance at the Polynesian, you simply tell
the bell person that you are a concierge guest when you arrive. You are then taken to the concierge
building where you are seated, given a drink, you children are free to go upstairs to the lounge and
watch a little TV, and you get to spend a few quiet minutes with the concierge staff as you go through the
check-in process.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that only concierge guests of the AKL can participate in the Sunrise
Safari. This is by far one best events we have ever done at Disney, and is certainly worth the price of a
concierge stay. There is a charge for this event, in addition to the extra amount you pay for concierge,
but it is worth every penny!
I have tried to outline some of the more prominent benefits of a concierge stay. There are also things I
didnít mention because the offerings at each resort are different. Some concierge rooms include a free
refrigerator or microwave in rooms for their guest. Some resorts offer concierge guests larger rooms. All
concierge rooms have additional toiletries for concierge guests. (Havenít you always wanted Disney
mouthwash LOL)? Chocolates on your pillow, and turn-down service every night is also included for
concierge guest.
The decision on whether a concierge stay is right for you, is your decision. You have to decide if a great
hotel stay filled with extra service, pampering, and amenities is the type of vacation you want to have.
I can say that even though the concierge stays are more expensive, I have always enjoyed these stays a
little more (That hardly seems possible, but it is true LOL). When you look back, itís the little things
that make a vacation, and the concierge provides all those little things to make a vacation even more
magical!
I'll also point you in the direction of an opinions article I wrote a few years ago about the concierge
services at the different hotels:
http://www.TheMouseForLess.com/tripplanning/articles/Forrester012602.shtml
Have a wonderful stay!
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