Posts Tagged ‘Innkeeper’s Club’

#5 A Concierge Stay

Comparable to “club” in other deluxe hotels, and referred to as “concierge” for many years, this represents the elite level of accommodations at Disney resorts.  Having recently installed “concierge” desks in the lobbies of all the resorts to assist hotel guests, Disney is struggling with the nomenclature to set this service apart.  They have given names to all the concierge lounges and are attempting to make the transition from “concierge” to “club,” as in  Old Faithful Club at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  Nonetheless, most guests still think of these rooms as concierge.  In each deluxe resort, most suites and a certain number of single rooms are designated concierge.  They may be located on certain floors, keyed sections of floors, or in specific buildings, and suites may be found throughout the properties, but they all share access to the concierge perks.

Those booking club-level rooms can anticipate certain extras:  food and beverage offerings several times each day in a private lounge area; separate check-in procedures; a dedicated concierge staff to assist with information, reservations, and myriad special requests.  Concierge guests may also take advantage of the pre-trip planning services available from the Itinerary Planning Office. An itinerary questionnaire is generally mailed a month or so before arrival.  They can be contacted by e-mail, phone or fax as soon as you have a confirmed reservation.

Although Disney is renowned for customer service, you can expect that to be taken to another level when you arrive as a concierge guest.  It is pampering, indulgent, and delightful.  All the lounges are extremely child-friendly and feature small furnishings, a separate television, and special food items especially for kids.  A family vacation at Walt Disney World is very demanding, and having the resources of concierge can be priceless.

Expect the benefits to be emotional rather than fiscal.  After a tiring arrival day, when most guests still face a wait in line to check in, concierge guests are greeted and whisked away to comfortable chairs and cool drinks, or sometimes escorted directly to their rooms, for a relaxed and hassle-free registration.  The push of a button from a room telephone will connect to a member of the concierge staff who will try his best to obtain tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party, book a last-minute dining reservation, or give advice about park-closing hours or ordering a floral arrangement for a room.  Grabbing breakfast in the morning rather than spending the time in a restaurant offers the opportunity for the early start that’s so important in the parks.

Interestingly, each resort brings its own unique style to the concierge floor, and there are differences in service, food and beverages, extra amenities, and attitude.  Two resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, have two different club levels and uninformed guests are sometimes disappointed upon arrival.  Your Whimsical World Travel Concierge is familiar with each and every program and can offer guidance in choosing the best one for your party.