Utilizing Disney Concierge Services

Ok, so I've cruised several times with Royal Caribbean, but never on Disney. I've also never booked a suite and had access to a concierge before. Just wondering what are some of the best ways to utilize the Disney concierge services? I feel like we are paying a premium for it, so I want to get my money's worth! ;):p We are sailing on the Magic right before Thanksgiving on a five night cruise. Thanks for the help!

Drat, I just typed a long response. The computer gave me an error message and ate it. I'm going to wait till I get home to do it again--don't want to risk losing the message.

Oh no!!! Hopefully, you can get it in later. Thanks for trying!

Try again.

First, shoreside concierge should contact you about 125 days before embarkation. You can let them know of anything you want them to book for you, and particularly if you want to reserve a cabana on Castaway Cay. They can't book for you until the 120 day point, but they actually take the stuff that you want off line a day early so you get it before anyone who tries to book on their own. Cabanas DO open up later as people decide to forego the cost, but if you know you want one, tell the shoreside concierge. And know whether you want it on the family or adult beach. They can also book all adult dining, nursery, excursion, spa, etc. reservations for you. If they balk at that, you are correct--you are paying for it. Politely tell them to do their job.

When you arrive at the terminal, there is a dedicated concierge check in line as well as a special waiting area. Concierge guests board first. Go immediately to the concierge reception. You can drop your carry ons, and beverages and munchies are served. The concierge staff will review all your reservations, provide the "free" tickets to any events you might wish (Frozen/princess meet and greets, etc). I think November will be to early for gingerbread house decorating, but that's another that they can provide. They can get you any reservation that you want that is still open at boarding.

There is a whole list of perks that will automatically happen--no need to do anything. Beyond that, anything you need, just ask. There is no reason for you to ever stand in a line at Guest Services. The robes are for ship use only, not to take home. The litho is to take home.

You are cruising after the September dry dock, so you MIGHT benefit from the rumored addition of a concierge lounge. Currently Magic guests are getting a plate of goodies served each day in their suite. On the Dream and Fantasy, there are a couple of "happy hour" times each day with complimentary munchies, smoothies, alcohol, soft drinks, etc. You can always grab a couple extra soft drinks or waters and take them back to your room.

You will be provided with a concierge phone number if there is no lounge. Someone is always on call--just pick up a phone. If there is a lounge when you cruise, there will be someone on duty in the lounge except late at night.

Things you can get if you want/need....golf cart transportation to your cabana or just to the beach on Castaway, escorted disembarkation at any port (basically, the concierge walks with you and you cut the line), priority tendering at any tender port (Grand Cayman), etc.

You will be automatically seated at a "just our family" table with prime seats in each dining room unless you request otherwise. If you want a particular dining rotation or something like Lumiere's on dress up night, just tell shoreside.

You have just entered the world of "your wish is my command." Well, almost anyhow.

Mokismommy, thank you so much!!! That helps a lot. I have been contacted by the concierge, and I am starting to work with them. I am just a "planner" and don't have any idea what to expect. I'm so excited to have the concierge service. It's going to be quite a treat!

You will also be able to request water/cans of soda and other items in your room. At least we were. I did only ask for tonic water and ginger ale, but it along with all the bottled water we needed was provided when asked.

I wish I could go concierge every cruise. Maybe one day.

Your host will take of things before you know they need taking care of for the most part, ours would seek us out and make sure we knew where we needed to be at what time, it was awesome. NO checking schedules as someone else did that for us! Then it was back to real life. LOL.

Have a great time!

Super helpful! Thanks @moki! We had a variable experience on our first DCL experience, but wanted to try again. The concierge level seemed to offer the benefits we wanted. We booked a shorter cruise at Concierge level and feel this may help with some of our concerns. Crossing our fingers for a cabana on Serenity Bay!!

A private cabana is a nice thing....but as one who made many stops at Castaway before the cabanas existed, I assure you that you can have a fantastic day without one.

Also, lunch will not be served to you in your cabana. You are welcome to go to one of the food locations, get your lunch, and carry it back to the cabana yourself but your cabana host cannot get your lunch and bring it to you. Just a word of warning.

Thank you for all of the information, Moki'smommy! We are on the December 4th Disney Wonder cruise and going concierge for the first time. Very excited but have been uncertain of the items we could ask for ahead of time, and the whole concierge process.

Clair

Thank you for all of the information' date=' Moki'smommy! We are on the December 4th Disney Wonder cruise and going concierge for the first time. Very excited but have been uncertain of the items we could ask for ahead of time, and the whole concierge process.

 

Clair[/quote']

 

Concierge on the Wonder will be a little different because they do not have a concierge lounge. They will deliver some munchies to your room daily, and your fridge will be stocked with soft drinks and water when you board. In the past, they would allow you to trade out varieties if your favorites were not there, but they only refilled the fridge in the 2 bedroom suites.

 

Also, I forgot to note that you can have food from the main dining room served in your suite. There are restrictions in terms of needing to order by a particular time and there are only certain hours you can choose to receive the order. Also, in the 2 bedroom suite you can have food from Palo served in your suite. And yes, if you have kids or guests, you can have dinner for them from Palo in the suite as well.

 

The concierge will check on you at least daily and will be available to you by phone...but you won't be able to just pop into the lounge and find someone sitting there to serve you. I suspect that a lounge will be added to the Wonder when she ultimately gets her big dry dock...but that's just my guess.

I believe also that in lieu of a Concierge Lounge, they are holding a Concierge drinks reception nightly in a section of the Outlook Cafe on the Wonder, so be sure to look out for that.

I read that on the Magic are doing the same, but in Keys, and they have just started offering inclusive coffees from Cove Cafe for Concierge until they can construct the Lounge during her dry dock. It MAY be the same on the Wonder?

ex techie