I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s actually a Disney concierge personality. I just happened upon this phenomena on my last Disney research trip when, in my usual fashion, I moved every two nights between resorts. I’ve stayed many times over at all the Deluxe Resorts, just about always in concierge. But this go-round I just happened to move immediately between the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian, following that with a move between the Yacht and the Beach Club. And it struck me like never before how very different guest personalities are in each resort, particularly when it comes to concierge.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Concierge Lounge
The Grand Floridian’s concierge lounge offers up a quiet and sedate atmosphere. As music from the lobby floats upward to the Royal Palm Club, small plates of delicacies are nibbled at in mannerly fashion. Well-behaved children patiently snack on crustless sandwiches while parents sip their pre-dinner wine and champagne. But next-door at the Polynesian parents are chasing down their children, guests pile their plates with hearty food, and there’s a party-down vibe in the air. And the Polynesian’s inevitable concierge campers who take over a table and never seem to leave are usually in residence, particularly on Asian chicken wing night when the beer flows.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort Concierge Lounge
Same with the Yacht and Beach Club. At the Yacht Club peace prevails both in the lobby and in concierge. There seems to be less children (perhaps because it’s a popular conventioneer choice) and uber-polite guests make quiet trips between the buffet and a handful of tables located both inside and out on the lounge’s small balcony. And believe it or not, the Yacht Club’s concierge staff actually stand up when you pass their desks (something that amazes me each and every time!). Over at the Beach Club you’ll find a wilder setting, that is if you can actually find the elevator after maneuvering your way around the hoards of people in the resort’s lobby waiting to feast at the popular Cape May buffet. Here concierge guests seem more animated, and children are always underfoot in the tiny lounge. It’s almost as if you’ve moved to a different area of the country instead of right next-door.
Disney’s Yacht Club Concierge Lounge
So when you’re torn between which Disney resort is best for you and your family consider your concierge personality. It could make a big difference in your overall vacation enjoyment.
Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Disney Vacations and President/Founder at Glass Slipper Concierge®, an Earmarked Platinum travel agency specializing in selling luxury Disney vacations. She has been cited numerous times in such notable publications as the New York Times, AFAR, New York Post, Travel Weekly, and Forbes Traveler, as an expert on Disney Destinations, and has appeared on two Travel Channel specials, Disney Splurge! and Disney Royalty. Cara also serves as a continuing member on the Disney EarMarked Travel Advisory Council, made of 25 travel agency owners at the Platinum and Diamond Level representing the voice of Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.
Great information! I have noticed the differences in the Grand Floridian and Poly, but never would have known between the Yacht and Beach, having stayed at neither of them yet. Now I’ll know which is for me :)
It’s funny that you mention this. I stumbled across this article, while looking for information on the Club Level at YC and GF. Both sound absolutely lovely to me, which is great because that’s where we will be staying. The Poly and BC sound perfectly suited to young boisterous families, and the GF and YC seem better suited to quiet and calm adults like us. Perfect choice :)
Oh good. Glad this helped seal the deal in your mind. I find that this is the case time and time again so I’m sure you will be happy at the Yacht Club and the Grand Floridian.
I think on your next trip you should mind your own business and not pass judgement on other people. I wanted information about what to expect in the lounge, not a critique of other guest’s personalities. I’ll stay where I want and not based upon my “concierge personality.” Because I don’t judge people. I’m not even judging you for writing this, just suggesting you be nicer. Especially if you have the means to stay “just about always in concierge.” I hope you’d feel grateful for your lifestyle. Whether I stay in a tent at Fort Wilderness or suite 4001 at the Grand Floridian, I mind my own business.
You are right Julie. After re-reading this it does sounduppity. Thanks for pointing it out.
Julie, I understand how you could interpret this post the way you did, but I actually think it’s valuable information. I am currently in the process of booking a stay at the GF and I so appreciate this perspective. After being incredibly disappointed with my last stay at AKL, I am trying to avoid buyers’ regret on our next trip. I feel unbelievably blessed to have the life I have and I realize vacations are a luxury, but my husband works a very demanding and stressful job so I want our vacation time to be special and—let’s face it—the other guests in a hotel can influence your experience. That doesn’t mean I am judging them, it just means I want to be where I can most enjoy myself.
She was sharing her personal observations on her personal blog—if you do not appreciate it, do not read it!
Well I for one loved this post! I travel with my family and we are well-mannered and well-behaved. We have stayed on the concierge level at the Boardwalk in the past, and really enjoyed the peaceful, calm environment. We are currently deciding between Yacht and Beach for our next stay, and this just sealed Yacht for us, especially as rooms and club have recently been redesigned. I don’t enjoy spending time among loud, rude, ill-mannered guests found in some concierge levels (I’ve seen it at AKL), and try to avoid it at all costs. So, whether you were judgmental or not, I for one think this was great, and exactly what I needed to make my decision. Thank you for the valuable information.
This is extremely helpful because I am booked at YC Club Level but after hearing a poor review I was ready to call and move to BC but it is an adults only girls trip and I think the quieter, calmer atmosphere of the YC would be more fitting for this particular trip. I’m sorry you endured the personal attack as this post doesn’t sound “judgy” at all but a wonderful observation that is helping many of us that haven’t had the ability to stay in both to compare for ourselves. THANK YOU so much for this post!
Thank you everyone for the support. So glad that this blog post was helpful to you!
Great blog. My wife , three children and I just returned back home today from our stay at the GF Royal Palm Club level stay. We were in room 4325 and I must say the club level rooms blow away the rest of the resorts on property. It’s so quiet and elegant at the GF, and we loved hearing the piano playing up from the 3rd floor while snacking on the food and drinks provided. From expresso/lattes to soft drinks and gourmet food it’s all complimentary at club level 24/7. We think it’s DEFINITELY worth the money to stay at club level if you like to relax at the resort, and the concierge there was a huge help getting us reservations when we couldn’t get them by using the My Disney Experience app. Our son has extreme dairy and egg allergies and the concierge found out ,and they made him waffles he could eat and brought them up for breakfast daily. Disney goes the extra mile no doubt. Oh and the beds…. wow! I swear I want to buy one. It’s a “Simmons Beautyrest Disney pillowtop” that I slept so well(like a cloud) on and literally sunk into it. You can purchase them online I found at guestpurchase.com . Overall, we had a great stay there, one of the best so far, and we have been going probably twice a month for many many months and years. The Royal Palm Club is truly a “magical” experience.
So glad to hear what a great experience you had in the Royal Palm Club! It is definitely a favorite of all the Disney concierge clubs. Can’t wait to experience it again.
Don’t forget the Grand Floridian Sugarloaf Club Level (outer building)! It’s a great savings over the main building and the location was great - right next to the main building, in front of one of the pools and close by the dock/boat launch. The food was great and the lounge wasn’t too busy or noisy.
Don’t forget the Grand Floridian Sugarloaf Club Level (outer building)! It’s a great savings over the main building and the location was great - right next to the main building, in front of one of the pools and close by the dock/boat launch. The food was great and the lounge wasn’t too busy or noisy.
Sounds like Julie is one of those “Polynesian” people. ;-)