Boardwalk Inn Beach Club Concierge Comparisons

Boardwalk Inn Concierge

In February 2004 we had reserved standard rooms in the Boardwalk Inn. Upon check in we received, what turned out to be a wonderful surprise of a free upgrade to concierge level. Never having experienced concierge I didn't know what to expect, but the CM at the desk assured me I would be pleased. Our rooms were not ready yet (this was prior to 3:00pm) but we were instructed how to get to the concierge lounge and encouraged to check it out.

Upon arrival at the lounge a CM was very quick to get my name at asked me to come to the desk to confirm we should be there. Once that was clarified they couldn't do enough for us. The CM took us around the lounge explained what items would be where and when, explained the balcony was always open and that the fireworks from Epcot could be seen from there and encourage us to ask for anything we needed and they would do their best to help. I had mentioned to my wife that I had not made reservations for Hoop Dee Doo and that I needed to get that done, the CM overheard me and said she would be glad to handle that for me. She went to the computer, brought up the available shows and printed my tickets right there. The whole process took about 5 minutes and I had the tickets in hand.

Not only was our free upgrade to concierge level but deluxe concierge which included a much larger room. The room had the standard amenities of two queen sized beds, television, table and 2 chairs. It also had an extended area that had another television, daybed, chair and coffee table. The balcony was facing Crescent Lake directly above the Seashore Sweets.

Items at the lounge were very nice. Breakfast had choices of several cereals, a large selection of pastries, bagels, breads, sliced fruits, coffee(variety of flavors), milk and juices. Snack time a bit more limited but nice with munchie items, coffee and soda's. Early evening had a selection of wines and cheeses and late evening had chocolates and cordials. I was disappointed there was not any beer(my preferred alcoholic beverage) available and being a bit overwhelmed by this sudden luxury of concierge, felt too out of place to ask. After staying at another concierge since this time I found that they probably would have accommodated my request.

We saved a lot of money on food and drinks with the lounge and it was definitely a pleasant experience to say the least. When we got home we calculated what that trip would have cost had we reserved concierge level vs the standard room. Although money was saved this time due to the free upgrade the savings would not have offset the extra cost for concierge, but the overall experience was fabulous.

Beach Club Concierge

This trip was different. After receiving the very generous offer from my parents to pay for the entire trip if we take them along made the reservation process entirely different. They said they wanted to do it up right and I told about the concierge. I did explain it was not cost effective but was a nice luxury. The decided to go for it and I started putting the wheels into motion. Due to the offer being made in August we were unable to rooms at the Boardwalk for a early December trip. So it was decided to try the Beach Club. The cost for the Beach Club concierge was about $30 higher than the Boardwalk non deluxe room but I thought meant it would be a little better.

We received an email from the Beach Club concierge welcoming us and a form to fill out about our upcoming trip. Questions were geared to get information of who was coming, ages and what we were interested in seeing while we were on vacation. The reason was so they could customize an itinerary for our visit. A nice thing for them to provide but this would make our 15th visit to the world and we pretty well knew where and what we wanted to do. We received another welcome notice a few days before our arrival but no additional information. I emailed the concierge to confirm that reservations were still valid and reconfirm my ADR's. They did respond within 12 hours with all of my confirmations and the numbers. I had been hoping that we could bypass the check in process at the lobby and go straight to the lounge. My research turned up that the concierge floor required room key access. From that I deducted that you would have to check in at the lobby to be able to get to the lounge. I later learned that we could have gotten access to the lounge through a CM and do the check in like I had hoped.

After getting to the concierge floor I checked in at the desk. I received the "if there is anything we can do for you speech" and then went into the lounge. It was much smaller than the Boardwalk and the balcony was not much of a view.

Our rooms were not ready (pre check in time) so we went to the parks and came back later. The CM at the desk promptly got our room numbers and issued new room keys so the park passes, charging capabilities and room keys were all on the same card. A water view room had been requested. We did receive a water view but we had to look over and through all of the pool area to see the lake. It was not what we expected but it was OK.

Amenities of the lounge included: Breakfast, three cereals, bagels, bread, a few pastry items, coffee, milk and juices. Afternoon had munchies, coffee and sodas. Early evening had one hot food, a soup, veggie tray, fruit tray, beer, wine, soda, tea, coffee and bread. Late evening had desserts, chocolates and cordials. The one hot food would vary each evening, fish and fries, spinach dip, and salmon were a few of the selections.

Comparison

The CM's working the desk at both of the concierges were extremely helpful and were very knowledgeable about their jobs.

Boardwalk had a lot larger area (I estimate 30-40 people comfortably) with a better view on the balcony that Illuminations could be seen, but only the high fireworks. Much better breakfast selection and only closed for 1 hour each day for cleaning. Except for breakfast, soda was out and available all day. During our stay, beer was not visible at any time and I am not sure if it was available but it probably was. All tables were promptly cleaned as soon as anyone would leave and there was almost always at least one CM available and in view and all times.

Beach Club had a better selection during early evening but lacked quite a bit all other times. The lounge much smaller (enough seating for 20 but that was very crowded) and closed between each change of menu. Soda was only out during the afternoon, the rest of the time you would have to flag down a CM and ask for a drink. During slow periods when the CM's were not busy keeping the food items refilled you would have to knock on the door to the back area to get a CM's attention to request any items. The CM's tended to stop serving a particular item for the time of day too early. For example: Twilight Treats were served from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The CM's would stop refilling the food items at 6:30pm and take away any containers that was empty at that time. Three times I had to clean the dishes off of a table from some rude people that were to lazy to clean up after themselves. Either the staff was too short handed or did not care, either way it fell short of my expectations.

Overall concierge at either place is a very pleasant experience, the added expense is still not justifiable for my family, but is a very nice treat. If I were to plan another vacation where money is not a major concern I would definitely go with concierge again. Of the two resorts that I have experienced the concierge level I would do the Boardwalk Inn again hands down.

Scott Alexander