Is Disney Cruise Line Concierge Still “Worth It”?
This article contains outdated information. Most COVID protocols have been lifted from the DCL experience.
Disney Cruise Line has made a number of COVID related changes to the pre-cruise and onboard experience. Read on to discover if booking Concierge is still worth it.
Concierge Benefits Before You Cruise
Disney Cruise Line Concierge Services provides exclusive planning assistance for guests booked in concierge categories. They are available to answer questions about new protocols, share information about onboard offerings, and help you plan Port Adventures. As before, Concierge guests have priority for reserving cruise activities such as Palo and Remy Brunch or Dinner, Adult Beverage Seminars, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and of course the highly popular Castaway Cay Cabanas. Concierge Services still accepts requests at midnight 130 days (recently updated) prior to your cruise date, ahead of all other cruisers including Platinum Castaway Club members who can begin reserving activities 120 days prior to sail.
(Confused about when to submit your requests or don’t want to send an email at midnight? Reach out to the concierge cruising experts at our travel agency partner, My Path Unwinding Travel. )
Concierge Guests receive priority access for reserving a highly coveted cabana on Disney’s Castaway Cay.
The Concierge Boarding Experience
Concierge guests do not need to have a designated Port Arrival Time. You may arrive at your convenience. Concierge guests now have a separate entrance at the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal to expedite their boarding process. The previous Concierge waiting area inside the terminal has been repurposed for boarding photos. Recently, concierge guests have been provided gold stickers so they are readily identifiable to crew members when they first board. After watching the new Welcome Aboard show, concierge guests will be invited to an exclusive concierge lunch or to the Concierge Lounge.
The Concierge Lounge & Sun Deck
Every Disney Cruise Line ship has an access controlled lounge and sun deck for concierge guests. This area is staffed by an amazing trio of Concierge Hosts who provide the highest level of Disney service throughout your cruise. The hosts work tirelessly to anticipate and meet your needs, delight and surprise. They are truly the Disney Difference.
The Concierge Lounge is still open and full operational with new COVID protocols. Inside the lounge, you will notice the Concierge desk is now protected by plexiglass. Some furniture has been removed. Chairs and tables have been spread apart to allow for social distancing. If a seat is not available, you are still welcome to take your snack or beverage outside to the sundeck or back to your room. You will not have to wait outside or come back later. (The concierge team reports that it is very rare for a seat not to be available.)
Your favorite food and beverage offerings are still there but are no longer self service. Velvet ropes and tables keep you a safe distance from the food. (This also addresses the occasional concern of those who touch a plate and then leave it.) Disney Cruise Line has increased staff in the lounge to make sure service is not disrupted. The legendary cappuccino machine is still available as is a full bar. They have even added a bar on the Concierge Sun Deck. The Concierge Lounge evening hours have also been extended so that you can drop in anytime before, after or during dinner hours. Please note that masks are required inside the Concierge Lounge if you are not eating or drinking. (Masks are not required on the sundeck.)
The sun decks are a private open air sanctuary. Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sundecks include a private hot tub (which is now limited to 1 person or 1 family). Sunscreen is still available for concierge cruisers but it is now provided upon request rather than being left out on the sundeck.
The Concierge Beverage Trolly
One fun new addition is the Concierge Beverage Trolly. The Concierge team does not want you to go thirsty or to feel uncomfortable inside the lounge so they will bring the drinks to you! Simply schedule a time with the Concierge team, and the gorgeous beverage cart will appear at your stateroom with the drink of the day!
The Concierge Beverage Trolley will deliver the drink of the day directly to your stateroom!
Other Concierge Onboard Perks and Priority Disembarkation
Concierge guests still receive a wider range of additional perks onboard including:
Priority seating requests in the dining room
Up to 100MB of Internet Service for all concierge categories/ unlimited internet for the Royal Suite
Upgraded stateroom amenities including refrigerator stocked with water and nonalcoholic beverages of your choice, comfy robes, a pillow menu, and our favorite bath product, the Spongellé.
Reserved fireworks viewing area
Priority disembarkation (no need to wait for the virtual queue to get off the ship)
A special commemorative gift at the end of the cruise
Is Concierge Still Worth It?
I have almost banned this question from the Disney Cruise Line Concierge Guests Facebook Group as it truly is a personal decision. With limited numbers of passengers sailing currently, there are fewer crowds and much to enjoy on your cruise without the concierge amenities. If you want the best of the best, are highly interested in a cabana on Castaway Cay or are celebrating a special occasion, definitely consider a concierge stateroom or suite. The magic is still on the high seas either way!
