Disney Cruise Concierge Level Upgrade: A Mixed Review

Debating whether to upgrade to the Disney Cruise Concierge Level for your next sailing? We give our honest review of whether this upgrade is worth the splurge.

Luxury comes in many shapes and sizes, especially on a cruise. When it comes to Disney Cruise Lines, guests will already experience a magical voyage, so is it worth upgrading to the premium Disney Concierge Level? Our honest answer is not really; however, it is worth considering if the price is right.

Hopping aboard the Disney Magic, we set sail in our Concierge-Level Stateroom to decide if this were an upgrade we would be willing to splurge on again. Top-notch service and exceptional experiences happen at every stateroom level on Disney Cruise lines. So why upgrade? Let’s break down each benefit of the Concierge Level to see how Disney elevates their service and amenities for this elite class level.

What’s Included In A Disney Cruise Concierge Level Stateroom?

Priority Boarding

Concierge: Having a coveted group one boarding pass means that you are one of the first people to get to board the ship. Even better is that Concierge Passengers have their own priority check-in line, where they skip waiting with those in the main boarding line. Inform a Disney Cast Member of your Concierge status, and they will whisk you away to the Concierge Line.

These perks will allow you to have extra time on the ship to explore, enjoy a sit-down lunch and swim before the pools get busy.

Remember to pack your swimsuit in the bag you are bringing onboard because it could be a few hours before your stateroom is ready and you receive your luggage. Check out our Disney Cruise Packing List, so you come prepared.

Non-Concierge: Guests will choose their preferred boarding arrival time according to their Castaway Club Status. Castaway Club status depends on the number of sailings you have had with Disney. Guests will arrive at their boarding time and can wait to clear security and check-in. Depending on your boarding time, this could go quickly, or you may have to wait 30 minutes to an hour.

Takeaway: If you are a first-time cruiser nervous about embarkation day, having Concierge will relieve stress. Disney does not offer priority boarding outside of Concierge, so this elite.

As a frequent cruiser, I am okay with waiting to board the ship. However, being able to bypass the lines made me feel like a celebrity. Getting on board the vessel first does have its perks, with the pools and slide being practically empty! However, arriving at a later boarding time has its perks as well. There are fewer lines at the port terminal, once onboard the lunch rush is over and your stateroom will likely be ready or close to it.

Pre-Access To Experiences With Concierge

Concierge: One of the top reasons guests enjoy booking a concierge room is that they have priority access to all experiences available to book on the ship. If you are a first-time Disney Cruiser, this is a significant perk, since your reservation window will open last. Here are just a few of the things concierge guests get to reserve before the rest of the guests:

• Activities at Castaway Cay, including private Cabanas (on select sailings)
•  Adult-exclusive dining reservations
•  Port Adventures
•  Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
•  Royal Court Royal Tea & Olaf’s Royal Picnic (on select sailings)
•  Virtual Sports/Golf Simulator (on select sailings)
•  Beverage Tastings
•  Senses Spa Appointments
•  It’s A Small World Nursery
•  Dining rotation and seating requests
•  Character meet and greets such as Royal Gathering

Once onboard, guests can access a Concierge Team to assist with special requests, additional bookings, or any questions.

Non-Concierge: Guests will have to wait for the booking window to open up to be able to reserve experiences. Often first-time cruisers will not be able to get experiences in high demand as they usually are booked up before their booking window opens.

Takeaway:  The value of this perk comes down to each family individually. On a personal note, there are so many great things to do on the ship that it isn’t a deal breaker if I don’t get a particular reservation or activity. At the same time, other families find specific experiences a must-do for their vacation, especially for kids, such as the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and the Royal Court Royal Tea.

One sure way to make sure you get all the experiences you want, book a Concierge Level Room.

SIDE NOTE: If you still need to read my review about the Royal Court Royal Tea, I recommend it before spending your money.

Welcome Lunch

Concierge: Depending on the Disney Cruise Line Ship you are sailing a designated dining room has been reserved for Concierge Guests to enjoy a special Embarkation Lunch. The lunch menu mimics the regular Embarkation Day menu. However, guests are allowed to order complimentary alcoholic beverages. During the lunch, your concierge hosts will introduce themselves, confirm any onboard activities, and welcome you aboard.

Non-Concierge: Guests can enjoy a sit-down lunch in one of the designated main dining rooms, enjoy one of the quick service restaurants poolside or hit the buffet at Cabanas.

Takeaway: The lunch was nothing to write home about. You could find comparable lunch offerings elsewhere on the ship. While it is nice to have a table waiting for you, I was expecting a little more.

The Cocktail Trolley

Concierge: One of the unique offerings was a daily visit from the Cocktail Trolley. The Fairy God Mother must have known this was the wish of many cruisers as nearly all Concierge Level Guests were in their staterooms at 5:00 pm waiting for the Cocktail Trolley to appear!

We were onboard the Disney Magic, and the trolley would make its rounds daily between 5:00 pm-6:00 pm. Guests were able to get craft cocktails made right outside their door. If there wasn’t a spirit on the trolley that you enjoyed, you could always request it. It would appear on the trolley the following evening. The cocktail trolley also offers plenty of mocktail options and canned drinks to restock your stateroom.

Non-Concierge: Many bars throughout the ship will serve craft cocktails and alcoholic beverages; however, you will have to purchase them.

Takeaway:  Concierge Level does NOT include a drink package offering unlimited alcoholic drinks. Therefore, it is a nice perk to get complimentary drinks. Each drink costs between $9-$18, which can add up quickly.

Concierge Level Stateroom

Concierge-level staterooms come in different categories depending on which ship you are sailing. Concierge royal suites are the most luxurious featuring a master bedroom, living room, and dining table, along with a private verandah whirlpool (on select ships such as the Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and Disney Dream ). Other popular options are the Concierge 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites are available, along with Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah.

Stepping into the Concierge rooms, you will notice that they are slightly more elegant than the standard rooms, with a more plush sofa, lush carpeting, and warm wood finishes.

One noticeable difference besides the extra square footage was the premier bedding in Disney Cruise Line Concierge Level Staterooms. Concierge Suites may choose from pillow options, including hypoallergenic, feather, and therapeutic memory foam. I slept like a baby with the Custom Premium Plush Euro-top mattress, down duvets, and picking a pillow from their pillow menu.

Step into your cozy soft bathrobes and slippers that you can use during your cruise. All staterooms have upgraded toiletries and a refrigerator stocked with complimentary bottled water and sodas of your choice (restocked every day).

Dinner Delivery

If you stay in a Concierge stateroom with a dining table, you can have dinner delivered to your stateroom from the main dining room. Palo delivery is even available to the Royal Suite guests.

Special Gifts

We were surprised to receive a special gift from our Concierge Team. It was a lovely Limited Edition Commemorative Lithograph. While gifts are not guaranteed, it was a magical touch that was not overlooked. Upon further research, it is common for Concierge Guests to receive gifts throughout their stay, including a fruit basket, champagne, and other fun treats.

Castaway Cay members are often greeted with a welcome gift in their stateroom upon arrival, regardless of stateroom status.

Standard Staterooms: While standard staterooms may not have the extra space or upgraded amenities, they make a perfect home away from home. Various stateroom categories are available to help meet the needs of each family sailing.

Takeaway: If you are looking for a room that sleeps six or more, consider booking two staterooms or splurging on one of the concierge suites. While the plush bedding and premier amenities were excellent, it wouldn’t be the main reason I would sail Concierge again. Mainly because of how little time our family spent in the stateroom.

The Concierge Lounge

Concierge: The Concierge Lounge is exclusively reserved for guests in the Concierge Suites. The Concierge Lounge offers a variety of gourmet offers, including continental breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert offerings, and In-Lounge Cocktail Hours.

Here is a brief breakdown of the Daily Offerings At The Concierge Lounge: 

• Continental Breakfast 7:00am to 10:30am (Debarkation morning 6:30am-8:30am)
•  Lunch Snacks 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
•  Afternoon Tea 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
•  Dinner Snacks 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
•  Dessert Offerings 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
•  In-Lounge Cocktail Hours 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

The Concierge Lounge offers a variety of soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas & hot chocolates throughout the day. They have an excellent expresso machine to create custom lattes and cappuccinos.

The Concierge Sun Deck is off the lounge offering an exclusive area with lounge chairs, light snacks, sunscreen, and non-alcoholic beverages such as dole whips! Bigger ships like the Disney Dream have a larger sun deck with various seating options; some ships even have hot tubs.

Non-Concierge: Guests can access many of the ship’s lounges and dining options throughout the day. Loungers are on a first-come, first-served basis by the pools and sun decks.

Takeaway: I often found myself in the Concierge Lounge in the morning for coffee because it was better than the dining room coffee. There was so much food on the ship, so we only came occasionally to snack. My daughter, on the other hand, loved checking out the treats.

The happy hour in the Concierge Lounge was one perk I enjoyed and would have me consider booking the Concierge.

A brief breakdown: If you get three drinks a day at $15 a piece, you would be paying $315 a person for a seven-day cruise.

Early Access To The Walt Disney Theatre

Concierge: A great perk of Concierge is getting early access to the Walt Disney Theatre 45 minutes before the show. Guests will enter the theatre through an exclusive entrance with the Concierge Team. Complimentary popcorn and soft drinks are provided. If you are a concierge, guests can flash their gold Key To the World Card at the refreshment stand to get complimentary popcorn if they arrive after priority seating.

Non-Concierge: Doors open 30 minutes before the show with open seating. The Broadway shows are spectacular and not to be missed. I recommend arriving at the theater a little before doors open to snag a great seat. Guests can opt to purchase popcorn for the show. The show is offered twice to accommodate both dinner times.

Takeaway: Having prime seating for the shows was ideal when you have kids. They will be able to see the characters and be close to all the action. Waiting for the show can prove problematic once they are bored with the popcorn, so plan on bringing a small activity or toy to keep them entertained till the show starts.

Priority Cabana Reservations on Castaway Cay

If lounging in a Castaway Cay beach cabana is your dream, then the Concierge is one of the best ways to make that reality. Reservations for these highly desired cabanas are open to Concierge guests and Platinum Castaway Club Members before anyone else. Often, other guests do not get an opportunity to reserve because they are all booked when their reservation window opens.

Character Meet-N-Greet

Concierge: A small perk of Concierge is that they occasionally have a character meet-n-greet in the Concierge Lounge. While this did not happen during our 7-day cruise, it has on others.

Non-Concierge: Character meet-n-greets happen throughout the ship during the cruise. Check the Navigator App to see who will be out and when.

Takeaway: Character meet-n-greets happen throughout the day onboard the ship. I didn’t find this perk particularly appealing since I could see all the characters many times throughout our cruise. You would never have to wait long, either.

Priority Disembarkation

Concierge: The best perk is that Concierge Guests are offered priority debark assistance. If you have cruised before, you know how to long it can take to disembark a ship. After enjoying one last breakfast in the lounge, Concierge Guests receive one final perk. From 7:15 until 8:00 am, a Concierge host provides priority debark assistance. It is one of the most appealing perks for anyone who has ever waited in line to disembark a ship. One elevator becomes key access only for those 45 minutes, and the host escorts Guests to the gangway.

Note: Concierge guests can order breakfast from room service on the last morning.

Non-Concierge: Guests must be out of their staterooms by 8:15 am and off the ship by 9:45. You will be given a luggage tag with a character the evening before disembarkation. In the morning, you will have to wait until your character group is called before disembarking the ship. 

While you wait, breakfast options are available. Many guests opt for Cabanas for convenience, while some may enjoy breakfast at the dining room during their disembark breakfast time. Room service is not available on disembarkation day.

Takeaway: Not having to wait to disembark the ship was a significant perk, especially since we had an earlier flight. If you are driving or have a later flight, the priority disembark isn’t going to be a game changer. However, it is nice not to wait around the ship for your character to be called.

Is Disney Cruise Concierge Level Worth It?

The Concierge Level offers many excellent features and perks that enhance your cruise. I would recommend it for special occasions, families who need extra space or traveling with young children. Sailing Concierge-level will spoil you with priority embarkation and disembarkation, happy hours, and pre-access to experiences. However, the Concierge still left a lot to be desired for the price tag that comes with it.

If you spend $30,000 more than a verandah room for the concierge level, it should include a magic lamp to wish for your money back. The Concierge is not worth more than a $2000-$3000 upgrade unless you book one of the larger suites, in my personal opinion.

Larger families wishing to stay together will find the Concierge suites an excellent option for the extra space, special treatment, and amenities.

Many Concierge cruisers will swear by the concierge experience. However, as a budget-friendly traveler who enjoys splurging on luxury, I did not find this worth the spend. While many of the exclusive offerings were nice, I found the ship as a whole to be a luxury experience on its own.

Without Concierge, I had access to the same great service, excellent snacks, soft drinks, and entertainment. However, I did have to wait until my reservation window opened to make reservations for all the experiences. We missed out on the Royal Court Royal Tea once and the Royal Gathering past cruises. Mainly because we were first-time cruisers, and the experiences were fully booked when our reservation window opened. 

Pricing For Concierge-Level Staterooms

Concierge Level pricing will differ based on cruise date, cruise ship, the length of the cruise, and destination. I recommend looking at different Disney Cruise Line sailings to get an idea of how vastly different the pricing can be. There are sailings where the Concierge Rooms go as high as $60,000 for two people. It is mind-boggling that a concierge-level room can cost as more as a new car.

If you want to experience a Concierge Level Room, look at shorter cruises and check all of the sailing dates for the most affordable option. Longer cruises have higher price tags, such as a 7-day Alaskan Cruise, or themed cruises, such as Halloween On The High Seas.

Our Disney cruise was exceptional; we left with remarkable memories and a placeholder for another cruise. The Concierge team became our family onboard the ship and knew each of us by name from day one. It was a once-in-a-life experience that I can only dream will happen again.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our related posts below:

I Took My Two Year Old On A Disney Cruise, And It Was Awesome

3 Reasons To Go To Disney World AFTER Your Disney Cruise

The Ultimate Disney Cruise Packing List

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