Ahoy, Marianne! Thank you so much for sailing by planDisney with your question. Choosing a Concierge-level stateroom on Disney Cruise Line is a little like upgrading to first class on a flight. It's definitely not necessary, but it makes everything easier and more comfortable. And once you’ve tried it, it’s hard to imagine cruising any other way!
My family doesn’t sail Concierge every time, but the times we have, we absolutely loved it. Since you’re wondering about the boarding process, as well as planning meals and activities, I'm happy to share my experiences and a few of our favorite perks!
Concierge Guests get the earliest booking opportunities of anyone on board. Once you're paid in full, you’re able to email with the
Shoreside Concierge team to request activities
130 days before your sail date. This gives you an advantage if you’re hoping for harder-to-get options like adult-exclusive dining at Palo or Remy, or one of those coveted cabanas on Disney’s private islands. Concierge really does give you the best shot at getting what you want.
The boarding process is also so much better. While Concierge Guests still need to complete the online check-in process (just like everyone else, your documents and photos still have to be uploaded), Concierge status automatically places you in Boarding Group 1, which is the earliest available. When you arrive at the port, there’s a dedicated Concierge check-in area, so you can skip the long lines and start your vacation more relaxed.
Concierge Guests are invited to a private, sit-down lunch immediately after boarding, and your room and luggage are usually ready much earlier than the rest of the ship. In the evenings, you’re also escorted to the Broadway-style shows and seated before everyone else. They also hand you popcorn on the way, which is my youngest son’s favorite part of the entire experience!
There are lots of fun things, too, such as an exclusive character meet-and-greet in the Concierge Lounge (we got to meet Stitch once), your favorite non alcoholic drinks stocked in your stateroom fridge, and consistently great seating at dinner. But the place I personally loved the most was the Concierge Lounge itself. The self-serve espresso machine, the evening happy hour, and the incredible Concierge Hosts really made the trip extra special. They even emailed me before our cruise to ask what kind of wine I liked so they could stock it in the lounge. Those little touches go such a long way.
I hope this helps you plan your April sailing, Marianne! If you think of anything else along the way, we're always here and happy to help.
Sea ya real soon,
Eean