Concierge/Club Level Information- Part IV, July 2012

[wifey]

We are waiting for an update from the IPO team at the moment about our ADR choices for our upcoming trip. We discussed our options at home and checked historic crowd levels for each park on each chosen date. Then I rang them and politely Asked them to help us book the chosen restaurants and gave our desired dining times within an hour either side. The IPO team were very attentive and made our notes on our reservation and promised that they will be in touch via email on or just after our 180 day mark (Tuesday/Wednesday). Now I will just have to keep calm until then but we do have some alternatives in the wings if things need tweaking a little. We figure we are not stressing ourselves out over this and we have every confidence in the IPO team to get things booked for us including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise. This is the first time we have booked a deluxe resort (and booked a club level room)so we figured why not push the boat out and have faith trust and pixie dust from the get go.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

We are getting close to our 180 dining mark. I talked to the YC/BC IPO yesterday about making our dining reservations. The women that I spoke with didn't inspire much confidence. For example, she insisted that only club level IPOs have access to making reservations at 180 days + 10 when any disney resort guest has that benefit.

Just curious how you have all done when letting the IPO make your reservations vs doing it yourself. This is our first time staying CL and while I would love not to have to get up at 3 AM west coast time to make the reservations, I will do it. We would like to make some hard to get reservations such as BoG and F! and I will make those myself if I have a better shot. Just wondering what others experience has been. Thanks so much!

I have made plenty of ADR's myself when we are not staying club level. I let the IPO do it if we are staying club level.

Having done both, I can say it is better to let them make ADR's. You are paying for club level service, use the perks you are paying to have.

 

[Karebear]

Thanks for the responses! Now, I just need the hours to come out for Sept.!

 

[The Fox Menagerie]

We used the IPO in December to book reservations for June. I did the same thing; called them to discuss about 2 weeks ahead of time. They came through with everything, our Ohana was a bit earlier than requested, but otherwise, all is as requested. We received a recap email from IPO and can view the items on My Disney Experience.

 

[mmmears]

We used the IPO in December to book reservations for June. I did the same thing; called them to discuss about 2 weeks ahead of time. They came through with everything, our Ohana was a bit earlier than requested, but otherwise, all is as requested. We received a recap email from IPO and can view the items on My Disney Experience.

I find the IPO office is great at getting those hard-to-get ADRs. And like you, it's usually 'Ohana that gets moved a little, but no big deal.

The only time I am better at getting an ADR than they are is if it's late and the restaurant is all booked up. I found cancellation slots that opened up at night (when IPO was closed) and made those ADRs for myself. Later, the IPO office was able to add them to our IPO itinerary.

 

[jdd]

We finally booked for the Polynesian CL, this summer for our first visit since 2009. Hoping the Volcano Pool won't be closed! Combining with our first visit to Universal right afterwards!

Just booked our stay for this August

I didn't read through the whole thread, but your comment about the volcano pool scared me - are they planning a refurb for August? This would definitely be a deal breaker for us - hoping it's not happening

 

[blackacex2]

For those who have stayed at boardwalk inn club level- did you feel it was a better choice vs staying at a guaranteed boardwalk view room?

Trying to decide which is best for our 5 night stay in April for my wife and I. Deluxe CL are not available for our dates.

 

[ixmnrs]

Just booked our stay for this August

I didn't read through the whole thread, but your comment about the volcano pool scared me - are they planning a refurb for August? This would definitely be a deal breaker for us - hoping it's not happening

So far, nothing has been confirmed with Disney. This was based on some rumblings I've picked up on the Polynesian Thread and at Tikimanpages. We were deciding between POLY and BC, but we settled on the POLY atmosphere and being on the monorail as MK is our priority. I assume that we would be able to use the GF pool if it were closed. Cross the fingers. It also depends on when in August as this type of stuff usually gets done towards the end of Aug into Sept.

 

[jdd]

So far, nothing has been confirmed with Disney. This was based on some rumblings I've picked up on the Polynesian Thread and at Tikimanpages. We were deciding between POLY and BC, but we settled on the POLY atmosphere and being on the monorail as MK is our priority. I assume that we would be able to use the GF pool if it were closed. Cross the fingers. It also depends on when in August as this type of stuff usually gets done towards the end of Aug into Sept.

Fingers are crossed! August does seem like an odd month to do a pool rehab - you'd think they'd wait for the cooler weather

 

[barefootMom]

Hi- Is there a list somewhere with what they actually put out for food offerings for each service at the Innkeeper's Club lounge? I see some detailed postings for other CL lounges but have only found photos so far for the Boardwalk and not a list...does that exist somewhere? THANKS!

 

[osugal]

We are planning a trip in 2014. We stayed at BCR CL a couple years ago and absolutely loved it. We loved the resort, the CL experience, and the location. When we go back we are thinking of trying a different deluxe resort but definitely want to stay CL again. Our top pick would be the Poly but we always seem to get priced out of it - even with a pin. After that I think we're debating between the WL, AKL or staying at the BCR again. Both of the other two resorts look beautiful with great lounges, etc. Do those who stay at AKL feel that the location is a hinderance? Thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

We are planning a trip in 2014. We stayed at BCR CL a couple years ago and absolutely loved it. We loved the resort, the CL experience, and the location. When we go back we are thinking of trying a different deluxe resort but definitely want to stay CL again. Our top pick would be the Poly but we always seem to get priced out of it - even with a pin. After that I think we're debating between the WL, AKL or staying at the BCR again. Both of the other two resorts look beautiful with great lounges, etc. Do those who stay at AKL feel that the location is a hinderance? Thanks!

We've stayed at AKL (although not CL) and we didn't think the location was bad. AKL is out of the way from everything, but we felt the buses were very efficient when going to all of the parks. I have read nothing but great things about CL at AKL so I wouldn't let the location of the resort keep you from staying there if it's a resort you want to try. AKL is a beautiful resort with alot to offer. As for WL CL, we loved our CL stay as the food offerings were great, the lounge had plenty of seating, and the CL CMs were amazing. If you are looking to try a new resort, I don't think you would be disappointed in either WL or AKL. Good luck .

 

[loveshak22]

We are planning a trip in 2014. We stayed at BCR CL a couple years ago and absolutely loved it. We loved the resort, the CL experience, and the location. When we go back we are thinking of trying a different deluxe resort but definitely want to stay CL again. Our top pick would be the Poly but we always seem to get priced out of it - even with a pin. After that I think we're debating between the WL, AKL or staying at the BCR again. Both of the other two resorts look beautiful with great lounges, etc. Do those who stay at AKL feel that the location is a hinderance? Thanks!

We just got back from a CL stay at AKL and I didn't feel like the location was a hindrance at all. We did have a rental car because we had other plans in the FL area with family and because of our ADRs we drove to MK and HS but I would have much rather have taken the bus (personal opinion, everyone is different). We took the bus to AK and Epcot and didn't feel we drove forever at all. Of course the AK park is right next door

And it's nice to feel like you are out in the middle of nowhere (even if you're not) at AKL because it's like it's own world with the savannahs and lay of the resort.

The IPO/concierge folks were fabulous! If you stay CL at AKL you can sign up for the sunrise safari. It's $70 a person and is well worth it. It was one of our favorite parts of the trip. You have to get up early and they take you in buses over the AK (going "behind the scenes") and you get on the Kilimanjaro Safari and take about an hour to drive through and stop and see the animals. All of the animals were out and active when we did the safari. We had lots of photo opp time and saw the elephants getting fed. Our guide, Jennifer, was extremely knowledgable and answered my dozens of questions. Then you get a pretty decent breakfast in a private room at Pizzafari.

 

[MomofDisneyLoversx3]

Another 'I love AKL CL' post here. We love, love, love it!! I have stayed at AKL with and without a car. I feel the buses every where are okay but not awesome. Didn't notice any difference in the buses at AKL, CSR, POR, or WL. That being said we like the freedom of a car. I like not having to sit with other sweaty people after a day in the park.
The CM at AKL are awesome!!! We are going back in Oct for my DD bday and she asked if she can have her cake in the lounge so she could share her cake w Sam, Stacie and Eduardo.

 

[osugal]

Thanks everyone! Very helpful. They both sound wonderful. Hopefully I'll get to try them both someday.

 

[blackacex2]

For those who have stayed at boardwalk inn club level- did you feel it was a better choice vs staying at a guaranteed boardwalk view room?

Trying to decide which is best for our 5 night stay in April for my wife and I. Deluxe CL are not available for our dates.

 

[mmmears]

We are planning a trip in 2014. We stayed at BCR CL a couple years ago and absolutely loved it. We loved the resort, the CL experience, and the location. When we go back we are thinking of trying a different deluxe resort but definitely want to stay CL again. Our top pick would be the Poly but we always seem to get priced out of it - even with a pin. After that I think we're debating between the WL, AKL or staying at the BCR again. Both of the other two resorts look beautiful with great lounges, etc. Do those who stay at AKL feel that the location is a hinderance? Thanks!

AKL CL is wonderful! The IPO office CMs are great, and the lounge and the snacks are lovely (much nicer than the ones at the BC IMO). It is "way out there" but we like feeling like we leave the crowds behind and go on safari...

Never had a car there -- the buses are good, not great.

BC is definitely a more convenient location, and a nice resort (enjoyed that one, too). The lounge there is more of a room -- the one at AKL is overlooking the lobby (with all the music, ambiance, and theming) so you don't feel like you are just in a room like the one at the BC.

Poly CL is nice, but really, really pricey IMO. And WL looks nice, but I haven't stayed there so I can't comment on it.

We usually do a split between AKL and another resort (either YC/BC or one on the monorail). But ever since we tried AKL CL, we have not been able to book a trip to WDW without staying there for at least 3-4 days -- my whole family just loves it there.

 

[penel3]

Does anyone know where Romita is? Is she still at BWI? She is our favorite, favorite Concierge CM ever!!!!

too many WDW trips to mention, 2007 Wonder Concierge, January 2013 Wonder Concierge, March 2014 Walter E. Disney Suite (finally!!!!)

 

[mickeyluv'r]

For those who have stayed at boardwalk inn club level- did you feel it was a better choice vs staying at a guaranteed boardwalk view room?

Trying to decide which is best for our 5 night stay in April for my wife and I. Deluxe CL are not available for our dates.

I would personally take CL over a view. The answer is highly subjective though, as to what is important to you.

A nice room view certainly adds to my WDW experience, but it's not a must for me. To be honest, I often find that the so called 'lesser' view rooms offer pretty nice views. (in the general sense of WDW). My Standard view room at BWI looked partly out on the lake. Granted, we could also glimpse part of the hidden access road that runs behind the area...but I found it rather intersting. Our room was over ESPN, the downside was that it was at far end of the resort. I only stayed there once- but at other resorts- pool view is often onlya little more than standard view. Pool view may be slightly noisy during the day, but I always find it cheerful watching families have fun in the pool.

We really enjoy having access to the lounge, and the extra service is nice too. If youa re a die hard do it yourselfer, then you may not appreciate the extra service much. I'm sort of a do it youreselfer, but I also dislike waiting in all the lines at WDW. On CL,there is no line to check-in, get questions answered, and no line to get breakfast or drinks - even if you want seconds.those assests are worth more to me than a room view.

 

[WDWKOOK]

For those who have stayed at boardwalk inn club level- did you feel it was a better choice vs staying at a guaranteed boardwalk view room?

Trying to decide which is best for our 5 night stay in April for my wife and I. Deluxe CL are not available for our dates.

I answered your question on the BWI thread

Does anyone know where Romita is? Is she still at BWI? She is our favorite, favorite Concierge CM ever!!!!

too many WDW trips to mention, 2007 Wonder Concierge, January 2013 Wonder Concierge, March 2014 Walter E. Disney Suite (finally!!!!)

I don't recall a Romita last year and I haven't heard her name mentioned on the BWI thread, so I couldn't answer your question- sorry.