The new reservation system was implemented about two years ago. One notable change is the software that can assign rooms. However, this didn't do away with room assignors, it just made their job a little easier. Most guests don't have requests, so the system can easily assign rooms and those guests with requests still have an actual human being assign their rooms.
All reservations are dropped into the resort about 5 days or so prior to arrival. At this point, the room assignor (an actual human!) sees the reservation and assigns a room. They will see whatever request has been placed in your reservation before it's been dropped into the resort. Though the CMs at the WDTC don't have unlimited space, they do have the capacity (but, perhaps not always the willingness) to place any request you have into your reservation. Of course, that doesn't mean your request will be granted.
I always recommend that guests ask at check-in, before they accept their room, if their requests were met. Sometimes the CM or room assignor in the back can work with a guest to fulfill a request that may not have been fulfilled prior to arrival or they may even be able to allow the guest to switch rooms when their request can be fulfilled.
You're welcome and happy outdoor movie viewing!!
Yes, you can pick them up at WL and I believe you can now even print them at home.
Staying CL at any WDW resort includes the following:
~Pre-arrival planning and booking of reservations through the IPO.
~A print-out upon arrival of your reservations. However, your print-out is only as up to date as the last CM who updated it.
~Breakfast, snacks, appetizers, desserts, coffee/tea, non-alcoholic beverages and beer, wine and cordials.
~Welcome gift upon arrival, such as boxed chocolates.
~Robes.
~Automatic nightly turn-down service: Garbage is emptied, towels replenished and used ones are removed, curtains drawn, light left on, chocolate mints are left, toiletries are replenished, as needed.
~Dedicated club level floor only for the use of club level guests.
~Lounge seating area with TVs, chairs, sofas, tables.
~Concierges on the club level floor from 7AM - 10PM who can assist you in person or who you can call if you need assistance, rather than having to call a call center in another part of FL.
What I know they can do for you is tell you what the ingredients are in the dishes they serve. They have a binder at the CL desk with the ingredients listed for all the dishes they serve. I don't, however, think they are prepared to cater to those simply wanting to eat a low sodium and fat diet. It's up to the guest to pick and choose foods that you can eat. They aren't a restaurant where you order off a menu.
Obviously, you'll want to stay far away from the fried appetizers, cheese and antipasti platter. You'll also want to avoid nuts and chips offered at snack time since they tend to be high in fat and sodium.
In general, your lower fat/cholsterol, lower sodium WL CL foods are going to be the salads and the crudités platter (dig in, just skip the dip
), bean dishes, tomato caprese, breads/hummus, buffalo salad, chicken skewers, sushi, venison chili.
As far as just food is concerned, if you want two or three pre-paid meals per day, then the
DDP is the way to go. If you want the equivalent of one meal per day plus snacks, beverages, appetizers and desserts, then CL is the way to go.
If you're able to get a discount on your room, that's a better value with a Deluxe resort than FD. But, if you're only able to get FD and no room discount, then that would the way to go.
Keep in mind that with the regular DP you have pre-paid for dessert with every TS and you have to pay all the tips. Factor this in when you're doing your comparison. If you have APs, buying Tables in Wonderland, which gives you a 20% discount on all TS meals, is a better value than the DP.
Randy's the best!
I agree that the boats are relaxing and fun and I love being on the water, but you're correct that the bus is actually faster. If you're in a hurry or worried about the weather, the non-stop bus to the MK is wonderful.