So we just got back Tuesday from our CL stay at the Poly

The resort is just as lovely as when we stayed there 22 years ago, trees were a lot taller, though

The gardenias around the resort are second to none! The smell brought us right back to our honeymoon. One of the best parts was that from our balcony, this stay, we could see the room we stayed at all those years ago.
Here are my thoughts on CL, please don't flame me, they are just MHO. The best part was Wishes in the lounge, good grief, the only better place is at the California Grill. It made me cry every time, pathetic, I know. Also, I loved having breakfast each morning. Something nice and light and not having to vie for a table amongst the rest of the rabble (I am one of the rabble

) As for the rest of it, I'm not sure I will ever have to stay CL again. It had really great parts to it but as for the value for the dollar, not so much. I forgot to pack my husband's sneakers. I went down to the desk, she was no help at all and didn't even try. The woman and the bou-tiki was very helpful even though I never could find sneakers in size 12

Also, our first night we came back from DHS, we were standing at the counter to get a beer. The CM served people standing in front of us, as we got to the front she said "sorry it's 10:00 you're too late" Us being dorks started to just walk away, the guy behind us says could I get a Bud and she got him one?? huh?? So we said something and with some hesitation she finally got us a beer. I know they have to shut it down at 10 but we were standing there before 10, I was very unimpressed. Other times we found food was put away before the serving time was up. We hardly took advantage of anything but breakfast but when we went out of our way one day to go grab a little something, it was already gone. I know that may sound petty but if it should be there to a certain time, it should be, just that.
In hind sight, I'm so glad we stayed CL. We really did enjoy it and some of the perks and since we are now DVC we probably will never stay CL again but I don't think we would ever do it again, anyway.