CL - I don't get it

[mefordis]

i have never used the lobby concierge and have no idea if there is normally a wait or not. what i meant was that when you are using the cl cm you can give them details for dining and they will book things for you. you don't have to stand there and wait. not saying this is a reason you should stay cl.

as far as a wait......bc is the only cl i have seen a line for food. i have never seen a line for food offerings other then bc cl.

But if something is not available, don't you have to be there for them to ask if you want an alternative restaurant? Or do they phone your cellphone? I'm confused?

I know I booked AKL concierge once (dropped it before our trip) and the person from concierge and I had a ton of back and forth emails based on what was not available. I had to give them alternatives. Now I can just use the Website.

 

[jaykorf001]

i have never used the lobby concierge and have no idea if there is normally a wait or not. what i meant was that when you are using the cl cm you can give them details for dining and they will book things for you. you don't have to stand there and wait. not saying this is a reason you should stay cl.

as far as a wait......bc is the only cl i have seen a line for food. i have never seen a line for food offerings other then bc cl.

FWIW, no line for food at the AKL lounge when we were there. No unruly kids either. And honestly, the offerings in the evening were more than goldfish crackers. 3-4 different kinds of hummus (which was very good), 2-3 hot apps that varied, a nice cheese and fruit tray, and so on. We also ate our dessert there before bedtime. Did we eat/drink our money's worth daily? Probably not but we enjoyed having the space nonetheless. I do wish the alcohol offerings would have been more in line with other concierge level experiences I've had but that's my only complaint, so to speak.

 

[jcjen519]

But if something is not available, don't you have to be there for them to ask if you want an alternative restaurant? Or do they phone your cellphone? I'm confused?

I know I booked AKL concierge once (dropped it before our trip) and the person from concierge and I had a ton of back and forth emails based on what was not available. I had to give them alternatives. Now I can just use the Website.

the individuals you speak with before the trip are not the same as those in the resort.

when i have used cl at the resort for dining i will let the person know what i want.... a magic kingdom dinner or whatever on this night and give an hour range. if they cant get exactly what i want my experience has been that they will make a few different reservations and let me know what is available and i will select what i want. i have also said i want this restaurant and they will try all week until they get it. essentially i give them the parameters and they do what i would be doing on my iphone.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

I think another way of looking at this is - will I be missing something by NOT staying CL?

I have stayed CL 3 times over the course of many trips and just because I may not be staying club level on some trips, it in no way diminishes my trip or my stay at a particular resort. If people don't care to stay club level or it is not in their budget, they should not feel that they are getting less of a vacation.

IMO, if someone never stays CL, it is okay, they are not missing that much. . However, if it works for someone's vacation style and works within their budget, I think it is a wonderful experience! I have enjoyed it and will stay CL again, but not necessarily for every trip.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

No, I'd take for free. However, that would not happen because we are staying in a 1 bedroom villa. I don't think CL is a possibility for that.

It is at Jambo house at the AKL. Not very many - there are only 5 to the best of my knowledge. I did stay there once in a Club level studio - we enjoyed it but have not chosen to do it since then.

 

[jcjen519]

FWIW, no line for food at the AKL lounge when we were there. No unruly kids either. And honestly, the offerings in the evening were more than goldfish crackers. 3-4 different kinds of hummus (which was very good), 2-3 hot apps that varied, a nice cheese and fruit tray, and so on. We also ate our dessert there before bedtime. Did we eat/drink our money's worth daily? Probably not but we enjoyed having the space nonetheless. I do wish the alcohol offerings would have been more in line with other concierge level experiences I've had but that's my only complaint, so to speak.

no rude guests or unruly kids on our visits either. we have had very pleasant experiences in the cl lounges and really enjoy ourselves.

 

[catho72]

I think another way of looking at this is - will I be missing something by NOT staying CL?

I have stayed CL 3 times over the course of many trips and just because I may not be staying club level on some trips, it in no way diminishes my trip or my stay at a particular resort. If people don't care to stay club level or it is not in their budget, they should not feel that they are getting less of a vacation.

IMO, if someone never stays CL, it is okay, they are not missing that much. . However, if it works for someone's vacation style and works within their budget, I think it is a wonderful experience! I have enjoyed it and will stay CL again, but not necessarily for every trip.

Very well said!

 

[jaykorf001]

no rude guests or unruly kids on our visits either. we have had very pleasant experiences in the cl lounges and really enjoy ourselves.

And most importantly ..... They made me my fresh brewed iced tea every morning which is an absolute must for me and my disposition. Going to Boma for breakfast would have been my only other option for that onsite I believe.

 

[Scott MC]

Sorry if people feel rotten about it. I don't think I'm making them feel that way. I am just asking them to help me understand the value. If someone doesn't see the value of staying deluxe, which I do, I don't feel attacked.

I guess I've hit a sore spot.

Right, but you asked a question and here's what's happening...

People who agree with you, you're agreeing with. People who like CL and list their reasons why, you're being argumentative with. This makes me go back to my original statement, which is, why start this thread, when you clearly have an opinion?

And for the record, I think it's a fine opinion to have! We had never thought CL was worth it until we were upgraded to it at the GF, and now, when the money is there, we do it! Is it the best value for the money? Not really if you want to look at exactly what you get, but more than the food, more than the help with ADRs (which come CL CMs have worked absolute magic for me with), we like that in our experiences (at the GF, AKL, BWI and BC), the staff has gone out of the way to say "Good Morning.....How was your day?.....Did you get to meet Mary Poppins like you'd hoped?.....Do you want me to keep trying for that ADR at Flying Fish?"....and thinks like that....and they call us by name. Some of my favorite pictures from our trips are us posing with the CL staff members on our last day. I was particularly sad to leave "BC Chip" and "BW Jackie and Scott."

Now for some,...maybe for many, a kind word, and a pleasant conversation isn't worth $100 extra dollars per night, but for me...when I can afford it it is. And "Welcome home Scott! Did you get a seat on Main St. for MSEP?" is worth far more than some cheap wine and cookies.

 

[mefordis]

Right, but you asked a question and here's what's happening...

People who agree with you, you're agreeing with. People who like CL and list their reasons why, you're being argumentative with. This makes me go back to my original statement, which is, why start this thread, when you clearly have an opinion?

And for the record, I think it's a fine opinion to have! We had never thought CL was worth it until we were upgraded to it at the GF, and now, when the money is there, we do it! Is it the best value for the money? Not really if you want to look at exactly what you get, but more than the food, more than the help with ADRs (which come CL CMs have worked absolute magic for me with), we like that in our experiences (at the GF, AKL, BWI and BC), the staff has gone out of the way to say "Good Morning.....How was your day?.....Did you get to meet Mary Poppins like you'd hoped?.....Do you want me to keep trying for that ADR at Flying Fish?"....and thinks like that....and they call us by name. Some of my favorite pictures from our trips are us posing with the CL staff members on our last day. I was particularly sad to leave "BC Chip" and "BW Jackie and Scott."

Now for some,...maybe for many, a kind word, and a pleasant conversation isn't worth $100 extra dollars per night, but for me...when I can afford it it is. And "Welcome home Scott! Did you get a seat on Main St. for MSEP?" is worth far more than some cheap wine and cookies.

Maybe CL can be compared to renting a cabana at one of the water parks (which I'm considering). You can get a chair, get food for yourself, etc. at no extra charge. But the cabana sounds sweet to have for the day!

 

[AliceIn]

Sorry if people feel rotten about it. I don't think I'm making them feel that way. I am just asking them to help me understand the value. If someone doesn't see the value of staying deluxe, which I do, I don't feel attacked.

The value of club level for us has nothing to do with saving money. We're a family of 5, so the cost differential isn't as much as it would be for a couple. If there is club level at a hotel, I generally will pay for that upgrade during business trips. I like having a quick breakfast readily available and close to my room. I typically stop in a few times a day to grab soft drinks or coffee, and I like being able to grab either small snacks or drinks to take with me back to my room at the end of the day. I don't have to run out and buy these things, or walk all the way down to the lobby to get them. Would I save money if I ran over to Walmart to buy a stockpile? Sure! But I don't have to, and the convenience is worth the extra expense to me.

The IPO was able to get me all the hard to get ADRs right at my 180 day mark. I had an e-mail with all the confirmations done by 7:30 in the am on that day. Not having to wake up at the crack of dawn and frantically enter everything was fantastic. Worth it to me? Absolutely!!!!! Worth it to other people? Who knows, and frankly, who cares? I can't figure out why anybody would pay good money for hideously ugly shoes like Tory Burch, but there's loads of women running around my neighborhood wearing them. But if it gives them pleasure or makes them feel good, rock on!

 

[Mousemommy1]

I think another way of looking at this is - will I be missing something by NOT staying CL?

I have stayed CL 3 times over the course of many trips and just because I may not be staying club level on some trips, it in no way diminishes my trip or my stay at a particular resort. If people don't care to stay club level or it is not in their budget, they should not feel that they are getting less of a vacation.

IMO, if someone never stays CL, it is okay, they are not missing that much. . However, if it works for someone's vacation style and works within their budget, I think it is a wonderful experience! I have enjoyed it and will stay CL again, but not necessarily for every trip.

Perfectly stated!!!

 

[Simba's Girl]

I am reading a lot of negative reports from people staying CL across WDW property. They are reporting small portions, not a lot of variety, long lines.

I don't understand why someone would pay $150 more a night for something they can provide for themselves for so much cheaper. For example, they can stock their fridge with drinks for the week, order from garden grocer their own bagels, muffins, etc. Heck, for $150 a night you can eat an extra TS if you want.

I don't get it. Please help me understand.

We didn't start doing CL until last trip-3 years ago. We are a family of 5 and tremendously enjoyed the availability of breakfast every day, snacks, drinks, beer & wine and a lounge with a great Wishes view (stayed at Poly). We did not have much interaction with the CL CMs but when one of my DD's bought a defective stuffed animal at a park, they happily took care of it for us-without having to go to main check in at the resort or back to the park where we purchased it.

You need to understand that we never ever ever ever ever pay "rack rate" and always use a discount when we go. So to us it usually pans out to be about what snacks, drinks (incl. a beer or 2) and breakfast would be each day for our family with the added convenience of not having to shop. If it were just DH & I going we probably wouldn't do CL, but with the kids it is wonderful. Do we use the lounge to replace a dinner-no way-at least the adults don't. (My kids have been fairly light eaters in the past)

As far as lines in the lounge go, if they are too long then what we do is take our snacks/breakfast back to the room to enjoy.

HTH

 

[luvmy3]

We are staying CL for the first time this trip. I wouldn't have chosen it but it was what the TA had left at the resort I wanted. Originally I was booked at the GF non CL, but for $25 more a night I switched to BC CL. Seemed like a no-brainer. For a family of 5, cost wise definitely worth it. I have read some not so great reviews of BC lounge, but I don't have anything to compare it and my expectations aren't that high. I'm just happy to have a place to get breakfast every morning, snacks during the day and cocktails at night. Not to mention my ds is excited about being on the top floor of the resort.
To each his own, what one sees value in, someone else may not. And value doesnt always mean the cost of something

 

[bwifan]

Me or that remark? I swear its a tshirt and sleep pants!

God forbid you wear a t shirts and pants! For t shirts are apparently forbidden!

 

[bluejasmine]

God forbid you wear a t shirts and pants! For t shirts are apparently forbidden!

I'm really going to start a riot and where a tube top too!!!! Lol

Sept 2013 Poly, 2012 Disney Fantasy, BC CL, GF CL, POR, 2011 Poly CL, CR, Poly CL, AKL, 2010 Poly CL, ASMu 2009, SSR 2008, Pop 2006, POR , Asmo 2005, Asmo 2003, offsite 2000, 1999,1989, Poly 1980, offsite 1979

 

[samnbilly]

The OP asked a question and asked for opinions. You're getting all bent out of shape because not everyone shares your opinion.

I feel like your bent out of shape because I don't feel the way you do. We are all giving our personal opinions & experiences. I'm not trying to convince anyone to go Concierge, but to insult me because you don't feel the way I do is just ridiculous. If you don't feel it's worth it, that's great for you! I don't ever tell ppl that their choice, whether it be All Stars or GF is not worth their money or anything else.
We choose it because it fits our needs!
I don't think my personal opinion is trying to shove CL down anyone's throat & I certainly wasn't saying that anyone's vacation would be more/less without it. I was simply stating my opinion & I don't appreciate the rude remarks regarding my choice. TY

 

[samnbilly]

Sorry if people feel rotten about it. I don't think I'm making them feel that way. I am just asking them to help me understand the value. If someone doesn't see the value of staying deluxe, which I do, I don't feel attacked.

I guess I've hit a sore spot.

No..no sore spot..the only sore spot is asking a question that you find ridicule in everyone's posts. Where do you stay that is so worth the money? Did you pay for CL or were upgraded for free, because with all of your opinions, I don't see you paying for it yourself..
The only value in anything, is what the person purchasing it, feels its worth. If I feel it's worth is justified, or heck, if I just wanna blow my $$ on
A 2 Bdrm CL suite, I don't have to listen to anyone try & say rude things & then defend the things you've said. I personally think you started this thread just to try & prove YOUR point in telling ppl that there is no need or value in CL.
I'm confused as to why you would think or say that people feel "rotten" about it? I love my CL choice & feel it's worth every penny to me!

 

[mefordis]

No..no sore spot..the only sore spot is asking a question that you find ridicule in everyone's posts. Where do you stay that is so worth the money? Did you pay for CL or were upgraded for free, because with all of your opinions, I don't see you paying for it yourself..
The only value in anything, is what the person purchasing it, feels its worth. If I feel it's worth is justified, or heck, if I just wanna blow my $$ on
A 2 Bdrm CL suite, I don't have to listen to anyone try & say rude things & then defend the things you've said. I personally think you started this thread just to try & prove YOUR point in telling ppl that there is no need or value in CL.
I'm confused as to why you would think or say that people feel "rotten" about it? I love my CL choice & feel it's worth every penny to me!

Oh my gosh, you sound upset. Someone previously posted that people are being made to feel rotten about their cl choices. I am just asking where they find the value. I don't believe anyone has insulted anyone else in this thread. And you seem to be the most upset of all the posters, for whatever reason.

We understand, you like CL! Great! No one is insulting you. No need to be so upset. But so far no one has proven to ME (maybe others, but not to ME) that CL is worth the $$. Therefore I will not be staying CL unless I am upgraded for FREE.

To answer your question on where I stay that is worth the $$, you can see below. All were on discounts, free dining, 30% off, though. And I didn't really feel YC was that much better than POR as a resort. However the location made up for it.

 

[jcjen519]

Oh my gosh, you sound upset. Someone previously posted that people are being made to feel rotten about their cl choices. I am just asking where they find the value. I don't believe anyone has insulted anyone else in this thread. And you seem to be the most upset of all the posters, for whatever reason.

We understand, you like CL! Great! No one is insulting you. No need to be so upset. But so far no one has proven to ME (maybe others, but not to ME) that CL is worth the $$. Therefore I will not be staying CL unless I am upgraded for FREE.

To answer your question on where I stay that is worth the $$, you can see below. All were on discounts, free dining, 30% off, though. And I didn't really feel YC was that much better than POR as a resort. However the location made up for it.

i feel the appropriate statement here is that EVERYONE understands you don't want to stay cl!

and that is okay! honestly if you need to be convinced to stay cl it is probably not for you. maybe at some point you will get the chance to try it for free or you may just decide to give it a shot. its an enjoyable experience if you don't go into it trying to justify the cost. i dont think anyone has been trying to convince you to stay cl, just sharing their experiences. you did ask people to tell you why we like cl didn't you? cl does not have to be the Wrong choice in order for you to decide to pass on it. enjoy your trip, i know i will enjoy ours