club level vs dining plan

[kotsnewestmember]

Debating whether to just book club level at the Poly vs not taking the DDP and just make a couple of dining reservations OOP. it seems like there is sufficient food at the club levels and we are planning on returning to our rooms for swim/nap breaks and can refuel then also...hmmmm.....any thoughts

 

[robinb]

Debating whether to just book club level at the Poly vs not taking the DDP and just make a couple of dining reservations OOP. it seems like there is sufficient food at the club levels and we are planning on returning to our rooms for swim/nap breaks and can refuel then also...hmmmm.....any thoughts

Holy Resort Creep Batman! You went from 2 rooms at a value resort to Club Level at the Polynesian in ONE DAY?!?!

I have stayed Club Level at Animal Kingdom twice. You will get a nice continental type breakfast in the morning. The appetizers do take the edge off your hunger and you will eat less for dinner (and maybe you can share entrees) but they are not intended to be a meal replacement. If you read some Club Level threads people complain about the buffet hogs who load up their plates. The issue is that the overall amount of food is limited so if your family treats the appetizers as a tapas dinner every night, other families do not get any food at all. That's not fair to the other Club Level guests.

 

[clanmcculloch]

They won't run out of food if you get your dinner in the club lounge. I haven't stayed CL at other resorts but at Poly they don't seem to ever run out of food and in my experience they're pretty quick about refilling the trays. What other people think of you is not your concern so don't worry about what others say. If they're complaining then they're only ruining their own trip by worrying about what others are doing.

That being said, if you like a big dinner then this won't work. The lounge offerings are great for people who like a light dinner or to tide them over until a later dinner but it's much more difficult to fill up and feel satisfied if you want a full meal.

The lounge offerings work really well for us. Our eating style at WDW regardless of where we stay (value resort through club level at deluxe resort) is to have a light pre-RD breakfast in our room (or in the lounge when CL), a big early lunch in the park (usually TS but occasionally CS) followed by a light early dinner at our resort. We do this whether we stay CL or not but when we stay CL the food in the lounge fits perfectly into this way of eating so that's what we do. When staying non-CL we're fine with splitting meals at dinner or even just getting sides and snacks, just to give you an idea of the amount of food I'm talking about when I say what works for us.

 

[robinb]

They won't run out of food if you get your dinner in the club lounge. I haven't stayed CL at other resorts but at Poly they don't seem to ever run out of food and in my experience they're pretty quick about refilling the trays. What other people think of you is not your concern so don't worry about what others say. If they're complaining then they're only ruining their own trip by worrying about what others are doing.

I assume that was directed at me. I only worry what others are doing when it directly effects me from enjoying the perks that my family has paid for. The food HAS run out at AKV and yes, it does put a damper on my own vacation when a hoard of people stampede the buffet to pile their plates high and leave nothing behind like a swarm of locusts. I don't want to have to push and shove to get some food! They will refill a few times but I have been there where the CMs say "Sorry, we're out of that appetizer" well before the end of the appetizer time. I shouldn't have to wait a long time for replacements or be denied the same snacks because someone wanted tapas for dinner.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I don't see how this is the fault of other guests. Surely they go through a similar amount of food on a regular basis so they should be able to plan accordingly. Why is Disney not making sure that they've got enough food to keep refilling until the posted times have passed? Why do people take other guests to task for food running out when it's the business that promised the food to be there that is not doing its job of ensure that the food is there? If the lounge ran out of food during the posted times and I wanted something to eat you'd better believe I'd be complaining. There are restaurants at the resorts. There is lots of food in the kitchens. They could restock with SOMETHING if they wanted to but clearly they have no interest in doing so if people are experiencing lounges running out of food (as I said before though, I've never had it happen to me at Poly and from talking with CMs in the lounge it doesn't seem to happen there and I've spoken with every chef at the Polynesian at one time or another). This is 100% the fault of the business, in this case Disney. Disney does NOT post anything about how much people are allowed to take. Why do other guests take it upon themselves to decide for others what is appropriate?

Robinb, Just to be clear, I'm not coming down specifically on you here. I've seen comments like these many times though only here on the DIS, so this is just general ranting and not meant to be directed specifically at you. You just happen to be the person who brought up the subject so I'm responding to the subject matter.

 

[robinb]

I don't see how this is the fault of other guests. Surely they go through a similar amount of food on a regular basis so they should be able to plan accordingly. Why is Disney not making sure that they've got enough food to keep refilling until the posted times have passed? Why do people take other guests to task for food running out when it's the business that promised the food to be there that is not doing its job of ensure that the food is there? If the lounge ran out of food during the posted times and I wanted something to eat you'd better believe I'd be complaining. There are restaurants at the resorts. There is lots of food in the kitchens. They could restock with SOMETHING if they wanted to but clearly they have no interest in doing so if people are experiencing lounges running out of food (as I said before though, I've never had it happen to me at Poly and from talking with CMs in the lounge it doesn't seem to happen there and I've spoken with every chef at the Polynesian at one time or another). This is 100% the fault of the business, in this case Disney. Disney does NOT post anything about how much people are allowed to take. Why do other guests take it upon themselves to decide for others what is appropriate?

Robinb, Just to be clear, I'm not coming down specifically on you here. I've seen comments like these many times though only here on the DIS, so this is just general ranting and not meant to be directed specifically at you. You just happen to be the person who brought up the subject so I'm responding to the subject matter.

Obviously this topic is a hot button for you . I understand what you're saying about Disney needing to keep things stocked. And, to a certain extent they do. There are always things like the crispy flatbread crackers and hummus spreads and cheese/veggie plates. But they often run out of the "good stuff". There is only a limited number of servings of the interesting items. I'm sure that they determine how many of those to offer based on the number of guests checked in. You have not experienced being told that a certain item will not be replenished, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I have had it happen to me and I am sure that you have heard stories of other people who have had the same experience. I was disappointed because I was looking forward to it (I think it was bobotie).

Of course Disney won't tell people "only one spring roll please!" and I wouldn't dream of telling anyone either as they fill their plate. But if all the specialty items have been consumed and there is still 30 minutes or more left then I do blame greedy guests. Disney made enough for everyone and some people took more than their fair share. In Disney's defense this happens at other hotels as well. My DH is SPG Platinum and Hilton Diamond and we are often upgraded to Executive Level rooms or with Lounge access. It happens there too.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I've seen individual items run out. Generally they're replaced by something else. Sure it's disappointing but the disappointment at least for me and my family doesn't extend beyond that moment. I don't see this as being a big deal. Nowhere does Disney guarantee that specific items will be available, just that there will be hot food available. If they run out of hot food and don't replace it with something else then that's the company not providing what they advertised. If it's just individual items which are replaced with other hot foods then they are providing what was advertised. While I do think that any business with as much historical data collection as Disney should be able to more accurately predict how much of each type of food should be needed each night (people take this amount of food on a regular basis; it's not an unknown to any hotel that offers club level service), it's not a big enough deal to most people that a specific food be offered. I get that to some people specific favourite foods are big deal. When there's something specific I really want, I make sure to be in the lounge fairly early in the posted hours to be sure that there's still some of that specific food available. If it's run out then again, sure I'm disappointed, but again, that passes fairly quickly and I move on. What I don't do is get upset with other guests. My disappointment is directed at the company for not stocking enough of the item.

If you go to a buffet restaurant and a specific food runs out, does that ruin your experience? Do you get upset with other guests because they ate up that particular food before you got there? This is the exact same situation. The fault lies with the poor data analysis of the company stocking the kitchen.

Yes, it is a bit of a hot button for me. I get really tired of people making up rules based on their own personal preferences and trying to dictate to others that we all must follow those rules. I'm a rather obsessive compulsive rule follower myself. I make sure that my family and I follow stated rules. This is not a rule that Disney has imposed in any way shape or form.

 

[robinb]

If you go to a buffet restaurant and a specific food runs out, does that ruin your experience? Do you get upset with other guests because they ate up that particular food before you got there? This is the exact same situation.

No, sorry it is not. At a buffet you are actually paying for and eating a meal. It is the restaurant's responsibility to replenish the food appropriately so everyone can eat what they paid for. The Club Lounges at Disney do not advertize their light evening hors d'oeuvres and appetizers as a meal.

 

[clanmcculloch]

No, sorry it is not. At a buffet you are actually paying for and eating a meal. It is the restaurant's responsibility to replenish the food appropriately so everyone can eat what they paid for. The Club Lounges at Disney do not advertize their light evening hors d'oeuvres and appetizers as a meal.

You obviously missed my point. If the buffet restaurant runs out of a food you were dying to try, do you get mad at the other guests or at the restaurant? At a buffet restaurant, they should be even MORE accountable for ensuring that foods listed somewhere are kept replenished since you're paying specifically for the food.

Club lounges only advertise that there will be hors d'eourves served. They do not say how they are to be consumed or what quantity is allowed/not allowed/expected. People are creating this kind of judgement in their own minds.

 

[robinb]

We'll have to agree to disagree with you enjoy your CL "meals" . In any case, the point is moot for the OP since she said that the Polynesian is sold out for her dates.

 

[clanmcculloch]

We'll have to agree to disagree with you enjoy your CL "meals" . In any case, the point is moot for the OP since she said that the Polynesian is sold out for her dates.

I'm not sure what you find so funny, but I do plan to continue to enjoy my light meals in the lounge.

 

[pfalcioni]

Of course Disney won't tell people "only one spring roll please!" and I wouldn't dream of telling anyone either as they fill their plate. But if all the specialty items have been consumed and there is still 30 minutes or more left then I do blame greedy guests.

Does this mean that if you get there and there's only one or two items left, you won't take one, and if someone else takes it, you blame them for being "greedy" rather than just thinking that the CM's are a little slack on replenishing the supplies?

How do you know if someone is being greedy or taking 3 spring rolls back to their room to share with the rest of their 5-person family?

What exactly is your definition of the difference between an appropriate snack or an inappropriate light meal? Is it by weight or by portion size? Is it different for kids and adults?

You've paid a premium for the food and drink offered in the CL lounge, why would it be "greedy" for anyone to take advantage of a benefit they've paid for? It's not like they are "free samples, take one".

 

[Eastern]

You are paying so much for CL that they really should replace items when they run out. As far as I am concerned, the food should be available during the hours specified. If it is until 7pm, and they run out at 6:40pm, someone needs to get off their butt and replenish the food.

If someone wants to eat more than someone else, it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Eastern]

Of course Disney won't tell people "only one spring roll please!" and I wouldn't dream of telling anyone either as they fill their plate. But if all the specialty items have been consumed and there is still 30 minutes or more left then I do blame greedy guests. Disney made enough for everyone and some people took more than their fair share.

"greedy guests"? how ridiculous. They should plan for more food so that it doesn't run out. If they have some leftover at the end, too bad.

I never stayed CL because I felt it wasn't a good value. This thread confirms my thoughts!

 

[justcruisin]

CL lounges are for snacks, not dining.

It does bother me when kids are allowed to empty the tray of cookies onto their plate while others are waiting. But, my kids are now (years later) able to laugh at the times kids took all the cookies then waddled off!

Nevertheless, I would expect Disney to replenish everything, even if it's closing time.

 

[cymbaldiva]

I never stayed CL because I felt it wasn't a good value. This thread confirms my thoughts!

Seriously? I'm fairly certain that Club Level was never intended to be a good value.

 

[Eastern]

Seriously? I'm fairly certain that Club Level was never intended to be a good value.

Maybe fair value would be a better term. Things can be expensive and still be a good value. CL sounds like no value to me

 

[waitomo]

Well, this has been interesting to read. I simply cannot fathom that one guest should be judging another. I cannot believe that a person staying club level at Disney is going to be affected at all if the snacks are all gone! Most people there can either skip the calories, grab a snack elsewhere or ask the CM for something else. The food is a nice perk of the club level and I think that Disney should replenish the offerings so that something is available during the advertised hours, but blaming or even noticing what another person eats is simply RUDE, i.e. bad manners.

Incidentally, I am planning a week long platinum stay at BWI and GF. I wanted the garden suites at BWI and I want to be in the main bldg at GF for the music and decorations at Christmas. I am not really planning on using the food in the club, except perhaps for a breakfast or two. But, on other trips, it has worked where after a TS meal for breakfast and lunch, I don't want more than a few "tapas" and we make it our meal. It just depends on the circumstances; I am rather shocked to hear that other guests are even noticing what I am doing.

 

[Nancyg56]

You are paying so much for CL that they really should replace items when they run out. As far as I am concerned, the food should be available during the hours specified. If it is until 7pm, and they run out at 6:40pm, someone needs to get off their butt and replenish the food.

If someone wants to eat more than someone else, it shouldn't be a problem.

You are not paying for a meal plan when you pay for CL rroms. You are paying for a level of service that includes a continental breakfast, snacks and beverages throughout the day, and then appetizers and an array of little pastries during the late afternoon and evening. They will not run out of food, but if some people treat the offerings as a buffet meal, others are going to need to make due with hummus and chips, etc.

I know that some people feel that the offerings are to be used as a meal replacement plan, but honestly, they are not. If someone chooses to do so, , what are you going to do?

Maybe fair value would be a better term. Things can be expensive and still be a good value. CL sounds like no value to me

Value is so subjective. What is worth the money to one is a tremendous waste to another. I pick and choose when we stay CL. There are times when the value is worth every penny to me. I would never spend it just for the glass of wine and chicken wing, but then the food is just one aspect of what i am paying for.

Well, this has been interesting to read. I simply cannot fathom that one guest should be judging another. I cannot believe that a person staying club level at Disney is going to be affected at all if the snacks are all gone! Most people there can either skip the calories, grab a snack elsewhere or ask the CM for something else. The food is a nice perk of the club level and I think that Disney should replenish the offerings so that something is available during the advertised hours, but blaming or even noticing what another person eats is simply RUDE, i.e. bad manners.

Incidentally, I am planning a week long platinum stay at BWI and GF. I wanted the garden suites at BWI and I want to be in the main bldg at GF for the music and decorations at Christmas. I am not really planning on using the food in the club, except perhaps for a breakfast or two. But, on other trips, it has worked where after a TS meal for breakfast and lunch, I don't want more than a few "tapas" and we make it our meal. It just depends on the circumstances; I am rather shocked to hear that other guests are even noticing what I am doing.

To be honest, I would not notice what you ate. I will say that if I am in the lounge and the appetizers are all gone, I would be offended that someone thought that I needed to lose weight anyway, so I could go without.

I think that common courtesy and common sense go a long way in making sure that everyone gets to enjoy a light snack that is meant for all of the guests.

 

[tarak]

Well, this has been interesting to read. I simply cannot fathom that one guest should be judging another. I cannot believe that a person staying club level at Disney is going to be affected at all if the snacks are all gone! Most people there can either skip the calories, grab a snack elsewhere or ask the CM for something else. The food is a nice perk of the club level and I think that Disney should replenish the offerings so that something is available during the advertised hours, but blaming or even noticing what another person eats is simply RUDE, i.e. bad manners.

Incidentally, I am planning a week long platinum stay at BWI and GF. I wanted the garden suites at BWI and I want to be in the main bldg at GF for the music and decorations at Christmas. I am not really planning on using the food in the club, except perhaps for a breakfast or two. But, on other trips, it has worked where after a TS meal for breakfast and lunch, I don't want more than a few "tapas" and we make it our meal. It just depends on the circumstances; I am rather shocked to hear that other guests are even noticing what I am doing.

Well, if the person next to you is piling ten pot stickers on a dessert plate, it's hard not to notice. I saw that numerous times when I stayed CL at the Poly. I wasn't spying from a table - these were the people in line next to me.

I've stayed club level three times at AKL. I've never seen the food run out where it wasn't replenished. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, it just hasn't been my experience. However, we tend to travel during the slow season, so that might be why. I stayed CL at the Poly once. There was no issue with food running out completely. But again, this was the second week of December, so it wasn't during the busiest season.