Concierge/Club Level Information - Part II (Sept 2009)

[PrincessTrisha]

I booked two separate rooms over the phone at the Contemporary with Concierge and Magic Kingdom view. I just pulled up our reservations on-line and both rooms say 2 bedroom villa. Is that normal for concierge rooms?

Yes it is. Mine says the same thing.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I booked two separate rooms over the phone at the Contemporary with Concierge and Magic Kingdom view. I just pulled up our reservations on-line and both rooms say 2 bedroom villa. Is that normal for concierge rooms?

Originally for my families reservation this past August we had a Atrium Club - Magic Kingdom View, which is what was said on our e-mailed confirmation. However when I looked it up online it also said a 2 Bedroom Villa. So when I called CRO the Cast Members computer said it was the Atrium Club - Magic Kingdom View, which is what we had reserved. Anyway I would take a look at your e-mailed confirmation which should be correct and it's obvious this is a problem that has still not been fixed with their website.

 

[Mommy Poppins]

Yes it is. Mine says the same thing.

Originally for my families reservation this past August we had a Atrium Club - Magic Kingdom View, which is what was said on our e-mailed confirmation. However when I looked it up online it also said a 2 Bedroom Villa. So when I called CRO the Cast Members computer said it was the Atrium Club - Magic Kingdom View, which is what we had reserved. Anyway I would take a look at your e-mailed confirmation which should be correct and it's obvious this is a problem that has still not been fixed with their website.

Thanks! Kind of thought it might just be a glitch in their system. I haven't received an email confirmation yet. I made the reservation on Sunday night at 10PM. That's really why I was checking to make sure it showed on-line since I didn't get an email yet.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks! Kind of thought it might just be a glitch in their system. I haven't received an email confirmation yet. I made the reservation on Sunday night at 10PM. That's really why I was checking to make sure it showed on-line since I didn't get an email yet.

You're welcome and when your confirmation does get e-mailed check it right away to make sure it's correct. However just incase you don't get it soon, call CRO and ask them to e-mail you another one. Also at the same time have them confirm your reservation and tell them what's wrong with the WDW website when you look up the reservation.

 

[Belinderella]

We have stayed at GF before but never CL. When you arrive, do you walk through the lobby to the Sugarloaf building right away or do you stop at the front lobby desk? Also I emailed IPO because they never contacted me. I asked for information as to what is available when you stay CL and the services they supply. I received a generic letter with a form attachment which I can fill out telling them what dinner, shows, child care, golf, ect. I want them to book on a specific date and time....this just seems...processed! Not the experience I thought I was going to get...and they didnt even answer my questions... or did the form answer it?

 

[rcraw45425]

We have stayed at GF before but never CL. When you arrive, do you walk through the lobby to the Sugarloaf building right away or do you stop at the front lobby desk? Also I emailed IPO because they never contacted me. I asked for information as to what is available when you stay CL and the services they supply. I received a generic letter with a form attachment which I can fill out telling them what dinner, shows, child care, golf, ect. I want them to book on a specific date and time....this just seems...processed! Not the experience I thought I was going to get...and they didnt even answer my questions... or did the form answer it?

I would call them if I were you. I originally booked Beach Club CL for the upcoming trip and it was like pulling teeth to get any help from that IPO for some reason. I have switched to WL CL and I found that the person I speak with (they share with Poly) seems friendlier for some reason. Regardless, I have never received any forms for requests at all though, with the BC I asked point blank what services can you provide, their reply, we can book stuff for you. Nothing more.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

We have stayed at GF before but never CL. When you arrive, do you walk through the lobby to the Sugarloaf building right away or do you stop at the front lobby desk? Also I emailed IPO because they never contacted me. I asked for information as to what is available when you stay CL and the services they supply. I received a generic letter with a form attachment which I can fill out telling them what dinner, shows, child care, golf, ect. I want them to book on a specific date and time....this just seems...processed! Not the experience I thought I was going to get...and they didnt even answer my questions... or did the form answer it?

I'm staying at the CR and it is the same IPO for both hotels. So far I have found them very unhelpful and unprofessional - their email responses are barely coherant. I would expect that before they correspond in writing with a guest, they would need to take some kind of business writing course but apparently not. They have also been slow in responding. I asked for a couple of things to be placed in the room. Finally they got back to me (after I followed up on my original email and then doing a second follow up) - they said I would need to provide them with my credit card information but never gave me a phone number or even indicated that it should not be sent in email. If it was my mom or dad who were trying to arrange for these surprises for the room, I shudder because they don't know enough about the internet to realize that sending credit card information through email is NOT SECURE and SHOULD NEVER BE DONE. For me, this is serious enough that I am going to write Disney. Lackluster service is one thing, putting people at risk for identity theft is a whole other game.

 

[RachelTori]

I'm staying at the CR and it is the same IPO for both hotels. So far I have found them very unhelpful and unprofessional - their email responses are barely coherant. I would expect that before they correspond in writing with a guest, they would need to take some kind of business writing course but apparently not. They have also been slow in responding. I asked for a couple of things to be placed in the room. Finally they got back to me (after I followed up on my original email and then doing a second follow up) - they said I would need to provide them with my credit card information but never gave me a phone number or even indicated that it should not be sent in email. If it was my mom or dad who were trying to arrange for these surprises for the room, I shudder because they don't know enough about the internet to realize that sending credit card information through email is NOT SECURE and SHOULD NEVER BE DONE. For me, this is serious enough that I am going to write Disney. Lackluster service is one thing, putting people at risk for identity theft is a whole other game.

This is very distressing to hear these stories about the IPO and I hope that any of you who have had poor service like this will fire off an email to Disney right away. Follow it up with a letter. The Executive Office needs to be made aware of these issues IMMEDIATELY!

I do know that when I recently talked to Juanita at AKL's IPO she told me she was amazed at the number of people who DID send their CC info in emails. Even though I certainly know better, she warned me "don't EVER send a CC # in the email to us!!!"

 

[BCV23]

Belinderella, there is a small podium outside the GF entrance for club level guests. Just approach the CM(s) there. You will be escorted to Sugar Loaf. Have fun...we love SL.

 

[DLo]

Just a quick post before a full report with pictures. Got home last night from a great stay at BC CL. Our only request was connecting rooms which we got. We were standard view but on front side so could see illuminations and wishes. I took a few pictures of the refurbed CL lounge , our rooms, and the view. Also, did the WDE and enjoyed it. Our tour guide, Brandon, was very informative. (not too many pictures as my camera didn't do well when the truck was moving but have a few to share).

Got to do laundry and some work before I download. Hope to get it done later today or tomorrow.

I know the BC CL gets a bad rap sometimes but we enjoyed our stay and had great service. This is our first cl stay so I can't compare it to others.

 

[jackal]

I just booked the Poly CL for next Friday for 10 days Can someone enlighten me about the drinks offered throughout the day. I understand there is soda and coffee 24 hours. Is wine and beer the only thing available from the 5-7 appetizer time? What is served during the evening hours as far as cordials? I thought I read there was a rum punch type thing served at some point.

I'm new to all this CL information! Also my dd loves the Poly juice. Is that available in the lounge at all?

 

[mjvans]

I would call them if I were you. I originally booked Beach Club CL for the upcoming trip and it was like pulling teeth to get any help from that IPO for some reason. I have switched to WL CL and I found that the person I speak with (they share with Poly) seems friendlier for some reason. Regardless, I have never received any forms for requests at all though, with the BC I asked point blank what services can you provide, their reply, we can book stuff for you. Nothing more.

I booked a garden view BC CL room view for our trip in March 2010. Our experience with our IPO has been entirely different. We have emailed back and forth at least 5 times in the last couple of weeks. It has been a very positive experience thus far with all inquires and information sent back in a very responsive, very attentive, very accomodating fashion. A form was sent as well so we could fill out our special request for our ADR's. We really have felt like royalty and seriously, this has just further added to our excitement about the BC Club level experience and our upcoming stay there
Michelle

 

[Tess]

I just booked the Poly CL for next Friday for 10 days Can someone enlighten me about the drinks offered throughout the day. I understand there is soda and coffee 24 hours. Is wine and beer the only thing available from the 5-7 appetizer time? What is served during the evening hours as far as cordials? I thought I read there was a rum punch type thing served at some point.

I'm new to all this CL information! Also my dd loves the Poly juice. Is that available in the lounge at all?

Coke products, juice, milk, tea, lemonade (afternoons) and coffee are available throughout the day. The passion fruit/guava juice is also available in the lounge.

Wine and beer, along with Ku'ulei's Punch (which is actually a wine punch not rum), are served from 5-7. Wine and beer are available upon request during the dessert/cordial service as well, but only if leftover from evening service. Sometimes it is all gone. . . The punch is also put out during dessert/cordials IF there is any left from evening service.

When we were there, cordials were minimal compared to years past. Amarula was offered as was Kahlua and Courvoisier--I think maybe one other--but not sure. Cream was offered to mix.

Hope that helps you!

 

[jackal]

Coke products, juice, milk, tea, lemonade (afternoons) and coffee are available throughout the day. The passion fruit/guava juice is also available in the lounge.

Wine and beer, along with Ku'ulei's Punch (which is actually a wine punch not rum), are served from 5-7. Wine and beer are available upon request during the dessert/cordial service as well, but only if leftover from evening service. Sometimes it is all gone. . . The punch is also put out during dessert/cordials IF there is any left from evening service.

When we were there, cordials were minimal compared to years past. Amarula was offered as was Kahlua and Courvoisier--I think maybe one other--but not sure. Cream was offered to mix.

Hope that helps you!

Huh THat doesn't seem like something we would get a benefit from. Maybe CL is not for us. That's all I need is to change my reservation AGAIN 9 days out

 

[bailman]

We're staying GF Club level at Sugar Loaf in January. Upon reading, I don't really see any reason to spend extra money to stay in the RPC. Honestly, it seems like the SL might be a little better since it is quieter and closer to the pool/marina and might be a bit less people than RPC? Is the only benefit of being in the RPC over SL being closer to the monorail or am I missing something?

Thanks!
Carolyn

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

I am doing a split stay with BWI and GF SL for my upcoming trip. I contacted BWI with my ADR requests about 10 days prior to my 90 day mark. I had an email about 9:30 am on my 90 day out with my ADRs. I also made a few changes and they were handled promptly and courteously.

I will say that neither IPO office contacted me. To this day, I havent had any contact with GF IPO as I was able to make my other ADRs online with no problem since there weren't any of the hard to get places on my list this time. If not for the DIS, I would not have been aware that there was an IPO office to take care of these things for the guest. I have never stayed CL before and I booked on the phone and the fact that this was one of the benefits of staying CL was never mentioned to me. I am sure there are others out there not on the DIS that have no idea about this service and spend lots of time on the phone trying to make all of their own ADRs. Once a deposit it placed on a confirmed CL reservation, I feel that the IPO office should send out an email listing the benefits of their services and a request form for ADRs.

 

[AnnieS]

We're staying GF Club level at Sugar Loaf in January. Upon reading, I don't really see any reason to spend extra money to stay in the RPC. Honestly, it seems like the SL might be a little better since it is quieter and closer to the pool/marina and might be a bit less people than RPC? Is the only benefit of being in the RPC over SL being closer to the monorail or am I missing something?

Thanks!
Carolyn

Hi Carolyn
My H and I recently stayed at SL and absolutely loved the location. We had a beautiful view overlooking the courtyard pool. The lounge was so convenient being on the first floor. We would stop there on the way in or out of the building to grab a cup of espresso, soda, glass of wine, etc. Being steps away from the pool was so nice and convenient. We found the location to be perfect for us - right in the middle of the resort and not far from anything. You do have to walk through the main building to reach the monorail but we enjoyed doing that.

That being said, this was our first stay at GF and I have never stayed in RPC so I can't really compare the two. I had secretly hoped to be upgraded to RPC as I had heard so many good things about it, and the main building is just beautiful. There were refurbishments going on while we were there though and I found that building so busy. We loved the quiet of SL and were so happy to have stayed there. The lounge was never overly busy and there was always plenty of seating. I believe the food offerings are the same in both lounges.

I am sure others have more info to offer about RPC. I think it comes down to what your preferences are here.......

 

[bailman]

Hi Carolyn
My H and I recently stayed at SL and absolutely loved the location. We had a beautiful view overlooking the courtyard pool. The lounge was so convenient being on the first floor. We would stop there on the way in or out of the building to grab a cup of espresso, soda, glass of wine, etc. Being steps away from the pool was so nice and convenient. We found the location to be perfect for us - right in the middle of the resort and not far from anything. You do have to walk through the main building to reach the monorail but we enjoyed doing that.

That being said, this was our first stay at GF and I have never stayed in RPC so I can't really compare the two. I had secretly hoped to be upgraded to RPC as I had heard so many good things about it, and the main building is just beautiful. There were refurbishments going on while we were there though and I found that building so busy. We loved the quiet of SL and were so happy to have stayed there. The lounge was never overly busy and there was always plenty of seating. I believe the food offerings are the same in both lounges.

I am sure others have more info to offer about RPC. I think it comes down to what your preferences are here.......

Thank you, Annie. (Love that name!) I know the RPC is more expensive, it just doesn't seem to be worth the extra $$. I think we'll be happy in SL. I had been kind of sectretly hoping to be upgraded to RPC too, but I think I'm just going to be happy with what I have for once and not worry about getting more like I tend to do

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

We love staying CL. We have stayed CL at the WL, CR, and the POLY. Honestly, we have had good and bad, but the good far out weigh the bad. The little extra service you get at the CL is just the added magic to our vacation.

The Offerings: It is soooo nice in the mornigs to just walk down the hallway and grab a cup of coffee and a pastry. It takes the hassel out of going to a counter service or a kisok. When we take a break from the parks in the afternoon, it is refreshing to grab a coke and some snacks to tide us over.The little appetizers they offer in the evening with an assortment of wines/beers is a great way for us to unwind and relax before dinner or the fireworks. Each resort has different offerings...POLY has by far the best selection we have came across. The juice is addictive....I know I had to have drunk at least 20 glasses of it before we left. The coffee was fine, some complain about the Nescafe, but to us its is coffee and gets us jump started for the day. We had decent coffee at the CR ( cappuccino machine).
We did one morning go get Kona coffee in the POLY at their counter service upstairs next to Konas ( not in Captain Cooks); it was pretty good, but the coffee in the CL was just as good to us. The POLY and WL were fantastic with replenishing the fridges with soft drinks/milk/juice, etc.... The libations in the evening were great at the POLY, they had a different rum punch they made and set out each night....yumm!! They also had Hawaiian beer that we were able to even get in the afternoon ( just ask at the CL and they will get it for you during the day). The WL had a decent selection in their fridge that you just helped your self with. The desserts were fantastic at the POLY and WL....both very different. We took a plate of the desserts to the beach one night and popped a bottle of champagne while watching the fireworks.
The offerings they have are not to replace a meal , with the exception of breakfast. With that being said...the offerings are one of the biggest lures for us. The ability to just relax and not have to walk a country mile to get a beverage or a light snack. The convience was worth the money for us alone, there is just the two of us and we don't eat alot. This is one service we will gladly pay money for.

The Service: The POLY wins hands down. From the moment we pulled up we were treated like VIPs. The vallet was quick and offered us so much info on directions to where to buy liquor off Disney property. The manager personally showed us around the resort and was very informative. The Cms at the CL were terrific. They helped make our ADRS prior to our trip and helped us get a few there that we couldnt have otherwise (o'hana and LeCellier...just a bit of pixie dust thrown our way). The CM who checked us in was very helpfull and gave us alot of information about the POLY that was not in our check in packet. You could tell that they were proud of their resort and enjoyed working there.

I hope this helped you. We will always stay CL if possible. The resorts are different and so are the CMs. I am not going to tell you the bad we experienced at one resort. It was just disappointing to us, it didn't ruin our trip though. Thankfully, we had stayed at CL before and knew what to expect and what to ask for. If you have any questions please ask or PM me!!

Thank you! I think no matter what, I must try it for myself at least once! Still looking at WL in the deluxe/junior suite for me, DH, and the 2 kids. I am really interested in having the kids in a separate room. They want to watch cartoons and we...do not

 

[Belinderella]

Belinderella, there is a small podium outside the GF entrance for club level guests. Just approach the CM(s) there. You will be escorted to Sugar Loaf. Have fun...we love SL.

Thanks, I dont recall a podium but I am sure I will spot it this time around...last time we were in such awe that I am sure we missed a lot!