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

[Belinderella]

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 think I might...I am really disapointed with the response I am getting

 

[Belinderella]

I feel that the IPO office should send out an email listing the benefits of their services and a request form for ADRs.

DITO...Thats what I expected but didnt get...even when I asked for it!!!!

 

[guynhawaii]

Aloha,

Currently at WDW. Spent nine nights at CR CL and currently in the process of spending seven nights at AKL CL. I noticed the dramatic difference (down) in the CL snacks and dinner between the CR and AKL and asked several AKL CL CMs why. They all stated to a person that a corporate decision had recently been made to significantly reduce the CL food costs WDW wide. Apparently the AKL is one of the first to go to a new and less expensive menu. I was informed that Zebra Domes at the AKL CL have been very rare for several months and the dinner menu has gone to "finger food" due to too many people pigging out on the heavier offerings. The CR CL chow really spoiled us and unintentionally raised our expectations for the AKL CL grub. Oh well.

Different subject. The AKL CL giraffe magnet has not be available to the AKL CL guests since last May. Bah-Humbug!

Final Subject. Noticed a much less density of animals at AKL compared to Christmas of 07. I was instructed that although the number of animals has remained steady over the past few years the acreage for them to roam has dramatically improved with the opening of Kadani resulting in a smaller density.

 

[JenniD44]

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

We have stayed at both RPC and SL at the GF. Both are very nice, but my favorite is RPC. We were fortunate enough one time to get an upgrade (paid by us mind you) to one of the Deluxe queen rooms. It was fantastic. I also think that the lounge area at RPC is larger and not usually as crowded, at least that was my experience.

That being said, we are staying SL again for this upcoming trip. Although I love RPC, I do agree that I don't think the price difference is worth it. SL is very conveniently located and my kids are happier being closer to the pool. For the amount of time we are actually in the room and lounge, SL is fine and quite enjoyable.

Hope this helps.

 

[RachelTori]

Aloha,

Currently at WDW. Spent nine nights at CR CL and currently in the process of spending seven nights at AKL CL. I noticed the dramatic difference (down) in the CL snacks and dinner between the CR and AKL and asked several AKL CL CMs why. They all stated to a person that a corporate decision had recently been made to significantly reduce the CL food costs WDW wide. Apparently the AKL is one of the first to go to a new and less expensive menu. I was informed that Zebra Domes at the AKL CL have been very rare for several months and the dinner menu has gone to "finger food" due to too many people pigging out on the heavier offerings. The CR CL chow really spoiled us and unintentionally raised our expectations for the AKL CL grub. Oh well.

Different subject. The AKL CL giraffe magnet has not be available to the AKL CL guests since last May. Bah-Humbug!

Final Subject. Noticed a much less density of animals at AKL compared to Christmas of 07. I was instructed that although the number of animals has remained steady over the past few years the acreage for them to roam has dramatically improved with the opening of Kadani resulting in a smaller density.

Thanks so much for taking the time to check in with us during your vacation.

Unfortunately, this doesn't surprise me. We noticed a definite down-sizing in the AKL CL offerings when we were there this past May/June. (And the Zebra Domes were not offered any of our 8 nights either. )

I wonder what other CL changes we'll see in the coming months.

Enjoy the rest of your vacation. Hey, at least you're at WDW!!!

 

[rcraw45425]

DITO...Thats what I expected but didnt get...even when I asked for it!!!!

Glad it's not just me!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Aloha,

Currently at WDW. Spent nine nights at CR CL and currently in the process of spending seven nights at AKL CL. I noticed the dramatic difference (down) in the CL snacks and dinner between the CR and AKL and asked several AKL CL CMs why. They all stated to a person that a corporate decision had recently been made to significantly reduce the CL food costs WDW wide. Apparently the AKL is one of the first to go to a new and less expensive menu. I was informed that Zebra Domes at the AKL CL have been very rare for several months and the dinner menu has gone to "finger food" due to too many people pigging out on the heavier offerings. The CR CL chow really spoiled us and unintentionally raised our expectations for the AKL CL grub. Oh well.

Different subject. The AKL CL giraffe magnet has not be available to the AKL CL guests since last May. Bah-Humbug!

Final Subject. Noticed a much less density of animals at AKL compared to Christmas of 07. I was instructed that although the number of animals has remained steady over the past few years the acreage for them to roam has dramatically improved with the opening of Kadani resulting in a smaller density.

WOW!! I am soooo bummed to hear this as my sister and I are taking our parents there in a few weeks! They are so looking forward to this trip! I hope they don't end up disappointed!

 

[Mommy Poppins]

I sent an email to CR CL on Tuesday night basically saying that we had reservations in January for my DH's return from Iraq and telling them that I had never stayed Concierge and I would like to know what services concierge provides. This was their response on Wedneday:

The concierge level provides pre-planning through the itinerary planning office. At check in, you will be greeted by a cast member and escorted up to the club level. The club level has a separate desk area for you to go to for any questions you may have during your stay. In the club area the there is a lounge area that offers beverages and snacks throughout the day.

Please let us know if you need any assistance in planning and we look forward to your *Magical* stay!

Concierge Itinerary Planning Office
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Phone: 407-934-4438
Fax: 407-824-3461
Please Note: In our ongoing efforts to provide exemplary Guest services, we have upgraded to a new mail server. Please direct all future messages to Contemporary.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com


If I didn't DIS, I'm not sure I'd still know exactly what concierge can do for you.

 

[RachelTori]

I sent an email to CR CL on Tuesday night basically saying that we had reservations in January for my DH's return from Iraq and telling them that I had never stayed Concierge and I would like to know what services concierge provides. This was their response on Wedneday:

The concierge level provides pre-planning through the itinerary planning office. At check in, you will be greeted by a cast member and escorted up to the club level. The club level has a separate desk area for you to go to for any questions you may have during your stay. In the club area the there is a lounge area that offers beverages and snacks throughout the day.

Please let us know if you need any assistance in planning and we look forward to your *Magical* stay!

Concierge Itinerary Planning Office
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Phone: 407-934-4438
Fax: 407-824-3461
Please Note: In our ongoing efforts to provide exemplary Guest services, we have upgraded to a new mail server. Please direct all future messages to Contemporary.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com


If I didn't DIS, I'm not sure I'd still know exactly what concierge can do for you.

That response is just sad. "Exemplary Guest services" would have been to give you the information you requested and also the booking dates (how far in advance they can book all those hard-to-get ADRs for you, etc.) A note about the Oct 27th change back to 180 days would have been nice too. You know they can book ADRs and special tours that are only available to Club Level guests (i.e. the WDE), but they don't know you know that!! Would have been nice had they given you some REAL information. I hope you will email them back and let them know you'd like some specific information.

And since your trip is in January, you're probably very close to (or already past) your 90-day booking window.

The "new mail server" they referenced has been in place for well over a year.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I sent an email to CR CL on Tuesday night basically saying that we had reservations in January for my DH's return from Iraq and telling them that I had never stayed Concierge and I would like to know what services concierge provides. This was their response on Wedneday:

The concierge level provides pre-planning through the itinerary planning office. At check in, you will be greeted by a cast member and escorted up to the club level. The club level has a separate desk area for you to go to for any questions you may have during your stay. In the club area the there is a lounge area that offers beverages and snacks throughout the day.

Please let us know if you need any assistance in planning and we look forward to your *Magical* stay!

Concierge Itinerary Planning Office
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Phone: 407-934-4438
Fax: 407-824-3461
Please Note: In our ongoing efforts to provide exemplary Guest services, we have upgraded to a new mail server. Please direct all future messages to Contemporary.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com


If I didn't DIS, I'm not sure I'd still know exactly what concierge can do for you.

At least your response had punctuation in it. Sorry for the joke but if I don't laugh, I'm going to cry. I feel your frustration since I am dealing with the same IPO and seem to be getting the run around.

I've decided to just go through the Disney Florist to have something special delivered. It's easier for me and I have more faith that they will come through.

 

[focusondisney]

Aloha,

Currently at WDW. Spent nine nights at CR CL and currently in the process of spending seven nights at AKL CL. I noticed the dramatic difference (down) in the CL snacks and dinner between the CR and AKL and asked several AKL CL CMs why. They all stated to a person that a corporate decision had recently been made to significantly reduce the CL food costs WDW wide. Apparently the AKL is one of the first to go to a new and less expensive menu. I was informed that Zebra Domes at the AKL CL have been very rare for several months and the dinner menu has gone to "finger food" due to too many people pigging out on the heavier offerings. The CR CL chow really spoiled us and unintentionally raised our expectations for the AKL CL grub. Oh well.

Hi!
Thanks for taking the time to post. Just wondering tho what types of evening offerings you had at CR & AK. We were at YC in Sept & are scheduled to go back in Dec. Afternoon snacks were veggies & dip with the home made chips as the big thing. Evening big offering was a combination of 2 of the following: duck quesidillas, crab rangoon, pot stickers, chicken skewers & bacon wrappped scallops. Also veggies,dip, cheese crackers etc. So I'm thinking the offerings were already pretty much "finger food". I wonder if YC had already cut back becauce I can't imagine anything less for offerings. Don't think we'll be doing club level after Dec. stay(booked with the 40% code). Too many cut backs & not enough service to justify. Hopefully when the economy improves service & offerings will improve, but I doubt it.

If you can be more specific about offerings it would be great. But if you're too busy having fun, I understand!

 

[BCV23]

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!

It seems to me that the small podium for club guests was added about two years ago. It is on the left and closer to the entrance than the bellstand. Have fun!

 

[MomsOf2boys]

Aloha,

Currently at WDW. Spent nine nights at CR CL and currently in the process of spending seven nights at AKL CL. I noticed the dramatic difference (down) in the CL snacks and dinner between the CR and AKL and asked several AKL CL CMs why. They all stated to a person that a corporate decision had recently been made to significantly reduce the CL food costs WDW wide. Apparently the AKL is one of the first to go to a new and less expensive menu. I was informed that Zebra Domes at the AKL CL have been very rare for several months and the dinner menu has gone to "finger food" due to too many people pigging out on the heavier offerings. The CR CL chow really spoiled us and unintentionally raised our expectations for the AKL CL grub. Oh well.

Different subject. The AKL CL giraffe magnet has not be available to the AKL CL guests since last May. Bah-Humbug!

Final Subject. Noticed a much less density of animals at AKL compared to Christmas of 07. I was instructed that although the number of animals has remained steady over the past few years the acreage for them to roam has dramatically improved with the opening of Kadani resulting in a smaller density.

Thanks for sharing with us. Does the CL at AKL still have a pretty good selection at breakfast? I know that there are tons of complaints of people taking their share and all that. I wondered when they might make changes.

 

[Brit17]

This will be our first time staying at the BWI CL and I'm a little confused about check-in ... is there a special desk/area where we go to check-in? ... also, does our luggage immediately "follow us" to our room upon check-in, and we won't have to wait for it to be brought to our room (we will be carrying our own luggage & won't be using Magical Express) ...

Thanx for your help ...

 

[Dis_Yoda]

This will be our first time staying at the BWI CL and I'm a little confused about check-in ... is there a special desk/area where we go to check-in? ... also, does our luggage immediately "follow us" to our room upon check-in, and we won't have to wait for it to be brought to our room (we will be carrying our own luggage & won't be using Magical Express) ...

Thanx for your help ...

When we pulled into BWI on 9/26 - we told the gate we were checking in and gave them our name - they knew we were club level guests and told us that someone would be waiting for us at the front. We pulled into the valet part and unloaded our car and we were greeted by the club level greeter. He let us know our room was not ready yet so he told us to check our luggage w/ bell services and they would bring it up once its ready. We then were escorted upstairs to the check in table for the lounge and did our check in stuff.

We did valet our car all week as it was easier than dealing with the parking lot and it was my 'splurge of unneccessariness' as I didn't really feel like walking to my car. Plus - it feels nice being able to call down and have your car waiting for you at the front when you want to go some place with the AC on or when coming back after dinner - pulling in, handing over your key and going straight into the hotel.

(however - certain valets had trouble with the RFID key system we have - not at BWI - but at another one of the hotels)

You sohuld be able to unload your car then have one person in your party go park it though while the rest of you go upstairs.

 

[Brit17]

Thank you Dis Yoda ...

I just thought of a couple of more questions that maybe you can help me with ...

1. How was the breakfast/snacks/etc. in the Innkeepers Lounge?

2. By any chance, did you notice if they offer instant oatmeal in the lounge for breakfast? If not, what breakfast foods do they offer?

3. Do you have any recommendations for room location requests?

Thanx a lot for your help ...

 

[tinkerrn]

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

We loved the WL CL. We have stayed there 3 times. Twice in a reg. Cl room and once in their Honeymoon suite. The CL CMs were great, always very helpfull and friendly. I do not think you will be disappointed in the CL there.
The atmosphere there is sooo amazing, very relaxing. The CL seating wraps around the balcony on the 7th floor. We always tried to get a table next to one of the windows that look out over Bay Lake in the morning; the view was simply serene. The CL at WL is very kid friendly, which is a plus if you have children. Have a wonderful time!!

 

[KerryCM]

I returned last week from another wonderful stay at the BWI. I was told that all CLs are changing the evening offerings. These will be more finger foods and not as elaborate as they are now. In other words you will not be able to make a meal out of them! These changes will be property wide eventually. I am not sure when each resort will roll them out. I am not sure how this will effect anyones plans, just thought I'd let you all know.

It will not make me change my plans to stay CL anymore. I stay not for the food but for the way I am treated by the great cast at the Innkeeper's Club. They are the ones that make my trip. It is unfortunate that they will be the ones to take any of the complaints about the new services. Just remember the cast members are not the ones who made this decision.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I am looking at the current menu for the Atrium Club and Tower Club and a lot of their current items seem to be what you would call finger food. For example the BBQ Short Rib in Spring Roll which is one of the two hot items offered on Thursday's is not the biggest thing which they offer. So it's going to be intresting to see what exactly happens with these changes.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Thank you Dis Yoda ...

I just thought of a couple of more questions that maybe you can help me with ...

1. How was the breakfast/snacks/etc. in the Innkeepers Lounge?

2. By any chance, did you notice if they offer instant oatmeal in the lounge for breakfast? If not, what breakfast foods do they offer?

3. Do you have any recommendations for room location requests?

Thanx a lot for your help ...

1. Breakfast - Cereal, Bagels, Fruit, Crossiants, Danishes, Apple Juice, Milk, Chocolate Milk, Yogurt

Snacks - Smartfood Popcorn, Pretzels, Chips, Goldfish, Nutmix, Cookies, Soda, Beer by Request, Gummy Bears, Uncrustables

Evening Food - I saw veggie platter, cheese, crackers, hummus, egg rolls, chicken wings, pot stickers, uncrustables, chili - we only stopped by 3 nights we were there though so dont know aobut the other nights

Desserts - Fruit Tarts, Petit Fours, Chocolate Cover Strawberries, Cookies, Gummyworms, Brownies

Overall I was fine with the food they offered.

2. I didn't see any but then again I didn't really look either.

3. My room requests were for 'within' the CL club area and a king size bed. I got both. Sometimes the cl is a victim of too many convention goers who like CL service - and they have spill overs outside the doors of the club and sometimes on the 3rd floor. We over looked the quiet pool and it was nice and quiet except for the one evening a convention had a party going on outside at the pool - but they were completely done by 10pm so we weren't going to complain.

I returned last week from another wonderful stay at the BWI. I was told that all CLs are changing the evening offerings. These will be more finger foods and not as elaborate as they are now. In other words you will not be able to make a meal out of them! These changes will be property wide eventually. I am not sure when each resort will roll them out. I am not sure how this will effect anyones plans, just thought I'd let you all know.

It will not make me change my plans to stay CL anymore. I stay not for the food but for the way I am treated by the great cast at the Innkeeper's Club. They are the ones that make my trip. It is unfortunate that they will be the ones to take any of the complaints about the new services. Just remember the cast members are not the ones who made this decision.

I'm sadden they are changing the offerings but to be fair, I'm not surprised. I have a feeling its b/c too many people were using them as meal replacements rather than the light snacks they are meant to be. (Then again we've all read that debate many times so no need to start it again)

I agree I dont stay for the food either - its nice for it to be there for light nibblings for the afternoon and evening services. The cast members are great and IPO is just wonderful too