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

[KimDis]

I haven't stayed CL yet, but in terms of resorts, I'd definitely do BC since you said the girls love swimming and BC has the best pool. Especially for that age I'm sure they'll really enjoy the whole lazy river aspect of it.

I'd do GF for the second part of the stay. I loved AKL when we stayed there, we had a SV and I loved seeing the animals everyday, but being on the monorail is soooo convenient. Especially if you have ADR's to get to. The pool at the GF is much better than the AKL (Jambo) pool. The slide is much longer and more fun, I found the slide at AKL to be more like a kiddie slide.

You could also do have high tea at the Gardenview Room which might be a fun afternoon activity for the girls.

Thanks Pez, that's really helpful. I wasn't certain about the GF. Thought it might be a little too much for them (perfect for me though, lol). Going to stay in Sugarloaf next month so I'll check out the pool - from afar, brrr, . I also like that I can rent a cabana there.

We did tea (their first) at the Grand last time and although I think they'll stick to juice/hot cocoa this time (NOT tea girls yet, lol) they did enjoy the experience.

Btw, we're really in table service as a family so I'm hunkering down on this snow day and digging into your TR... great reading do far.

 

[tinkbyday]

I posted a separate thread with my YC CL review, but thought I would leave my input here as well...

Despite the negative comments I have read recently about CL at the YC, I am pleased to say that YC was terrific! I felt the food offerings throughout the day were terrific.

I wonder sometimes if the negative reviews are because people think that the evening offerings are meant to be a meal. They are not, they are just meant to be appetizers which is exactly what we found them to be!

I absolutely LOVED the homemade potato chips with the red pepper ranch dressing - we made a special trip back to the hotel twice just to have a few of those lol!

Anyway, just thought I would offer some positive feedback for anyone thinking of a YC CL stay - do it, you will not regret it!

 

[tde1969]

As a business owner myself, I wanted to address our most recent visit to Disney World. We were there December 17, 2009 thru December 20, 2009 at the Contemporary and stayed on the 12th floor atrium club. We had stayed there in June and had one of the best vacations ever. The service in June was impeccable. That being said, this last visit was a complete disappointment from the very beginning.

When we arrived in June someone from concierge met us in the lobby and whisked us up to the 12 floor. Upon our arrival last week, there was no one to meet us. I went to the concierge desk on the first floor. The young man called up to the 12th floor. Even he seem surprised and said, “you want me to check them into the hotel?”, in a somewhat puzzled voice. He proceeded to check us in and then led us up the 12th floor. After he left us, the lady at the desk, looks up and says oh I forgot about you, let me see if I can find your paperwork, what is your name again. Once she did find our letter of welcome, I inquired about purchasing a discount card for 20% off of food. We had been told about this during our last visit in June. Without skipping a beat, she informed me she knew nothing about it and that I should visit guest relations at one of the amusement parks. I was somewhat taken aback by this, but one of my guest, not being as nice as I am, responded to her, that actually that was part of her job, and maybe she could make a call and find out some information for us. She subsequently called the room and again said, we would have to check with guest relations at the park.

A general observation was that no one wanted to make eye contact or address the guest. When we would walk up to the desk, they would look down at the computer as if afraid we would ask something of them. We would have to address them to even get them to look up from the computer. Even common pleasantries such as “Good Morning”, “Have a good day”, “How are you doing”, were all absent. This was simply not the case in June.

At night, when we had gone to the club for a glass of wine and asked was there any red available, the young man turned around and simply never came back. When we asked for a bottled water for the room, they offered to contact stateroom dining for us, for a bottled water. In June they offered us bottled water repeatedly and even offered some to take into the park.

All that being said, Paul was always a gentleman and answered any question or helped us with any request, but other than that and specifically the staff at night, simply did not live up to the standard that was set in June. We did see Bonnie again at the Wave and she as always makes us feel like we are family have just returned home.

I will note, however, that the offereings in the atrium club are not dinner! I was shocked at the plates that people would pile up as if they were never going to eat again. As soon as something would be brought out, everyone would descend on the food and take as much as they could until it was all gone. A group of us sat there for two hours, simple amazed at how people were acting.

 

[f15robyn]

It is always interesting to me how people can be treated so differently day by day, in (almost) the same place.

I'm sorry to hear the Atrium Club was not up to it's previous standards, tde1969.

We just returned from a 12/13 through 12/18 stay on the Tower Club floor of the Contemporary. Our first stay at the Contemporary and our first club level stay.

Sure, some things didn't go exactly as expected. Something IPO had said they would purchase ahead of time and place in the room didn't arrive. But since it was for my husband and not a child, that was no big deal. And our park purchases were never delivered to the floor. They held them down in the gift shop. And my husband didn't receive his b-day card from Mickey (but again, not a big deal).

However, the service itself on the Tower Club floor was outstanding. We walked up to the 1st floor concierge desk to tell them we had arrived. They called the Tower Club and the CM was already, literally on her way. She walked up as the concierge desk finished their first sentence, "Mrs. and Mr. X have arrived to check in."

We stepped off the elevator and the CM on the floor had our welcome letter ready and checked us right in.

They got us a lunch reservation at Brown Derby when we decided at the last moment we'd like to do that. They were always friendly and talkative ("How are you this morning? Where are you off to? Did you have a nice day?") Once Paul learned that I like chocolate milk, he offered any evening he saw me to get me some. And the CM who checked us in happened to be waiting at Chefs de France one evening when we were. She took the time to say hello there and asked how we were doing.

And on the last morning, when I asked about the deliveries from the park, the CM was not happy that they hadn't been delivered. We offered to just go down to the 4th floor ourselves. But she went down and got the items and brought them to our room.

Overall, we were thrilled with how we were treated (and are now dreadfully spoiled ).

It's clear that even a single CM can make or break a guest's experience.

 

[mmmears]

Okay CL experts. Planning my July 2010 trip with my mom and now 4 (last year was 3) teen/tween nieces. Looking for ideas for our next CL stay. We're flexible about the room config given our size and open to a suite or 2 rooms.

We did a split stay at AKL/Poly last year and are admittedly spoiled by CL: I especially loved utilizing the IPO. The girls loved the AKL and the only thing they liked about the Poly was the pool and maybe watching Wishes from the beach. The girls are water babies so a good pool is very important to them.

I'm deciding on 2 new resorts or 1 new resort and the AKL again.

Here's what I'm considering:
1st Tier: Beach Club, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge
2nd Tier: Grand Floridian or Boardwalk

Help me sort of these options DISers - you're my only hope

Based on what you've said, I would suggest you seriously consider both the GF and the BC, plus returning to AKL since you know they like it there.

GF has a nice CL, plus it's on the monorail. It has a similar pool and slide to the Poly, and you can watch the fireworks from the marina.

BC/YC has the best pool on property -- if they are really water babies then you won't regret staying here. The lounge was nice, but had no views. The food was good and plentiful. But the pool and the location really make this a good choice.

You've stayed AKL CL, so you know why it's really nice there.

We actually did a BC/AKL/GF split this past summer, all CL, and we really had a great time at all three!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I will note, however, that the offereings in the atrium club are not dinner! I was shocked at the plates that people would pile up as if they were never going to eat again. As soon as something would be brought out, everyone would descend on the food and take as much as they could until it was all gone. A group of us sat there for two hours, simple amazed at how people were acting.

People choose to stay CL for different reasons. Some really care about IPO and the extra level of service. Others like having the lounge because it offers extra space. Regardless of the reason, staying CL is hundreds more than an ordinary room, and people want to get their money's worth.

If people want to use the CL offerings as breakfast/dinner, what's the problem? They've already paid for the service. Taking as much as possible is a different story, but I see no problem with using the offerings to make a meal. IMO, it's a bigger issue when people in the lounge drink obscene amounts of alcohol, which I've seen very frequently at GF and Poly.

 

[mmmears]

People choose to stay CL for different reasons. Some really care about IPO and the extra level of service. Others like having the lounge because it offers extra space. Regardless of the reason, staying CL is hundreds more than an ordinary room, and people want to get their money's worth.

If people want to use the CL offerings as breakfast/dinner, what's the problem? They've already paid for the service. Taking as much as possible is a different story, but I see no problem with using the offerings to make a meal. IMO, it's a bigger issue when people in the lounge drink obscene amounts of alcohol, which I've seen very frequently at GF and Poly.

I agree! We spend alot of money to stay CL, and we don't drink a drop of alcohol (or even soda for that matter). If we want 2nds on the appetizers, we're taking a second plate!

 

[tde1969]

I guess I should have given more details. It's not just getting a second plate. I liked the steak pizza and I had a second plate. It's a matter of rushing the cart before it's even set out on the table. It's taking 8 to 10 pieces of pizza or 15 to 20 chicken fingers, when there are five other people waiting behind you. The volume of food was one thing but just the manners that people had. Take two or three and then let everyone go thru the line. And please let them put the food out before you rush the poor servers. We ate breakfast in the lounge every morning and I think that's appropriate, but some acted as if they were eating for the day and had to eat it all right then.

 

[mmmears]

I guess I should have given more details. It's not just getting a second plate. I liked the steak pizza and I had a second plate. It's a matter of rushing the cart before it's even set out on the table. It's taking 8 to 10 pieces of pizza or 15 to 20 chicken fingers, when there are five other people waiting behind you. The volume of food was one thing but just the manners that people had. Take two or three and then let everyone go thru the line. And please let them put the food out before you rush the poor servers. We ate breakfast in the lounge every morning and I think that's appropriate, but some acted as if they were eating for the day and had to eat it all right then.

Gotcha! The worst thing we've ever seen was at the buffet breakfast at Club Med -- a woman walked up to the buffet, cut in line, and grabbed the entire platter of eggs benedict (platter and all). The server just stood there looking stunned...

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I guess I should have given more details. It's not just getting a second plate. I liked the steak pizza and I had a second plate. It's a matter of rushing the cart before it's even set out on the table. It's taking 8 to 10 pieces of pizza or 15 to 20 chicken fingers, when there are five other people waiting behind you. The volume of food was one thing but just the manners that people had. Take two or three and then let everyone go thru the line. And please let them put the food out before you rush the poor servers. We ate breakfast in the lounge every morning and I think that's appropriate, but some acted as if they were eating for the day and had to eat it all right then.

You're right, that's definitely inappropriate. When people horde the food (and pester the CM's that are trying to put out the food), that's quite rude.

I've noticed that too, but usually it's right as they're putting out the food at 5 PM. After that, I've never noticed as much of that behavior.

 

[ClareH37]

Perhaps controversial, but prior to the generous deals offered (i.e. 40% off, 4/3 deal, etc) I'd never really noticed the manners that I saw at my stay during the 4/3 deal this year.

Having a single (or 2) plateful of food is one thing, but plate after plate piled high, having a go at the CMs because there should be more food included with the 'deal'??!!

 

[mmmears]

Perhaps controversial, but prior to the generous deals offered (i.e. 40% off, 4/3 deal, etc) I'd never really noticed the manners that I saw at my stay during the 4/3 deal this year.

Having a single (or 2) plateful of food is one thing, but plate after plate piled high, having a go at the CMs because there should be more food included with the 'deal'??!!

IMO it's more a sign of the times than having to do with the deals. It has been 10 years since we started staying CL at WDW and there has been a change in attitude in the lounges.

I will add, though, that when they start charging $200 and $300 more per night for club level (when it used to be around $100), I think it makes people feel like they need to "get their money's worth" on a whole different level.

 

[ClareH37]

IMO it's more a sign of the times than having to do with the deals. It has been 10 years since we started staying CL at WDW and there has been a change in attitude in the lounges.

I will add, though, that when they start charging $200 and $300 more per night for club level (when it used to be around $100), I think it makes people feel like they need to "get their money's worth" on a whole different level.

My first stay was only in 2006 so I guess I'm a newcomer lol but I do find the whole getting moneys worth very sad

 

[MomsOf2boys]

I've only stayed AKL CL as it is my favorite and I just can't make myself go elsewhere. One day I am sure I will, but not yet.... I'll be there again in January. I have not really noticed the food frenzy thing but we really haven't been there during appetizers. Only breakfast and afternoon tea times. We have popped in before in the late evening to get a cookie and milk run but it has been very few people there then.

Traveling with two teen boys, they do eat a lot at breakfast. They don't take it all, just make a couple trips up. My oldest loves quinoa. My youngest, sweets. There is a large crowd in there during that time but that is probably at every CL lounge huh?

 

[mmmears]

I've only stayed AKL CL as it is my favorite and I just can't make myself go elsewhere. One day I am sure I will, but not yet.... I'll be there again in January. I have not really noticed the food frenzy thing but we really haven't been there during appetizers. Only breakfast and afternoon tea times. We have popped in before in the late evening to get a cookie and milk run but it has been very few people there then.

Traveling with two teen boys, they do eat a lot at breakfast. They don't take it all, just make a couple trips up. My oldest loves quinoa. My youngest, sweets. There is a large crowd in there during that time but that is probably at every CL lounge huh?

I love CL at AKL. Their breakfast is the best! I haven't noticed people hoarding food there, either. We haven't really had any problem getting enough, since the CMs at all the CLs we've been to have been quick to replenish food when it's gone. I also noticed it's worse when we are there during the super-busy times, like Easter (just like all the rides and all the dining at the parks...). I think the CL lounge at AKL has great atmosphere, too!

 

[MomsOf2boys]

I love CL at AKL. Their breakfast is the best! I haven't noticed people hoarding food there, either. We haven't really had any problem getting enough, since the CMs at all the CLs we've been to have been quick to replenish food when it's gone. I also noticed it's worse when we are there during the super-busy times, like Easter (just like all the rides and all the dining at the parks...). I think the CL lounge at AKL has great atmosphere, too!

I agree. We love to sit there and enjoy a cup of tea and look out onto the lobby or out at the gorgeous window. Our last time there, the CM who put out the food saw that my son loved the quinoa and he told him how to say it correctly and gave him a recipe of how to make it. ..... for 100 of his closest friends of course! I am also a diet coke in the morning girl and they have always been so nice to bring me a couple out.

 

[Simba's Girl]

Wow-really?

I never would've even considered the poly let alone cl, but for the 4+3.

I'm saying here and now, my family will be eating breakfast in the lounge daily and my dh and I will be partaking in the alcoholic beverages in the evenings.
I did think that that was part of the 'deal', along with the extra touches that the cl cms give.

I have every right to expect that I'll get what I paid for out of it.

However we all must remember that gluttony is a sin.

 

[west&east]

We were happy and surprised to see a big Le Crueset pot of oatmeal out this morning. It was not served Sat or Sun morning. The oatmeal was good and served with brown sugar, raisins, and dried cranberries on the side.

 

[west&east]

I'm at WL CL now and the club concierge is in the process of helping me with a special request- they are getting an item for me that is sold out downstairs at the gift shop. Am I supposed to tip them????
Thanks in advance for you help!

 

[Canyon girl]

Word is that they can not accept monetary gifts. They can accept physical gifts up to $75 worth, ie candy, tea. Answer, no, you do not need to tip.