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

[RachelTori]

Mentioning good CMs, does anyone know if you can or should (or should not?) tip a concierge lounge cast member or someone from IPO?

This information is in Post #1 (from a source who knows what he's talking about! )

Tipping Guideline: Thank you to TheRustyScupper, for the following information (9/22/08)

"1) Concierge (and Front Desk) CM's can be fired for taking cash tips.
2) They are supposed to refuse up to three times.
. . . if you ask a fourth time, they take it
. . . but, they must immediately turn it over to a manager
3) The tip goes into a fund, and the manager buys donuts or coffee for all.
4) If they do not turn in the cash, it can be immediate termination.

NOTE: They can accept gifts of up to $75 value (like candy, doll, etc)."

Guests often bring something for the CMs to share, both IPO and Lounge CMs. Maybe something unique to the area of the country you're from. HTHs!

 

[dooledoo]

I am at the Polynesian CL at the moment and have been for the last week.

I have yet to see a piece of pineapple since I have been here, so don't take the food offerings as absolute, it seems they can and do differ!

I haven't been impressed with the CL yet, the paint work is looking chipped and tired and I overheard a member of the staff in the dining area moaning about having to clear up after people. On our first day I had to rinse the tiles around the bath as someone else's hair was stuck to it! I mentioned it to a member of staff and they apologised but that was it. For the money I have paid I certainly dont't feel I have received the "wow" factor.

 

[Tess]

I am at the Polynesian CL at the moment and have been for the last week.

I have yet to see a piece of pineapple since I have been here, so don't take the food offerings as absolute, it seems they can and do differ!

I haven't been impressed with the CL yet, the paint work is looking chipped and tired and I overheard a member of the staff in the dining area moaning about having to clear up after people. On our first day I had to rinse the tiles around the bath as someone else's hair was stuck to it! I mentioned it to a member of staff and they apologised but that was it. For the money I have paid I certainly dont't feel I have received the "wow" factor.

I appreciate the confirmation on the lack of pineapple in the lounge. Someone reported that a month or more ago and it was a disappointment for a good many people. The pineapple and caramel sauce were there in May, so it must have been removed at another time.

The Polynesian is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. Sorry you are finding it lacking.

 

[mmmears]

I am at the Polynesian CL at the moment and have been for the last week.

I have yet to see a piece of pineapple since I have been here, so don't take the food offerings as absolute, it seems they can and do differ!

I haven't been impressed with the CL yet, the paint work is looking chipped and tired and I overheard a member of the staff in the dining area moaning about having to clear up after people. On our first day I had to rinse the tiles around the bath as someone else's hair was stuck to it! I mentioned it to a member of staff and they apologised but that was it. For the money I have paid I certainly dont't feel I have received the "wow" factor.

I'm sorry you're not enjoying your stay at the Poly. Maybe another resort or a non-CL room would be better for you...

As for cleaning up after people, the CMs certainly shouldn't be complaining about it, but guests in the lounge should really be cleaning up after themselves. People used to do this, but lately I have noticed guests leaving big messes on the tables for other people to clean up.

We had pineapple there in April, but I heard it's been taken away since then...

 

[MissLiz]

This is a fantastic thread and it has answered a lot of my questions! Thanks so much!

I do have a couple (probably silly) questions that I'm hoping all you experts can help out with.

I am trying to convince DH to upgrade to concierge/club level at AKL on our trip next May, so I am trying to get all the ammo I can. He wants savannah view, so it's not like it's a huge step up in $$$.

Anyway, questions (specifically AKL):

Are the room locations all really close to the lobby? I know they are 4th floor, but I'm a little worried of the view. I don't want to have the viewing rocks in the way of our savannah view. I really like Uzima savannah. Are any of the rooms on that savannah?

We will be traveling with DD7 and my other DD will be 13 months. Is it possible for DH to go to the lounge and get snacks/drinks and bring them back to the room if I am getting the girls ready to go or for bed? Does that include any drinks?

Have any of you used the dining plan while staying club level? DH likes the idea of having everything paid for before hand, but it's not like he's got to fork over the cash each time we eat. We'd still just give our card to the server and have the total charged to our account and pay at the end of the stay. In terms of price, I'd rather not spend the $700 on the dining plan if we are only going to eat $600 worth of meals while we are there.

This one is for me:

Finally, for those of you who have a hard time giving up control of your ADRs, how do you do it? I'm afraid that I'll get my ADRs and they'll be different from what I want and I'll kick myself that I "could have done better". We will want to what I think of as the basics: Akershus breakfast, Ohana dinner, Boma dinner and then some that are basic to us, but we really have never had a hard time getting into.

Thank you so much for any info! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can talk DH into it!!!

 

[ead79]

This is a fantastic thread and it has answered a lot of my questions! Thanks so much!

I do have a couple (probably silly) questions that I'm hoping all you experts can help out with.

I am trying to convince DH to upgrade to concierge/club level at AKL on our trip next May, so I am trying to get all the ammo I can. He wants savannah view, so it's not like it's a huge step up in $$$.

Anyway, questions (specifically AKL):

Are the room locations all really close to the lobby? I know they are 4th floor, but I'm a little worried of the view. I don't want to have the viewing rocks in the way of our savannah view. I really like Uzima savannah. Are any of the rooms on that savannah?

We will be traveling with DD7 and my other DD will be 13 months. Is it possible for DH to go to the lounge and get snacks/drinks and bring them back to the room if I am getting the girls ready to go or for bed? Does that include any drinks?

Have any of you used the dining plan while staying club level? DH likes the idea of having everything paid for before hand, but it's not like he's got to fork over the cash each time we eat. We'd still just give our card to the server and have the total charged to our account and pay at the end of the stay. In terms of price, I'd rather not spend the $700 on the dining plan if we are only going to eat $600 worth of meals while we are there.

This one is for me:

Finally, for those of you who have a hard time giving up control of your ADRs, how do you do it? I'm afraid that I'll get my ADRs and they'll be different from what I want and I'll kick myself that I "could have done better". We will want to what I think of as the basics: Akershus breakfast, Ohana dinner, Boma dinner and then some that are basic to us, but we really have never had a hard time getting into.

Thank you so much for any info! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can talk DH into it!!!

Let me see which ones I can help you out with...

First of all, AKL's concierge is great. I think y'all would have a great time there!

The rooms aren't all super close to the lobby. If you look at the U-shaped layout of the resort, some rooms would be much closer than others. We once had a 4th floor room above the Arusha savannah, and the rocks weren't in the way at all. It's actually up higher than it seems.

Your DH is welcome to bring food back to your room. Most people do that, so don't hesitate. He can also bring back drinks too.

I've never used the dining plan at all, as we do better using our Tables in Wonderland discount card that we bought (we are AP holders). I understand him liking the budget convenience, but with CL you might come out ahead without the dining plan.

I hope that helps!

 

[MissLiz]

That helps a ton, thanks!!

Seeing you are an AP holder...I'm also trying to talk him into that, but I think I have a better chance with CL.




We are from Marietta, too, by the way!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

As for cleaning up after people, the CMs certainly shouldn't be complaining about it, but guests in the lounge should really be cleaning up after themselves. People used to do this, but lately I have noticed guests leaving big messes on the tables for other people to clean up.

During my families previous Club Level stays at the Contemporary we have also noticed some families up there don't clean up after themselves while in the lounge, only to have the Cast Members clean up their mess. Sometimes they can leave a lot of items on their tables and I think to myself they can not walk a few feet to place them on the table with the other items for that need to be cleaned. Now whenever my family and I have been in the lounge we always make sure to clean up after ourselves, so it's one less table for the Cast Members to clean up.

 

[nascargirl]

We see this a lot at the BWI CL as well. They have a small round table where guests can lay their dishes, silverware, cups, glasses, etc. There is a garbage can right near the coffee for napkins, and paper cups. We too also clean up afer ourselves.

 

[rcraw45425]

This is a fantastic thread and it has answered a lot of my questions! Thanks so much!

I do have a couple (probably silly) questions that I'm hoping all you experts can help out with.

I am trying to convince DH to upgrade to concierge/club level at AKL on our trip next May, so I am trying to get all the ammo I can. He wants savannah view, so it's not like it's a huge step up in $$$.

Anyway, questions (specifically AKL):

Are the room locations all really close to the lobby? I know they are 4th floor, but I'm a little worried of the view. I don't want to have the viewing rocks in the way of our savannah view. I really like Uzima savannah. Are any of the rooms on that savannah?

We will be traveling with DD7 and my other DD will be 13 months. Is it possible for DH to go to the lounge and get snacks/drinks and bring them back to the room if I am getting the girls ready to go or for bed? Does that include any drinks?

Have any of you used the dining plan while staying club level? DH likes the idea of having everything paid for before hand, but it's not like he's got to fork over the cash each time we eat. We'd still just give our card to the server and have the total charged to our account and pay at the end of the stay. In terms of price, I'd rather not spend the $700 on the dining plan if we are only going to eat $600 worth of meals while we are there.

This one is for me:

Finally, for those of you who have a hard time giving up control of your ADRs, how do you do it? I'm afraid that I'll get my ADRs and they'll be different from what I want and I'll kick myself that I "could have done better". We will want to what I think of as the basics: Akershus breakfast, Ohana dinner, Boma dinner and then some that are basic to us, but we really have never had a hard time getting into.

Thank you so much for any info! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can talk DH into it!!!

Hey there! We did the DDP with CL at YC last January, we had booked water view regular room and were upgraded at check in. We found that the food offerings in the CL are more like finger foods, meant to supplement. WE personally did not care for the DDP, in our opinion you felat a little forced to eat big even if you'd rather share an entree. Our girls are now 12 & 14 so they are concidered adults by Disney but still want to share entrees, which works better for us.

As for "giving up control of your ADRS", you don't have to let the IPOI make your ressies. In our case this time , I'll just say that the IPO at BC has been less than helpful and leave it at that. Not a bit of extra effort, I have actually tweaked all of mine myself since they cannot even be bothered to return emails, send out itineraries after they book your ADRs, or return phone calls. I have all of the ADRs I wanted now, but had to do the calling myself. When we stayed CL at the YC that time, the CMs there didn't seem to put themselves out then either. I'm glad taht the AKL ones seem better, I actually booked an extra night there this trip just to check it out.

 

[DLo]

Hey there! We did the DDP with CL at YC last January, we had booked water view regular room and were upgraded at check in. We found that the food offerings in the CL are more like finger foods, meant to supplement. WE personally did not care for the DDP, in our opinion you felat a little forced to eat big even if you'd rather share an entree. Our girls are now 12 & 14 so they are concidered adults by Disney but still want to share entrees, which works better for us.

As for "giving up control of your ADRS", you don't have to let the IPOI make your ressies. In our case this time , I'll just say that the IPO at BC has been less than helpful and leave it at that. Not a bit of extra effort, I have actually tweaked all of mine myself since they cannot even be bothered to return emails, send out itineraries after they book your ADRs, or return phone calls. I have all of the ADRs I wanted now, but had to do the calling myself. When we stayed CL at the YC that time, the CMs there didn't seem to put themselves out then either. I'm glad taht the AKL ones seem better, I actually booked an extra night there this trip just to check it out.

Sorry that you have had such a bad experience with bc/yc/bwi ipo. We have had a great experience with them. They made all my adrs and even made changes when I changed my plans. They couldn't book my first choice for wde. They not only emailed but called me to see if they could find an alternate day/time - which they did. They also emailed me right before my 90 days to make sure they had my requests correct and to see if I needed to add anything. They did the same thing at 45 days. This is our first cl stay and so far haven't had any problems. We are going in 20 days and I hope to report back that the cl cms are as helpful as the ipo staff.

 

[rcraw45425]

I just don't get it with them. In my conversations with them they admitted that they had nothing to let them know that we were coming, but you'd think after that they'd email/fax wahtever to make sure they had our requests. Nothing. I have spoken on the phone with both Terri and Xio, but no follow up from tehm whatsoever. I received an emai lfrom Terri after I spoke with her to make sure they had my ADR requests, she said she was emailing the itinerary right then. It never arrived, I spoke with them again about getting a hard copy, oh we sent it out, still nothing. Finally Xio did email it to me, but The ADRs weren't right. I finally gave up after about 5 phone calls, realized that they were not going to keep checking, and just booked them myself.

 

[DLo]

I just don't get it with them. In my conversations with them they admitted that they had nothing to let them know that we were coming, but you'd think after that they'd email/fax wahtever to make sure they had our requests. Nothing. I have spoken on the phone with both Terri and Xio, but no follow up from tehm whatsoever. I received an emai lfrom Terri after I spoke with her to make sure they had my ADR requests, she said she was emailing the itinerary right then. It never arrived, I spoke with them again about getting a hard copy, oh we sent it out, still nothing. Finally Xio did email it to me, but The ADRs weren't right. I finally gave up after about 5 phone calls, realized that they were not going to keep checking, and just booked them myself.

Wow that is bad. I guess we were lucky.

 

[ead79]

That helps a ton, thanks!!

Seeing you are an AP holder...I'm also trying to talk him into that, but I think I have a better chance with CL.




We are from Marietta, too, by the way!

Just start slowly and work him up to being an AP holder!

Small world! We live in Marietta pretty close to the Woodstock line. I've lived in various parts of Marietta my whole life. I mean after all, where else can you find the Big Chicken?

 

[mmmears]

I just don't get it with them. In my conversations with them they admitted that they had nothing to let them know that we were coming, but you'd think after that they'd email/fax wahtever to make sure they had our requests. Nothing. I have spoken on the phone with both Terri and Xio, but no follow up from tehm whatsoever. I received an emai lfrom Terri after I spoke with her to make sure they had my ADR requests, she said she was emailing the itinerary right then. It never arrived, I spoke with them again about getting a hard copy, oh we sent it out, still nothing. Finally Xio did email it to me, but The ADRs weren't right. I finally gave up after about 5 phone calls, realized that they were not going to keep checking, and just booked them myself.

I actually had trouble with them this summer. When I asked them to email my revised ADRs to me, I'd never get the email. They were useful when I called and spoke directly to them, but then the email would never come. Since we were doing a split-stay, I just called the AKL IPO and asked them to email it to me -- and the email came while I was still on the phone with the CM!!!

Most IPO offices only deal with one or two resorts. Maybe combining 3 hotels into one office (BW, BC, YC) is the problem?

 

[s&k'smom]

Good morning, just booked for next October 2010, GF here we come!!!!

 

[rcraw45425]

I actually had trouble with them this summer. When I asked them to email my revised ADRs to me, I'd never get the email. They were useful when I called and spoke directly to them, but then the email would never come. Since we were doing a split-stay, I just called the AKL IPO and asked them to email it to me -- and the email came while I was still on the phone with the CM!!!

Most IPO offices only deal with one or two resorts. Maybe combining 3 hotels into one office (BW, BC, YC) is the problem?

THat could be the problem. What got to me was the impression they gave that my stuff didn't matter. IT was like pulling teeth (southern term) to get any infor from them as to what services they could provide for me. After reading about the faxed forms I was a little surprised at the apathetic response I received . I'd say "well, what can you do for me?" and their response would be "oh, we can make your dining reservations, resreation reservations, stuff like that " not CAN we do anything for you?"

 

[RachelTori]

Just start slowly and work him up to being an AP holder!

Small world! We live in Marietta pretty close to the Woodstock line. I've lived in various parts of Marietta my whole life. I mean after all, where else can you find the Big Chicken?

Hey! I "used" to live in Marietta, close to the Woodstock line. Does that count?!! We moved 4-1/2 years ago, after being there 17 years. Our WDW reservations STILL always end up under our old phone # 770-928-XXXX!

 

[ClareH37]

I actually had trouble with them this summer. When I asked them to email my revised ADRs to me, I'd never get the email. They were useful when I called and spoke directly to them, but then the email would never come. Since we were doing a split-stay, I just called the AKL IPO and asked them to email it to me -- and the email came while I was still on the phone with the CM!!!

Most IPO offices only deal with one or two resorts. Maybe combining 3 hotels into one office (BW, BC, YC) is the problem?

I've been a great fan of the BW/BC/YC IPO but must admit for my last trip (May 07) they weren't quite as 'on the ball' as they have been in the past, in fact I had to chase quite a bit, and when the info did come through sometimes it was wrong I'm dealing with the AKL IPO for my next trip and cannot believe how amazing they are, talk about prompt and efficient

 

[MissLiz]

Just start slowly and work him up to being an AP holder!

Small world! We live in Marietta pretty close to the Woodstock line. I've lived in various parts of Marietta my whole life. I mean after all, where else can you find the Big Chicken?

Since we pretty much go every year, you'd think it would be easy to talk him into it. Maybe someday....

We live just a mile or two south of 92, between Bells Ferry and Canton Rd. We moved here from Chicago about 5 years ago and we love it!

I can't keep myself from giggling just a little bit every time I drive by the Big Chicken. I love when you hear directions like "Just two miles east of the Big Chicken".