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

[chimo2u]

Wow!!! I received a call yesterday AM and my 13 yo answered the phone. I heard him say, "Yes, I'll get her"....hmmmm who's calling me at 7:30 am Alberta time??? I awnser
Me: "hello?"
Them: "Good Morning, this is Sammy Duvall's watersports company at the Contemporary Resort"
Me: "Oh!! Hello!!" ****thinking they are confirming something for our future trip*****
Them: "We see that you have parasailing booked for today, and we are just calling to tell you it's been cancelled as it is too windy today"
ME: ***SHOCKED!!!**** "Ummmm, that may be a little hard for me to get down there, not that I wouldn't love to be in Florida right now, but I am in Alberta, Canada and don't think I'll be getting there any time soon!"

*******************************************************
Let's just say I was confused! I DID book parasailing through the IPO at AKL for AUGUST 25th, not February!!!! Imagine if it hadn't been windy and they hadn't called me to "cancel" ....I might not have realized the mistake until much later and my Credit card would have been charged for a "no show"
Thank goodness, the error was found and I was able to make them aware of this glitch with booking my plans! Robert in the IPO office told me he'd look into what happened with the booking error, but so far I have not heard anything back from him yet. I will probably write Don a message tomorrow to make sure the confusion was all cleared up. Don was originally booking our plans, then I think they got passed to someone else when he was on days off, thus the confusion.
Kind of funny in retrospect, but could have been a nightmare having to wait for a refund on my CC if this had not been a windy day and cancelled!!!

 

[kaffinito]

I'm trying to figure out the same thing!

I've been thinking. since we're from Michigan, what about a made in Michigan basket but instead of having big unsharable items, I pack it with smaller items so that people could share? Such as small sample sized packages of Mackinaw Island fudge? Or the little jars of preserves that are made locally?

Would that be a good idea?

Or what about something a little more useful like a bunch of McDonalds gift cards? The CL staff needs to eat too, and a free meal wouldn't be a bad gift...

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

My understanding is, and my observations from being there are that you can see EWP and Wishes from the patios at Hawaii longhouse. Some of the views are obstructed by trees, but having a patio means that you can just walk onto the beach area from your room to view wishes. Remember that the Castle is a ways off in the distance, so the view you'll have of Wishes is of a little tiny castle surrounded by lights. You can certainly hear it and see it, but is is a ways off.

We're booked for Poly LV CL too, and have requested the first floor. But honestly, I'd be happy with second floor too.

Just my two cents.


Thank you, Kaffinito for responding to my question re: the views, etc.
You're right - I'll be thrilled just being at the Poly. Don't know why I'm wondering about this so much! What will be; will be...

However, just one more question: can you see the castle while lying in bed in a first floor room (assuming you don't have a blocked view)? That was one of favorite perks last year...

Thanks again,

Gretchen

 

[birdsboro]

so let me get this straight.... i pay more for someone else to do my reservations, food, and view of magic kingdom? so if i plan myself, and am on the dining plan, why do i need club level? just curious. thanks.

 

[2manypets]

so let me get this straight.... i pay more for someone else to do my reservations, food, and view of magic kingdom? so if i plan myself, and am on the dining plan, why do i need club level? just curious. thanks.

I'm willing to pay the extra for "one stop shopping." I want the convenience of the lounge food and drinks when I want something to snack on. I want someone else to get up early to make my ADR's. I want to feel pampered and special.

I have a lot of wants, huh?

Yes, I can do it all myself, but I'm not a morning person and already know I won't get up early to do it myself.

 

[KimDis]

so let me get this straight.... i pay more for someone else to do my reservations, food, and view of magic kingdom? so if i plan myself, and am on the dining plan, why do i need club level? just curious. thanks.

I REALLY enjoyed the Wildlife Discovery Excursion at the AK, which is available only to CL guests.

Also, the regular dining plan never seems to fit our breakfast needs. I really like having quick, easy and relatively healthy breakfast in the lounge to start our days and then 1 ts and 1 quick service. You can't really do this with the regular DP and the DxDP is WAY too much food for us.

I don't think anyone needs club level. It's a luxury. You really can't justify it as anything else. You pay for convenience and the extra special touches (afternoon tea, lounge views of the Castle/MK/fireworks, nicer room amenities, wine/beer/cordials, etc.)

And that's ok by me.

 

[mmmears]

so let me get this straight.... i pay more for someone else to do my reservations, food, and view of magic kingdom? so if i plan myself, and am on the dining plan, why do i need club level? just curious. thanks.

Where are you staying??? A view of the MK has nothing to do with staying CL...

And no, you don't need to stay CL. It's something that some of us really want. I'm not on the DDP -- just don't see the "need" to do it.

It's more about trying to get what I want out of my planning and trip experience. It's definitely not for everyone, nor would I recommend it to most people.

 

[KimDis]

Where are you staying??? A view of the MK has nothing to do with staying CL...

And no, you don't need to stay CL. It's something that some of us really want. I'm not on the DDP -- just don't see the "need" to do it.

It's more about trying to get what I want out of my planning and trip experience. It's definitely not for everyone, nor would I recommend it to most people.

I agree with mmmears - the resort at which you choose CL can play a role in it's perceived value. Your needs for your trip also can play a big role.

When I started planning my trip this year we were a party of 6 and the only Deluxe non-DVC resorts that had a room that would hold 6 people were at the BWI and the WL. Both are CL rooms.

I saved over $2000 by being able to book one room as opposed to 2. That was a BIG win for me.

 

[DisneyBoundinDec]

Hello ALL!
We are currently booked for GV at the Poly in November for 8 days with the 40% pin code but am seriously thinking about upgrading to CL. It will be me, Dh, DS(7) and DS(3). We are not huge breakfast eaters and I am thinking the convenience of the lounge for breakfast will be huge! Plus the parks usually close earlier in the fall/winter so we will be able to utilize it again at night for a night time snack.. hmmm... decisions.. decisions..

 

[kaffinito]

Thank you, Kaffinito for responding to my question re: the views, etc.
You're right - I'll be thrilled just being at the Poly. Don't know why I'm wondering about this so much! What will be; will be...

However, just one more question: can you see the castle while lying in bed in a first floor room (assuming you don't have a blocked view)? That was one of favorite perks last year...

Thanks again,

Gretchen[/COLOR]

Ok. This is where I bow out. I have no idea so I would like to suggest that you ask this of your fellow Poly lovers here http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2293429&page=197

 

[kaffinito]

so let me get this straight.... i pay more for someone else to do my reservations, food, and view of magic kingdom? so if i plan myself, and am on the dining plan, why do i need club level? just curious. thanks.

For some of us it's worth it to send someone else a list of our ADR's and have them make them for us. It's also nice to have someone else make the other extra reservations that I might not have time to make. Not every resort will have CL that comes with a view of MK, and not every CL is really expensive.

We are on the DDP so that really doesn't enter into anything unless you're under the impression that the snacks they serve at CL are meant as meals?

If you make your own ADR's then maybe CL isn't for you, KWIM? I like it, but I won't be using it every trip, because I won't need the convenience on every trip.

 

[KimDis]

Hello ALL!
We are currently booked for GV at the Poly in November for 8 days with the 40% pin code but am seriously thinking about upgrading to CL. It will be me, Dh, DS(7) and DS(3). We are not huge breakfast eaters and I am thinking the convenience of the lounge for breakfast will be huge! Plus the parks usually close earlier in the fall/winter so we will be able to utilize it again at night for a night time snack.. hmmm... decisions.. decisions..

Hey there fellow MD'er!!

You'll love the convenience of the lounge at the Poly. It was sooo much easier in the morning to get something quick and easy and not have to deal with lines or paying for anything or trying to find tables. I also loved that the girls had real food every morning (e.g. fresh fruit) without me having to do anything myself. I like to have something but I'm not a big bfast eater (we do the CP/Chef Mickey bfast more for the early park access/character experience) so fruit and coffee were perfect for me.

And while you sip your morning bev - you see the Castle!!! Oh and when you snack in the evening and sip that AMAZING punch - you see the Castle!!!! It just doesn't get much more magical than that.

We also found that if we did a larger lunch (buffet or TS) we were fine with a light evening snack in the lounge. Chef Dick spoiled us rotten. He actually sent me with a tray LOADED with wings to the pool for my nieces one day. And when I came back for my bev's - he had MORE waiting.

Just do NOT, whatever you do, look at the view from your neighbor's room across the hall (lagoon/theme park views). You will be tempted to make BAD decisions next trip...

 

[DisneyBoundinDec]

Hey there fellow MD'er!!

You'll love the convenience of the lounge at the Poly. It was sooo much easier in the morning to get something quick and easy and not have to deal with lines or paying for anything or trying to find tables. I also loved that the girls had real food every morning (e.g. fresh fruit) without me having to do anything myself. I like to have something but I'm not a big bfast eater (we do the CP/Chef Mickey bfast more for the early park access/character experience) so fruit and coffee were perfect for me.

And while you sip your morning bev - you see the Castle!!! Oh and when you snack in the evening and sip that AMAZING punch - you see the Castle!!!! It just doesn't get much more magical than that.

We also found that if we did a larger lunch (buffet or TS) we were fine with a light evening snack in the lounge. Chef Dick spoiled us rotten. He actually sent me with a tray LOADED with wings to the pool for my nieces one day. And when I came back for my bev's - he had MORE waiting.

Just do NOT, whatever you do, look at the view from your neighbor's room across the hall (lagoon/theme park views). You will be tempted to make BAD decisions next trip...

Well Hello Fellow MD'er! aren't you glad we just missed this last snow storm! I can tell you that I can't wait for Spring/Summer!!!

Thanks for the reply... I am leaning more and more towards CL.. I am just waiting for my TA to get back to me on the price.. which probably won't be until Monday
and MAYBE.. just MAYBE.. we'll get some : and get upgraded to LV once we are there! One can dream right!!!

 

[mmmears]

Hello ALL!
We are currently booked for GV at the Poly in November for 8 days with the 40% pin code but am seriously thinking about upgrading to CL. It will be me, Dh, DS(7) and DS(3). We are not huge breakfast eaters and I am thinking the convenience of the lounge for breakfast will be huge! Plus the parks usually close earlier in the fall/winter so we will be able to utilize it again at night for a night time snack.. hmmm... decisions.. decisions..

With what you are writing about your trip (schedule, meals, etc.) it sounds like CL might be a good choice for you. We love the convenience of grabbing a quick breakfast without the lines or needing an ADR, but we're not huge breakfast eaters, either.

Like a pp stated, we do tend to gt hungry for a big lunch this way, so we usually make an ADR for lunch. Sometimes a snack in the lounge is all we want after the big lunch, sometimes we go out for dinner. But if you're spending lots of time at the resort, then CL makes much more sense than if you're in the parks all day, IMO.

 

[DisneyBoundinDec]

With what you are writing about your trip (schedule, meals, etc.) it sounds like CL might be a good choice for you. We love the convenience of grabbing a quick breakfast without the lines or needing an ADR, but we're not huge breakfast eaters, either.

Like a pp stated, we do tend to gt hungry for a big lunch this way, so we usually make an ADR for lunch. Sometimes a snack in the lounge is all we want after the big lunch, sometimes we go out for dinner. But if you're spending lots of time at the resort, then CL makes much more sense than if you're in the parks all day, IMO.

My kids are not big breakfast eaters either.. my little one will eat a waffle, but my older one wouldn't eat a thing if I didn't force a yogurt, poptart or breakfast shake down his throat! He's just like me.. there are plenty of days were a yogurt and coffee is my breakfast.. and my Dh's doesn't eat it at all! now, we usually do eat breakfast when we are at the world.. but again, its small and we usually share a meal at a CS place.. I can't seem to find closing times for Nov, but if I remember correctly its like 8 or 9 (without LMH).. and for my kids.. that's just fine.. I am thinking a CL breakfast.. ADR's for lunch.. and whatever for dinner would suit us just fine this time.. we really don't like to waste too much time eating and I think the lunch TS meals would move a little faster plus it will give us a much needed sit down break for the boys..

okay.. I was just talking(typing) out loud there.. but thanks for reading!

 

[ancestry]

Originally Posted by birdsboro
so let me get this straight.... i pay more for someone else to do my reservations, food, and view of magic kingdom? so if i plan myself, and am on the dining plan, why do i need club level? just curious. thanks.

Well we didn't choose club level to have someone make our reservations for us although that has been a nice perk. We chose it for the food, snacks, and beverages located in the same building as our room. Originally we were booked in a regular room (garden view) at the GF for our stay with the regular dining plan. We were unhappy that the regular dining plan didn't provide us with a means for breakfast (using CS for lunch and TS for dinner and snack as ice cream for the kids). We also wanted appetizers and drinks with dinner which the DDP doesn't give us but which we can get (or supplement with through CL). With the 40% off code upgrading to club level was about the same for us as upgrading to the DxDP. We did the DxDP last year and didn't like having to be committed to so many different reservations all the time. By upgrading to CL we now have the flexibility we want when we want it. We can grab some appetizers, and a alcoholic beverage in the evening. Breakfast is right there in the morning and we still have the regular dining plan for a full lunch and dinner.

 

[birdsboro]

we are booked at the poly,in just a garden view room. so it does seem that the club level is about the food...no? i wonder how much the upgrade would be.. i guess just for the building more than anything i guess...

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

we are booked at the poly,in just a garden view room. so it does seem that the club level is about the food...no? i wonder how much the upgrade would be.. i guess just for the building more than anything i guess...

Here are the rates for 2010 at the Polynesian, however this would be the cost without any potiental discounts or pin codes.
http://www.mousesavers.com/polynesian2010.html

 

[birdsboro]

we got the bounceback in dec... 40% i think it was

 

[mmmears]

My kids are not big breakfast eaters either.. my little one will eat a waffle, but my older one wouldn't eat a thing if I didn't force a yogurt, poptart or breakfast shake down his throat! He's just like me.. there are plenty of days were a yogurt and coffee is my breakfast.. and my Dh's doesn't eat it at all! now, we usually do eat breakfast when we are at the world.. but again, its small and we usually share a meal at a CS place.. I can't seem to find closing times for Nov, but if I remember correctly its like 8 or 9 (without LMH).. and for my kids.. that's just fine.. I am thinking a CL breakfast.. ADR's for lunch.. and whatever for dinner would suit us just fine this time.. we really don't like to waste too much time eating and I think the lunch TS meals would move a little faster plus it will give us a much needed sit down break for the boys..

okay.. I was just talking(typing) out loud there.. but thanks for reading!

We eat that way, too. Yogurt and berries in the morning at home, something similar when at WDW. I really like the TS lunches -- they are a needed break from the crowds, noise, and rushing of the parks. They recharge our batteries a little bit. Some nights, we have apps in the lounge, go to the parks, and grab something small when/if we are hungry. The portions at WDW are enormous, so we often split something.

Sounds like CL will work out well for your family.