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

[maverickj44]

Contacted the IPO for reservations at LeCelier... was told only a 4:10 was available in August... I know this restaurant books fast, but can I expect more than a 4:10? Should I call directly instead of e-mail?

 

[ancestry]

Contacted the IPO for reservations at LeCelier... was told only a 4:10 was available in August... I know this restaurant books fast, but can I expect more than a 4:10? Should I call directly instead of e-mail?

That sounds about right. Le Cellier is one of those hard to get reservations. Your best bet to get a peak dining time is to call exactly at 180 days out or have IPO book them 180 days out. Calling IPO isn't going to get you a different result that emailing them. However you can keep checking Disney Dining Reservations online to see if anything opens up at a time more desirable to you.

Also you didn't say which part of August but I think many people made dining reservations from mid-August hoping that free dining would be released like it had for the previous years. If free dining isn't a fall promotion that is offered I think you may be able to snag (or have IPO snag) a cancellation for you closer to the date.

 

[princessallegra]

Does IPO have access to ADR times/locations that aren't accessible to the general public?

Let me explain, we currently have an ADR at Ohana's for 6:20 PM on May 19th and I would like to move it up to 5:00 PM (when Ohana's opens) so we can try to get to DHS to see Fantasmic at 9:00 PM (we need to be on our way from Ohana's by 6:15-6:30). There aren't any public times available at Ohana's at all for the entire 10 days we are at Disney. If Ohana had a dinner on a different evening I would be willing to switch things around. I've tried to do it myself but like I said Ohana doesn't have any other openings for the 10 days we are there.

Could IPO help at all or do they only have access to the same available reservations as I do through the online reservation site?

I have found they do have access to other tables...Just this week Disney Dining told me that Narcoossee's was completely booked up, no openings for Sunday June 6th. I emailed the IPO to see if they could try to get us in at around 7 pm, and they got right back to me within a few hours saying they were able to get us in t 7:10 pm. I was so happy! So I would definitely ask the IPO to see if they can get you an 'Ohana res for 5:00 pm.

 

[ancestry]

I have found they do have access to other tables...Just this week Disney Dining told me that Narcoossee's was completely booked up, no openings for Sunday June 6th. I emailed the IPO to see if they could try to get us in at around 7 pm, and they got right back to me within a few hours saying they were able to get us in t 7:10 pm. I was so happy! So I would definitely ask the IPO to see if they can get you an 'Ohana res for 5:00 pm.

Thanks. I just heard back from them. They were not able to help and said there wasn't any availability. They suggested arriving early (but didn't say how early) at Ohana's as they felt there was a "good chance" we could be seated early. I just don't want to show up at 5:00 and end up having to wait until our regular time (6:20 PM) as that isn't an efficient use of our time.

I'll keep checking to see if I can secure an earlier reservation. If not we may just do CS that night or we may try the early arrival technique.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I have found they do have access to other tables...Just this week Disney Dining told me that Narcoossee's was completely booked up, no openings for Sunday June 6th. I emailed the IPO to see if they could try to get us in at around 7 pm, and they got right back to me within a few hours saying they were able to get us in t 7:10 pm. I was so happy! So I would definitely ask the IPO to see if they can get you an 'Ohana res for 5:00 pm.

The IPO Cast Membrs and Disney Dining Cast Members all have access to the same reservation systems, so maybe someone cancelled their ADR and the IPO was able to get it for you at the right time.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

The IPO Cast Membrs and Disney Dining Cast Members all have access to the same reservation systems, so maybe someone cancelled their ADR and the IPO was able to get it for you at the right time.

Not true at all. IPO has access to last minute tables that Disney Dining does not.

 

[JUJU814]

The IPO Cast Membrs and Disney Dining Cast Members all have access to the same reservation systems, so maybe someone cancelled their ADR and the IPO was able to get it for you at the right time.

IPO told me on the phone that there are some reservations held out for concierge guests. I'm sure it's extremely limited and first come, first serve, but I'm not surprised if its worked into the algorithm somehow of availability.

Concierge last week told me that they recently changed their reservation system to make it a little easier for walk ups as well. I definitely noticed it was easier to get a last minute table or walk up..and this was during a busy time last week.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

IPO told me on the phone that there are some reservations held out for concierge guests. I'm sure it's extremely limited and first come, first serve, but I'm not surprised if its worked into the algorithm somehow of availability.

Concierge last week told me that they recently changed their reservation system to make it a little easier for walk ups as well. I definitely noticed it was easier to get a last minute table or walk up..and this was during a busy time last week.

I had heard that they only did that for restaurants in the resorts of where the Club Level guests are staying because it would be more easier to get them a last minute ADR over there, compared to other dining locations in other resorts or the 4 parks.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I had heard that they only did that for restaurants in the resorts of where the Club Level guests are staying because it would be more easier to get them a last minute ADR over there, compared to other dining locations in other resorts or the 4 parks.

Again, that's not true, either.

 

[BCV23]

The IPO Cast Membrs and Disney Dining Cast Members all have access to the same reservation systems, so maybe someone cancelled their ADR and the IPO was able to get it for you at the right time.

I had heard that they only did that for restaurants in the resorts of where the Club Level guests are staying because it would be more easier to get them a last minute ADR over there, compared to other dining locations in other resorts or the 4 parks.

That's my understanding as well. I've heard it from club concierges at more than one WDW resort. Lobby concierge have the same home resort advantage from what I've been told.

Availability changes all the time from what I've seen booking online. princessallegra, I think you had an IPO CM who was really on the ball.

One advantage I gather the IPOs do have is the ability to organize the requests and enter them in as early as possible.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

One advantage I gather the IPOs do have is the ability to organize the requests and enter them in as early as possible.

I had also heard something like that because Club Level guests could send in their ADR requests before their 180 day mark, however the ADR's could not get made until then.

 

[BCV23]

I had also heard something like that because Club Level guests could send in their ADR requests before their 180 day mark, however the ADR's could not get made until then.

Exactly!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

The IPO Cast Membrs and Disney Dining Cast Members all have access to the same reservation systems...

This is exactly what we were told last year at both AKL and WL club levels.

We've always been given to understand that the CL can usually get you into your own resort's dining venues, but may not be able to snag reservations elsewhere - luck of the draw.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We've always been given to understand that the CL can usually get you into your own resort's dining venues, but may not be able to snag reservations elsewhere - luck of the draw.

That's true but it may not be for the time you want. For example a few years ago while we were staying Club Level at the Contemporary during Christmas and New Years we were waiting to ask them something, however they were helping a mother and daugther trying to get a last minute ADR on Christmas Day at the Concourse Steakhouse when it was still opened. The Cast Member had told them the only time they could get was 9:00 PM, however when the mother asked was their any other times available she was told there wasn't.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

CR Resort Fan - yes, sorry if that sounded like I was saying you could get any time you wanted. They can usually find something within your own resort, but you may have to take what you can get.

 

[brunette8706]

CR Resort Fan-

HI! You are most knowledgeable and I really appreciate your input. I may have asked you this before. What is the difference between the 12th floor CL and the 14th CL at the Contempory? The one (I think it's the 14th floor) attrium level looks absolutely gorgeous! There were pictures here Resort Photos & Video post #186 that look absolutely amazing! Can you give me the low down? Thanks again!
Brunette

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CR Resort Fan-

HI! You are most knowledgeable and I really appreciate your input. I may have asked you this before. What is the difference between the 12th floor CL and the 14th CL at the Contempory? The one (I think it's the 14th floor) attrium level looks absolutely gorgeous! There were pictures here Resort Photos & Video post #186 that look absolutely amazing! Can you give me the low down? Thanks again!
Brunette

Here is the differences I between both floors that I wrote about in the Contemporary FAQ thread.

The Atrium Club Magic Kingdom View and Bay Lake View became available by reservation on 01/09/09. Prior to that all you needed was an Atrium Club reservation and you would end up with either view.

With the Tower Club there are a total of 16 rooms, 5 standard rooms and 11 suites: 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites, a Vice Presidential Suite and a Presidential Suite. With the standard rooms, there is no guarantee of a Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake View. However with the Suites, you will be booked into a particular view which will indicate the Magic Kingdom View or Bay Lake View. Finally there are 4 Standard Magic Kingdom View rooms and 1 standard Bay Lake View room.

The lounge on the 12th floor is bigger with more seating then the 14th floor concierge lounge. They converted 3 standard rooms into the 12th floor lounge, so there are 3 balconies available on the MK side for all Concierge guests to watch the fireworks. The lounge on the 14th floor also offers seating outside on the balcony, which is something that is not offered on the 12th floor lounge.

In the 14th floor rooms their mini fridges will already have cans Coke, Diet Coke, water and apple juice. The mini fridges for the rooms on the 12th floor are not stocked like the ones on the 14th floor, however anyone staying on the 12th floor can always take those items from the lounge themselves and put them in there.

The balconies in the rooms and the lounge on the 14th floor are bigger then balconies in the rooms and lounge on the 12th floor.

Finally both floors serve the exact same foods for breakfast, afternoon snacks, 5:00 PM hors d'oeuvres and 8:00 PM deserts & cordials. The 12th floor Atrium Club is less expensive then the 14th floor Tower Club, even though on both floors offer the exact same service. The 14th floor is more expensive because fewer number of total rooms and Suites.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CR Resort Fan - yes, sorry if that sounded like I was saying you could get any time you wanted. They can usually find something within your own resort, but you may have to take what you can get.

Don't worry about that because you were correct and you just forgot about taking whatever times might be available at the last minute.

 

[guarn3md]

A month ago I reserved a club level room at Wilderness Lodge for the week of July 4th. We were hoping that our son (8 yrs old) would qualify for Nationals (Taekwondo), which are being held in Ft. Lauderdale. This past weekend Connor competed in his first qualifying tournament of the season and placed 1st in forms! So he definitely qualified for Nationals!! I am now in full Disney planning mode...
We have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge before but in a woods view room, club level is all new to us! What floor is the club level lounge and the majority of club level rooms? I was thinking 6th floor but I keep reading about a 7th floor?? What kind of room should I put on my request? What is a bear face room? I asked my travel agent to request a bunk bed room, is that even an option?
Any other suggestions would be helpful!
Thank you!!
Deb

 

[LuvsBlueDiamonds]

A month ago I reserved a club level room at Wilderness Lodge for the week of July 4th. We were hoping that our son (8 yrs old) would qualify for Nationals (Taekwondo), which are being held in Ft. Lauderdale. This past weekend Connor competed in his first qualifying tournament of the season and placed 1st in forms! So he definitely qualified for Nationals!! I am now in full Disney planning mode...
We have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge before but in a woods view room, club level is all new to us! What floor is the club level lounge and the majority of club level rooms? I was thinking 6th floor but I keep reading about a 7th floor?? What kind of room should I put on my request? What is a bear face room? I asked my travel agent to request a bunk bed room, is that even an option?
Any other suggestions would be helpful!
Thank you!!
Deb

A few answers...

The entire 7th floor is dedicated to club level. CL rooms are only on the 7th floor.

We requested a bunkbed room for our 7 DD from concierge, she flipped she loved it so much. Slept on the top bunk every night!

Bear face rooms are the ones if you have your back to the pools look up at the resort, they resemble a bear's face.

Last year was our first trip to WL and first time staying CL. WL is now our new favorite resort and once you go CL you never go back.

The concierge was very generous to our DD. They left her treats every night. Of course, long story short, the maid tossed out her favorite stuffed animal by accident never to be seen again.