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

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Take it up w/ the Disney Co. if you think meals should be included. Until then you can keep telling yourself whatever you want if it is you "opinion" full meals should be included and that will justify leaving nothing for anyone else after it was freshly stocked. It's called courtesy. And I guess until they post rules about every courtesy that should be obvious, then I guess some will always be there to exploit everything.

I never said full meals should be included. All I said was my family and can make a full meal out of the food items which are offered in the lounge at 5:00 PM and the most we might take it two plates, so it's not that bad as you make it out to be. We are also very considerate of the other guests because we take what is a fair amount of food and make sure to leave more for others. Also if the Cast Members keep re-stocking the food I don't see the problem here because they are working as fast as possible to replace it, plus I would want it to be fresh and not rushed up there. So maybe that's why it might seem like a longer wait to those wanting more food.

 

[ppony]

This is where you said the meals are not included with the rooms.

Really! It IS all good. I think we are splitting hairs between the words "meal" and "food". They are different to me but I think the same to others. I hope others that have not been behind inconsiderate people taking entire trays continue w/ that good luck!!! I really do! Perhaps I'm jsut horribly unlucky. I promise, I'm not fighting. this is me! >>> I just want one zebra dome please.

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

ppony, with all due respect, you are doing a fair amount of arguing yourself. I think it is time to agree to disagree. One individuals "sampling" may be plenty for me or an appetizer to someone else.

If you have an an issue with what you deem problematic behavior, then you should take it up with the resort but to continue to argue your interpretation is getting nowhere.

 

[ppony]

I never said full meals should be included. All I said was my family and can make a full meal out of the food items which are offered in the lounge at 5:00 PM and the most we might take it two plates, so it's not that bad as you make it out to be.

We are really on the same team believe it or not then. I was only referring to those that did as a PP said, take a whole plate of stuff and leave nothing for others. It's GREAT if you can make a meal out of not a lot of food that is awesome and that is what I believe the CL expects. We take a few pastries and juice or whatever in the morning. That is our meal as well. that's expected. Actually, I've never seen trays empty in the morning. It's just crazy busy then. A plate or two, not entire trays. I swear, that is all I mean. As Aslan said: PEACE?

 

[ppony]

I want to apologize for unintentionally arguing with a few people. I really, really do think we mean the same things we're just defining them comepletely differently.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I want to apologize for unintentionally arguing with a few people. I really, really do think we mean the same things we're just defining them comepletely differently.

It's ok and so don't worry about it.

 

[JenniD44]

Hi!

We just did deluxe dining & stayed club level @ Yacht Club. Cost wise we came out ahead. For 2 adults we payed about $1000 but our meals would have cost $1600 OOP. Not counting snacks. We also ate at several 2 credit meals & had most breakfasts in the lounge. We did not order the most expensive entrees, but we did have fillet if it was available.This was our 3rd such trip.

That said, I probably won't do it again. My DH is a clean your plate type guy & he was very sick of eating after 4-5 days. I was able to eat only parts of everything & didn't finish anything. In the future, I'd rather enjoy a few appitizers because there were several at each restaurant that interested me. More so than the desserts. There are also several counter service places we want to get back to like Cosmic Ray's & Sunshine Seasons. And forget snacks..you will NOT be hungry for snacks. We used a few for ice cream if we purposly skipped dessert at an adr.

We also spent too much time getting to ADRs. We stayed at Yacht Club & had at least 4 adr's at MK resorts. So we had to take a bus to MK, then a boat or monorail to the resort & reverse the process after eating. Our next trip is in Dec & we will be on regular dining, we have too much planned in a short trip to do so many sit downs.

So we're glad we did this for a few trips, but won't do it again for awhile. Don't know if this helps, but good luck deciding!

Thank you so much. Sounds like you had a fun trip.

The more I think about it, the more I think that we won't do it. We'll just pay OOP for the extra meals and that way won't be tempted to try to "get our money's worth." Also, my DH warned me that we better not be running from place to place just to eat! I agree with him, I want to do more than eat. It was the 2 TS that had me wondering.

The thing I don't like about the free dining is having to plan everything so much. Since everyone has the dining, you have to make the ADRs. There are times in the past where we just ate when we were hungry and didn't have to plan 90 days in advance. Since park hours came out after my window, several things aren't as I wanted them anyway, but I can't change because everything is booked up.

 

[mouskagirlie]

And it works, too! My husband told me that he wanted to stay CL after our fabulous CL visit 2 years ago. We didn't do CL last year and he missed it.....whhaaaaahaaaa (insert evil laugh here)! Master plans work!

Oh my gosh, that totally made me laugh right out loud!

I haven't taken full advantage of staying CL yet, I passed on IPO. I'm too big of a control freak to hand over my adr's, although I am certain they are absolutely fantastic. Anyway, all that I know for sure is I am so excited for my upcoming trip I can't hardly stand it! I am far worse than my kids in that regard...

 

[MinnieDiva]

Oh my gosh, that totally made me laugh right out loud!

I haven't taken full advantage of staying CL yet, I passed on IPO. I'm too big of a control freak to hand over my adr's, although I am certain they are absolutely fantastic. Anyway, all that I know for sure is I am so excited for my upcoming trip I can't hardly stand it! I am far worse than my kids in that regard...

I contacted IPO to see of they could "watch" for a Cinderella's RT cancellation, but it was too late. They did however compile the ADR's I'd already made and created a little itinerary for me! I thought that was nice! I didn't use them the last te we stayed CL, but it'll be interesting to see if this makes a difference at all once we arrive. Is it November yet???

 

[KerryCM]

This whole debate about "meals" and "snacks" can be amusing. I am sure there are many families that do make a meal out of the evening appetizers and snacks, however there is NOT an endless supply of food being delivered to the lounges. Counts are given to whoever is supplying food for that evening and once it runs out, no more may be available and a substitute food may have to be used.

I find it very surprising that the CR NEVER runs out of food and the cast members are hurrying to replenish what people have taken for a meal. I'd rather have a nice conversation with someone rather than watch them run around replenishing food.

This is where the "entitlement" mentality comes in to play. I paid $$$$, so I should be able to eat as much as I want!. The CMs are not going to tell you you have had enough, but believe me they are thinking it. Just remember the people coming in after you have filled your belly have paid as much, if not more than you and they are left with very little to choose from.

I have stayed at several of the CL resorts and always return to the BW. I DO NOT return for the food, I return for the outstanding service and the cast members that work there. They are just wonderful. Yes, I pay good money to stay there, but that is my choice.There are so many wonderful resteraunts at WDW, I can't imagine just eating in the lounge.

I think Disney is going to get smart one of these days and cutback the evening offerins to true "appetizers" I am sure there will be a total uproar if they do, but as in everything a few spoil things for everyone.

I ahve had the regular meal plan while staying CL and have never found it to be too much food.

 

[Tadrow]

All this arguing really makes me wonder how much people eat! Quite honestly, if my family goes out to eat for lunch, dinner is maybe just some fruit or something like that. (I'm referring to when we are at home here too, not at Disney.)

Restaurant food is generally extremely high calorie, maybe people don't realize that. I'm a little more concerned about someone who would eat club level offerings, and then go out for a full sit down meal, than someone who would have a light dinner from the food that's put out there.

I'm not trying to judge anyone, but perhaps people who are so quick to chime in "It's NOT meant for a meal!" like to consume more calories than people who don't have a problem eating lightly after a CS or TS meal for lunch.

Please note as well, that I'm not talking about people who pig out on what's being offered for CL. I'm just saying a person can very easily make a responsible dinner out of what's there without taking a gluttonous amount of food.

 

[ead79]

I'm not trying to judge anyone, but perhaps people who are so quick to chime in "It's NOT meant for a meal!" like to consume more calories than people who don't have a problem eating lightly after a CS or TS meal for lunch.

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt that you really don't mean this harshly. It's hard for tone of voice to come across when all we can do is type stuff. But if I'm being totally honest, your statement seems harsh and judgmental to me.

I'm in the "it's not meant for a meal" group, but that doesn't mean I'm a huge glutton. In fact, I typically leave a bunch of food on my plate when at WDW because who wants to have to try to tour the parks when you're so full you could burst, LOL.

I'm trying not to assume it, but it seems like your post verges on implying that those who don't think the lounge offerings are meant to substitute for a meal are all obese. Ouch!

 

[Karlzmom]

Yes, this is what we had seen on previous trips to the Yacht club. We hadn't been there in 2 years & were surprized to find that table gone & a large potted plant in its place. I wonder if anyone can comment on the other concierge lounges & if this is a pretty new thing. Going back in December, wonder if it will still be this way then.

We were just at the YC and when we asked where we could put our dishes we were told to leave them on the table and they would be taken care of.

*completely unrelated, but I finally have hit my 1,000 post!

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

I've booked CR Atrium cl as a surprise Bday present to my DH. He likes to drink a beer or two and relax in the afternoon. Is beer available in the lounge? And if so, is it available anytime or just in the evening at "cocktail time"? Can we take a couple extras to keep in our room fridge? Or should I plan on stocking the fridge with our own beverages?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I find it very surprising that the CR NEVER runs out of food and the cast members are hurrying to replenish what people have taken for a meal. I'd rather have a nice conversation with someone rather than watch them run around replenishing food.

Last month while in the Atrium Club lounge when on a Thursday night they rant out of the BBQ Short Rib in Spring Roll, however it was very quickly replaced with an item from their old menu which was Beef Wellington and it's the first time I have seen that happen. So I guess they always have a back up item incase that happens, however they ran out of the original item around 6:30 PM and it didn't happen after 5:00 PM because everyone was rushing to take it. Plus by that time the lounge was not that full since the items were going to be taken away at 7:00 PM, so it's not as bad as it might sound.

I think Disney is going to get smart one of these days and cutback the evening offerins to true "appetizers" I am sure there will be a total uproar if they do, but as in everything a few spoil things for everyone.

Like I said in a previous reply the only thing which spoil everything for the Club Level guests is when someone staying there brings 30 of his friends and family up to the lounge which I happen to see in person, so in my opinion that sounds a lot worse then others thinking that someone who is a registered guest that took more food then they should have.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I've booked CR Atrium cl as a surprise Bday present to my DH. He likes to drink a beer or two and relax in the afternoon. Is beer available in the lounge? And if so, is it available anytime or just in the evening at "cocktail time"? Can we take a couple extras to keep in our room fridge? Or should I plan on stocking the fridge with our own beverages?

Beer is available in the lounge from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM during the hot hors d'ouvres, however I have also seen it put out at 4:00 PM. You can also take some back to your room and keep them in your fridge, however it might be hard to open them without a bottle cap which is kept next to them in the lounge.

 

[tabithakp]

just a follow up question. My DH and I like to have a drink around 9pm if they are not offically serving "cocktails" can you still get them. I dont mind paying for them but i would like to make sure they are available in the club lounge.

Thanks

 

[tiggrbaby]

We were just at the YC and when we asked where we could put our dishes we were told to leave them on the table and they would be taken care of.

*completely unrelated, but I finally have hit my 1,000 post!

Congrats on the 1K posting!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

just a follow up question. My DH and I like to have a drink around 9pm if they are not offically serving "cocktails" can you still get them. I dont mind paying for them but i would like to make sure they are available in the club lounge.

Thanks

As long as there are still staff members there, you should be able to ask them for something. When returning to the resort in the evenings, we've been able to get my husband a beer as he does not enjoy the liquors that are offered in the evening.

 

[MomsOf2boys]

We are staying CL in January and my DP's sister is going to drive down one day and spend the day going to the parks etc. I have a couple of questions if you could help.

1. Can she park at our resort or do we have to try to locate her at a park?
2. Can she ride the disney transportation?
3. Can we have Concierge make a ADR at our resort with her included?

We have no intention of taking her to the pools (she won't mess her hair up ) or to the lounge.