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

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Another question...

I was looking over my IPO survey, and I didn't see a spot to request they book a VIP tour. We were planning to do this for a couple of park days so, uh, I won't have to think. Anyone have IPO book this for them?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I don't think those comments were about your post. Upthread from you was a comment by PolyndianPrincessJes that she tried to book 2 CL rooms and couldn't. She emailed the IPO and they told her that if the people staying the non-CL room were accompanied by someone staying in the CL room, the non-CL room people could go to the CL lounge.

I've seen CRResortFan post that he'd been told the same thing by the cast members at the CR CL lounges.

Which has those paying for CL a little up in arms about people getting a service they're not paying for. In PolyndianPrincessJes' case, she said she'd book the other CL room if it was available, so we should probably try not to shoot the messenger

Let me clarify what I said about this before. This past August while in the Atrium Club lounge at the Contemporary these people staying up there brought up either 20 of their family or friends into the lounge, however the Cast Members could only tell them this was not allowed if they were to do that a 2nd time. However later that night they put up two signs one in english and one in spanish saying how the lounge was only available to those guests staying up there, so I am guessing they had them ready just incase. Now those signs were there for the rest of the days we were there, however this past December when we returned they were gone. My guess is once that group of people who were staying up there checked out they took them away. Finally we were also told if guests were to bring 2 or 3 of their friends and family then there is nothing wrong with that, because it's not enough people to disturb anyone else.

 

[Canyon girl]

Another question...

I was looking over my IPO survey, and I didn't see a spot to request they book a VIP tour. We were planning to do this for a couple of park days so, uh, I won't have to think. Anyone have IPO book this for them?

First of all, I think the best way to book the VIP tour is to CALL IPO and talk to them about it. You have to give them your cc# anyway. Secondly, I think that it is wrong for anyone not staying in a CL room to take space/tables/food from the lounge and from the people who have paid for it. The amount of food made is based on the booking of the CL rooms. If you bring in people not counted in that, they are taking from others. Also, what if everyone brought in extra people???? I suggest you put the ones in the CL room that will use the lounge. The other suggestion I had was to split up the reservation of the non-CL room. Chances are that only a couple of days are not available on CL. Why not play with dates and book CL for the available days and non-CL for the unavailable days. That way you would have more family time. Good luck with what happens!

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

First of all, I think the best way to book the VIP tour is to CALL IPO and talk to them about it. You have to give them your cc# anyway. Secondly, I think that it is wrong for anyone not staying in a CL room to take space/tables/food from the lounge and from the people who have paid for it. The amount of food made is based on the booking of the CL rooms. If you bring in people not counted in that, they are taking from others. Also, what if everyone brought in extra people???? I suggest you put the ones in the CL room that will use the lounge. The other suggestion I had was to split up the reservation of the non-CL room. Chances are that only a couple of days are not available on CL. Why not play with dates and book CL for the available days and non-CL for the unavailable days. That way you would have more family time. Good luck with what happens!

Regarding the VIP tour, you would suggest that over booking it myself? I was wondering if anyone had experience with IPO booking since it wasn't on the survey, otherwise I am more than happy to book it on my own.

That's pretty much what I said I would do in a previous post (put those who would use the lounge in the CL room). However, a few "free" snacks is not worth packing up and unpacking multiple times in a trip per your second suggestion. Believe me, this isn't my ideal lodging situation. I had that, but our booking CM made a mistake. I would much rather have all of us together in Hawaii. Since, currently, that isn't possible, we'll do what suits us. If a room becomes available, we'll snatch it. If not, we'll make do.

So, is there often not enough food/drinks/space in the Poly lounge? If so, we may forego CL altogether.

 

[JUJU814]

Regarding the VIP tour, you would suggest that over booking it myself? I was wondering if anyone had experience with IPO booking since it wasn't on the survey, otherwise I am more than happy to book it on my own.

That's pretty much what I said I would do in a previous post (put those who would use the lounge in the CL room). However, a few "free" snacks is not worth packing up and unpacking multiple times in a trip per your second suggestion. Believe me, this isn't my ideal lodging situation. I had that, but our booking CM made a mistake. I would much rather have all of us together in Hawaii. Since, currently, that isn't possible, we'll do what suits us. If a room becomes available, we'll snatch it. If not, we'll make do.

So, is there often not enough food/drinks/space in the Poly lounge? If so, we may forego CL altogether.

Don't even bother to keep checking online. I'm so fed up with it! I am leaving next Thursday, March 18 departing the 28th. There were no CL rooms available for the first night, so we were going to stay in a regular room the first night and then switch the next day. I've been checking online and calling at least every other day to see if a room opened up. Today, finally, I found one online had opened up! So, I called to change my reservation. They tell me there are none available. I said "well, it's showing here online". They didn't have any answer except "well, it's not available" I've dealt with this same situation three times.

Finally, I emailed IPO and explained the situation asking if they could look into it for me. They emailed me back less than an hour later and told me that they spoke with the manager and she arranged some "magic" for me and complimentary upgraded our first night so that we wouldn't have to switch the next day. I couldn't believe it!! Not sure how there was NO room available even for purchase when I spoke with reservations, and then they arranged that, but I'm not complaining.

My point is, I would recommend dealing with IPO on this, especially if they know the situation ie: the original mix up on your reservation. They very well may be able to arrange something that regular reservations otherwise could not...you might have to wait until closer to your trip, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if a room opens up for you!

Good luck!

 

[scottmel]

We at staying @ YC CL in 7 weeks all our ADR are made is there anything I should be asking or doing with the conceirges now? Should I ask for a room never the stairs or elevators? What should I be asking for? we have a garden view room do you think they may (by total luck) put us in a water view room if I asked? Any suggestions would be helpful. This is our first CL trip. TIA

Nothing helpful to add but to say have a wONDERFUL time and please report back!I leave 91 days from today for YC CL and can't wait! Never stayed at YC, always a BWI girl so very anxious to try it.have a wonderful time!

 

[BCV23]

So, is there often not enough food/drinks/space in the Poly lounge? If so, we may forego CL altogether.

When we've stayed club level at the Polynesian, there has always been plenty of food. The CMs there are great about replenishing it. However, I'm sure they don't plan on having double the usual amount which is what would be necessary if everyone brought in another room full of guests, KWIM?

As for space, it does get full at peak breakfast and appetizer hours. There aren't enough tables for everyone staying there much less extra guests. I doubt you would be able to sit together even if you were to find tables. At off hours, it would be easier.

Maybe you should consider switching to garden view for both rooms if another club level room doesn't open up. You could wait until closer to your date to switch I would think?? That way you could have rooms near each other which would be more fun. You could stock your fridges with plenty of treats and/or order room service with the money saved. Good luck.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When we've stayed club level at the Polynesian, there has always been plenty of food. The CMs there are great about replenishing it. However, I'm sure they don't plan on having double the usual amount which is what would be necessary if everyone brought in another room full of guests, KWIM?

As for space, it does get full at peak breakfast and appetizer hours. There aren't enough tables for everyone staying there much less extra guests. I doubt you would be able to sit together even if you were to find tables. At off hours, it would be easier.

We have also noticed at the Contemporary they are also great about replenishing the food offerings and they usually do it just before they run out of something. Plus I don't think they make double the amount of food depending on the time of year it is, because everytime we have stayed there it always looks to be the same portion size.

As for space their lounge is not as big or has many tables like the Polynesian, however we always go early for breakfast and get there before 5:00 PM for the hot food so we can get a table.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Don't even bother to keep checking online. I'm so fed up with it! I am leaving next Thursday, March 18 departing the 28th. There were no CL rooms available for the first night, so we were going to stay in a regular room the first night and then switch the next day. I've been checking online and calling at least every other day to see if a room opened up. Today, finally, I found one online had opened up! So, I called to change my reservation. They tell me there are none available. I said "well, it's showing here online". They didn't have any answer except "well, it's not available" I've dealt with this same situation three times.

Finally, I emailed IPO and explained the situation asking if they could look into it for me. They emailed me back less than an hour later and told me that they spoke with the manager and she arranged some "magic" for me and complimentary upgraded our first night so that we wouldn't have to switch the next day. I couldn't believe it!! Not sure how there was NO room available even for purchase when I spoke with reservations, and then they arranged that, but I'm not complaining.

My point is, I would recommend dealing with IPO on this, especially if they know the situation ie: the original mix up on your reservation. They very well may be able to arrange something that regular reservations otherwise could not...you might have to wait until closer to your trip, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if a room opens up for you!

Good luck!

Ugh! That doesn't sound like fun. Hopefully someone changes their mind (or resort!) in the next eight months. Thanks for the tips!! Very helpful!

When we've stayed club level at the Polynesian, there has always been plenty of food. The CMs there are great about replenishing it. However, I'm sure they don't plan on having double the usual amount which is what would be necessary if everyone brought in another room full of guests, KWIM?

As for space, it does get full at peak breakfast and appetizer hours. There aren't enough tables for everyone staying there much less extra guests. I doubt you would be able to sit together even if you were to find tables. At off hours, it would be easier.

Maybe you should consider switching to garden view for both rooms if another club level room doesn't open up. You could wait until closer to your date to switch I would think?? That way you could have rooms near each other which would be more fun. You could stock your fridges with plenty of treats and/or order room service with the money saved. Good luck.

Good to know! I had visions of empty plates and coolers with some of the posts.

I originally checked for any availability at the Poly and WL (not CL-specific), and there weren't even any regular GV rooms and only bunk bed rooms at WL. We want the TPV rooms, so we'll make the best of it. Wow, that sounds really spoiled, but ya know, we've booked what we want (save the second TPV room not being in Hawaii), and I don't really want to downgrade. GV is great, well, any room at the Poly is great, but my newbies are really pumped about the view and the perks, so we're going to stick it out even if we have be in different areas.

 

[BCV23]

Sorry, Jes. I missed that you booked TPV. I understand loving that view. I can imagine it being harder to get it since there are fewer TPV rooms than garden.

Still I would keep on trying to get the same thing for both rooms. What someone emailed you from IPO might not be the same response you get when you try to bring in extra guests especially if you were planning to do so on a regular basis.

Hopefully, that room will open up for you.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Sorry, Jes. I missed that you booked TPV. I understand loving that view. I can imagine it being harder to get it since there are fewer TPV rooms than garden.

Still I would keep on trying to get the same thing for both rooms. What someone emailed you from IPO might not be the same response you get when you try to bring in extra guests especially if you were planning to do so on a regular basis.

Hopefully, that room will open up for you.

I'm hopeful since we have quite a bit of time (sadly!!) that something will open up for us!!

 

[lornak]

I'm sure this question has been asked and answered but I don't have the patience to go through all 90+ pages looking for it!

We stayed at the YC club level this past Dec and we decided to book the Poly club level for this fall. One of the things that we like the best was taking bottled water and cans of pop from the lounge with us to the park. My question is, does the Poly have a similar set up? Can I get these items to take to the park with me? If anyone has stayed Poly CL lately I would love to hear your feedback! THANKS!

 

[rcraw45425]

I'm sure this question has been asked and answered but I don't have the patience to go through all 90+ pages looking for it!

We stayed at the YC club level this past Dec and we decided to book the Poly club level for this fall. One of the things that we like the best was taking bottled water and cans of pop from the lounge with us to the park. My question is, does the Poly have a similar set up? Can I get these items to take to the park with me? If anyone has stayed Poly CL lately I would love to hear your feedback! THANKS!

YOu can take cans of soda with you. As for the water, in the past at YC CL there was Dasani bottles, but at the WL in November they had large glass bottles of water. I have heard that they would give you a bottle to take back to your room, but glass bottles are not allowed in the parks.

 

[mmmears]

I'm hopeful since we have quite a bit of time (sadly!!) that something will open up for us!!

Since you're trip is so far away, IMO it's likely that something opens up. If you find a room available online -- grab it! Don't wait and call them and hope that it's still available after that ridiculously long wait to get to a CM. Just a bit of friendly advice here. You can grab the new room, then call and cancel the old one. I've been there and had to do the same thing.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I'm sure this question has been asked and answered but I don't have the patience to go through all 90+ pages looking for it!

We stayed at the YC club level this past Dec and we decided to book the Poly club level for this fall. One of the things that we like the best was taking bottled water and cans of pop from the lounge with us to the park. My question is, does the Poly have a similar set up? Can I get these items to take to the park with me? If anyone has stayed Poly CL lately I would love to hear your feedback! THANKS!

In the lounge at the Polynesian there is fridge that is stocked 24 hours a day with cans of Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Since you're trip is so far away, IMO it's likely that something opens up. If you find a room available online -- grab it! Don't wait and call them and hope that it's still available after that ridiculously long wait to get to a CM. Just a bit of friendly advice here. You can grab the new room, then call and cancel the old one. I've been there and had to do the same thing.

I think I'm just going to check once a week (since this daily checking will definitely drive me insane!!) and see what happens. I had a long conversation with IPO and several emails back and forth the last two days, and they've been very easy to work with and assuring that everything will be fine no matter how our room situation ends up. Now...if December would just hurry up and get here!!

 

[MagicPrincess]

We finally booked our GF Sugarloaf CL trip for August today!!! YAY!!! I'm so excited!

How soon should I contact the IPO?

Thanks!

 

[mmmears]

We finally booked our GF Sugarloaf CL trip for August today!!! YAY!!! I'm so excited!

How soon should I contact the IPO?

Thanks!

Honestly, I contact them as soon as I book the room! It's great to get the ball rolling... They will tell you when your 180 day booking window starts (or if it has already started) and take any requests you might have, too. Have a wonderful time at the GF!!!

 

[SeaSpray]

Just want to put in a good word for the Polynesian IPO! A couple of weeks ago I gave them my ADR requests for our trip this July. One of the requests was for dinner at the Castle on the night of our 10th anniversary, and I requested it to be around 7pm (especially since we'll be a party of 5 adults). When I got my itinerary from IPO they apologised for not being able to get a later time slot for the Castle; but they did get us in at 5:30pm.

I was a little disappointed but still very glad that we'd be able to celebrate our anniversary in the castle.

Well yesterday, I found out that they kept checking for me and now our ADR is for 7:10pm!! This might sound minor, but I'm so glad for the later time slot.

 

[KimDis]

After a not so magical experience last weekend at the WL I think I'm done with Disney's non-CL rooms.

Between the rooms facing loading areas and trucks, brown water from the faucets (in 2 rooms), and the poor customer service from the manager I think I'm done.

Things took their turn when I requested a room change (I even offered to pay the difference for an upgrade) and the manager told me he couldn't do anything else for me because the occupancy of the hotel was low. He said twice that if I was visiting at a time that was more busy he might be able to do something more for me. I’m still not quite sure what that would have been.

The conversation felt completely counter-intuitive and un-Disney to me. I was basically told they could make me feel more special but that they weren’t making enough money to do that. Now this may actually be true but do you tell someone that??? At the place where dreams come true and where I’m spending thousands of dollars to vacation in 2010 with one trip completed, one reserved and two more in the planning stages???

If my upcoming 9 night club level stay had been booked at the Wilderness Lodge instead of elsewhere on property I would have cancelled.

I'll just stick to the Swan/Dolphin for my non CL stays. That way all my visits will stay "magical".