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

[rie'smom]

For my CL fans who love coffee & are as sad as I am at how hard it is to find a great cup in the lounge - this really worked for me at Sugarloaf:

I used the big cup (you'll know when you see it) and made a single shot of espresso. Then I added their regular coffee (from the carafe/coffee warmer).

It actually came out as strong as I like (Starbucks strong) and tasty. Might be doable at other lounges without the amazing Nespresso machine too. You'd just have to fiddle with the volumes a bit.

Oh and I forgot to mention that I dream about that Monin White Chocolate Syrup in the BWI lounge. I was kinda sad to leave it when we moved to the GF.

Thanks so much. The one thing I dread about Disney resorts is the brown water they call coffee.

 

[KimDis]

Thanks so much. The one thing I dread about Disney resorts is the brown water they call coffee.

Isn't it tragic? They Nespresso machines at the AKL & Contemporary (and I think maybe RPC) should be everywhere. The Sugaloaf monster of a machine wasn't bad either. Makes me almost wanna accidentally bump into one of those Nescafe ones in the other lounges ... except then we'd read here that someone's trip was ruined cuz some idiot broke the coffeemaker in the lounge

 

[Bornteach]

It's there in the smile of Teena the greeter when she welcomes you back or chats with you at the Beach Club. It follows you as you stroll from Epcot past the jugglers & funnel cakes to the Boardwalk Inn. It tempts you to ask your retired mom and 12 yr old niece if they want to head to the Magic Kingdom at 11:45 at night cuz it's only one monorail stop away, the park's open until 2am for resort guests, & you've got a little more energy. And then it convinces them to say yes.

It makes your jaw drop when you check into the Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Wilderness Lodge for the 1st time and see their majestic foyers. It makes you wish you could freeze time for a moment when you watch your girls make sand castles on the Poly beach with Cinderella Castle as their backdrop. And it reminds you of a time when you were 11 and thought the coolest thing in the world was a train going right through the middle of a hotel.
:

Its worth seeing, in the eyes of a child, how much they love a new member of your family with a simple *BOO!*

 

[KimDis]

Its worth seeing, in the eyes of a child, how much they love a new member of your family with a simple *BOO!*

Don't forget the surprise kisses & grapes! *sigh* I wish everyone fed me grapes... well... maybe not everyone

But very true... if you're super lucky... that Disney magic even makes your family just a bit bigger. And blesses you in ways you never expected.

 

[MastaMind]

I'm happy to see an influx of BWI CL praise in recent posts. I was actually starting to (slightly) doubt our decision to try CL for the first time. We're not extremely needy people, and as long as selections are available for the times Disney specified, then we shouldn't have any foreseeable issues. I do agree with the posters who stated that food/drink selections should be available for the entirety of the time frame outlined by Disney. Otherwise, why give a specific time frame? It does everyone a disservice to justify irrational behavior, whether it's on Disney's behalf or not.

 

[coopersmom]

Holy cow, are you serious?? I've never had that happen, but if this is going to be something new, then they need to seriously reconsider! For me, staying CL at the Polynesian has it's value in the location of the Hawaii building AND the pre-planning help! Did you email them back and ask them what their purpose is, if not to make ADRs for you? I would! And I'd want to see what their reply is!

I've exchanged two emails with club level concierge service to date (from reading these boards I think it's what you call IPO). I contacted them via the email address I received from the booker who made my reservation.

In the first I asked about restaurant recommendations for my family after briefly describing our likes/dislikes, and they sent me back restaurant descriptions/suggestions (cut and pasted from the web site, I think) of all the signature restaurants, along with menu links and and a link for the online reservations. They did say they could assist me with making restaurant reservations, if I gave them dates/times/names, but couldn't guarantee availability. (Not that I expect them to.) Noting that guests "often find it simpler" to make said reservations themselves.

It's not a big deal, because, really, it's not that hard to make reservations online myself (assuming there are openings). And I actually agree with the person I emailed with that it's probably much more convenient to just do that on my own, rather than give her dates and times, have her try, and then tell me what she can and can't get and have me give me her a new list, etc. I can understand how this was an added benefit before the online reservation system (which, again, from reading these boards I gather is a fairly recent addition?), but now the value seems, well, limited to non-existant. (Or else I'm just missing it.)

I will also add that the "Disney magic" is why I insisted on staying on site in the first place. I'm still leaning that way, for my son's sake, but club level, I don't know. I do all the vacation planning, so while hubby would rather stay at the Ritz, in the end I'm the one who books the rooms. I just don't want it to end up like, 'See I TOLD you we should have stayed such-and-such and saved $$$.' (Like most wives, I hate it when he's right.

I haven't changed my reservation yet, but honestly, I've thought about it everyday. Please understand I didn't come here to criticize something I've never experienced or rain on anyone's parade. Far from it. I came here excited about our trip, hoping to get information and was disturbed by what I read. I would hope the negative experiences are one-offs or bad days, but there does seem to be something of a trend.

 

[nala1128]

I've exchanged two emails with club level concierge service to date (from reading these boards I think it's what you call IPO). I contacted them via the email address I received from the booker who made my reservation.

In the first I asked about restaurant recommendations for my family after briefly describing our likes/dislikes, and they sent me back restaurant descriptions/suggestions (cut and pasted from the web site, I think) of all the signature restaurants, along with menu links and and a link for the online reservations. They did say they could assist me with making restaurant reservations, if I gave them dates/times/names, but couldn't guarantee availability. (Not that I expect them too.) Noting that guests "often find it simpler" to make said reservations themselves.

It's not a big deal, because, really, it's not that hard to make reservations online myself (assuming there are openings). And I actually agree with the person I emailed with that it's probably much more convenient to just do that on my own, rather than give her dates and times, have her try, and then tell me what she can and can't get and have me give me her a new list, etc. I can understand how this was an added benefit before the online reservation system (which, again, from reading these boards I gather is a fairly recent addition?), but now the value seems, well, limited to non-existant. (Or else I'm just missing it.)

I will also add that the "Disney magic" is why I insisted on staying on site in the first place. I'm still leaning that way, for my son's sake, but club level, I don't know. I do all the vacation planning, so while hubby would rather stay at the Ritz, in the end I'm the one who books the rooms. I just don't want it to end up like, 'See I TOLD you we should have stayed such-and-such and saved $$$.' (Like most wives, I hate it when he's right.

I haven't changed my reservation yet, but honestly, I've thought about it everyday. Please understand I didn't come her to criticize something I've never experienced. Far from it. I came here to get information and was disturbed by what I read. I would hope the negative experiences are one-offs or bad days, but there does seem to be something of a trend.

I have stayed CL several times in the past, with the last stay being just about a year ago. My husband and I are both likeminded in that we do expect a certain level of service when we travel. We are willing to pay for it, but expect what we pay for. Having said that, we have never had any problems or complaints with staying on property at all. It is my understanding that the IPO, and CL CMs on site have some type of "priority access" to the reservation system for their CL guests.I just finally faxed my requests over to IPO for our trip that is 18 days out and they got us every ADR we requested!You can always call them and they can book your ADRs while you are on the phone with them, so you do have input if your specific time is not available!

One time when we stayed CL at WL, my DH and I had some unexpected alone time as my inlaws took the kids for the day and wanted to try Artist Pointe...there was some type of glitch with the computers and when we wanted to go, Mike (a CM from WL CL) actually walked us to the restaurant, spoke with the Maitre'D and we were seated immeditely. Another time, we went shopping in DTD and when the packages were delivered, it appeared that a shirt was not in the bag, I went to the CM and they had a replacement in our room within and hour (of course we found the other shirt as it was folded in with something else in the bag). These are the types of things that make CL worth it for us!!!!

Having said all that, it is a matter of perspective I guess. Two people can look at the same thing at the same time and see two totally different things!!!

 

[CooperPrincesses]

So here's my two cents... cuz I think this is a really great question...

If I was going to Miami and I had to pick between the Ritz & a Disney hotel on South Beach I'd probably stay at the Ritz. (Ok, take my card away. Lock me in DISjail, whatever, ). That said I would never consider the RC in Orlando (and it has probably one of the best spas in the country.)

Why? Because there's nothing (yet) that's like staying on Disney property at a Disney resort for a Disney vacation. And when I vacation there it is to experience this inexplicable atmosphere that is truly, forgive me, magical. Disney Deluxe Resorts do this best. They combine theming, great locations, and luxury in way that is without peer.

It's there in the smile of Teena the greeter when she welcomes you back or chats with you at the Beach Club. It follows you as you stroll from Epcot past the jugglers & funnel cakes to the Boardwalk Inn. It tempts you to ask your retired mom and 12 yr old niece if they want to head to the Magic Kingdom at 11:45 at night cuz it's only one monorail stop away, the park's open until 2am for resort guests, & you've got a little more energy. And then it convinces them to say yes.

It makes your jaw drop when you check into the Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Wilderness Lodge for the 1st time and see their majestic foyers. It makes you wish you could freeze time for a moment when you watch your girls make sand castles on the Poly beach with Cinderella Castle as their backdrop. And it reminds you of a time when you were 11 and thought the coolest thing in the world was a train going right through the middle of a hotel.

I can't get that in Miami, or Vegas, or at the Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons. I can only get it at Disney. Their variety of resort options (in one resort area) make it very tailorable to so many different types of people and their vacation styles/preferences. And while we may fuss (often & passionately) about the little changes that only dimly affect our amazing times at WDW, you can tell from the tickers that most of us cannot wait to go back and hear someone say "Welcome Home".

Its well worth it to see if you'll feel that way too. If you don't - well maybe I'll bump into you one day when I finally drive over to visit that spa at the Ritz

Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!!

As a native Floridian I have visited disney more times then I can count since my first visit 30 years ago, but never stayed onsite. This Oct for my DD 4th birthday we are taking her for her first visit to Disney and I was so, so excited to finally not only stay on site for the first time but also upgrade to club level. Not just any club level but at the Contemporary with the monorail that I used to long to be able to get off of as a child so I could be one of the lucky kids that was staying there. No other hotel in the world could be cooler to a 9 year old then one that has a monorail running through it.

After reading all the previous posts, I was beinging to think that I had made the wrong decision, and that some horrible cast member who was suppose to help make my DD's 1st visit and 4th birthday magical was going to completely ruin it by refusing to give her chocolate milk and a PB&J sandwich if she wanted it. No, we could not afford rack rate for CL, yes, we took advantage of the 40% off discount. Does that make me less important to Disney? Nope, I still have money to spend and plan on doing it, I was just able to offer my DD a more magical place to stay for her 1st of what I am sure will be many visits to come. I know we may meet a couple of people that are having an off day, but it will only affect the trip if I let it. If all the KK donuts are gone at breakfast then perhaps a bagel is a better choice, as long as there is coffee to start the day my dad, mom and I should be good to go. Now if the coffee is gone there maybe some piratical measures taken.

Anyway, thank you again for reminding me that while not everything may be super magical all the time, I'm not coming for the food, although its a nice perk, or even nesseccarily the CM's, although I have to say all IPO CM's that I have talked to so far have been fantastic. What I am coming to enjoy is the wonder in my daughter's eyes when she gets to meet Mickey for the first time or see Cinderella's castle the morning of her birthday on the way to get all dolled up at the BBB. Staying CL with the little extras that it offers is really just icing on the birthday cake.

 

[KimDis]

It's not a big deal, because, really, it's not that hard to make reservations online myself (assuming there are openings). And I actually agree with the person I emailed with that it's probably much more convenient to just do that on my own, rather than give her dates and times, have her try, and then tell me what she can and can't get and have me give me her a new list, etc. I can understand how this was an added benefit before the online reservation system (which, again, from reading these boards I gather is a fairly recent addition?), but now the value seems, well, limited to non-existant. (Or else I'm just missing it.)

I will also add that the "Disney magic" is why I insisted on staying on site in the first place. I'm still leaning that way, for my son's sake, but club level, I don't know. I do all the vacation planning, so while hubby would rather stay at the Ritz, in the end I'm the one who books the rooms. I just don't want it to end up like, 'See I TOLD you we should have stayed such-and-such and saved $$$.' (Like most wives, I hate it when he's right.

I haven't changed my reservation yet, but honestly, I've thought about it everyday. Please understand I didn't come here to criticize something I've never experienced or rain on anyone's parade. Far from it. I came here excited about our trip, hoping to get information and was disturbed by what I read. I would hope the negative experiences are one-offs or bad days, but there does seem to be something of a trend.

I think you're absolutely right to ask the questions you have. I "get it" I also think that there's a grain of salt that needs to be taken with almost anything you read on the boards.

You've got a group of folks who (myself included) are somewhat obsessive about the brand and Disney completely enables us. And we can also be obsessive vacation planners. We notice every little thing that most people would RARELY see and might not affect most vacations. And then we post. This isn't always the best thing Our passion can come across as indignation.

For every "rant" there are probably way more wonderful vacations to the world. I hope our most recent posts show this. We mostly want to help manage expectations and not to worry or discourage you during your vacation planning. We love to share tips so that folks can avoid any pitfalls and have a wonderful time.

Given the new online system and the 180 day booking window it's often easier to make your own reservations. That is HUGELY due to the awesome new online system. It wasn't always this easy, lol. If you're organized enough to have all your ressies planned out prior to 180 days the planning office is very effective at booking your reservations based on a list emailed or faxed to them.

I also like the fact that they were able to use my cell phone number to pull all my self made reservations into a pdf itinerary. I use that document often prior to and during my trip. Yes I can do this myself. But I like that I don't have to.

As I made my dining ressies ahead of my actual resort reservation this year I wondered myself what the value of the planning staff would be this time. I asked some of the same questions you did.

This time I used the planning office for the little "extras" and to do the things I didn't have time to do. I found them incredibly helpful in helping me change reservations, schedule special tours, buy gifts, & plan magical moments. They were spot on in suggesting best times for our Segway tour in the World Showcase. They noticed that I had a double booking for the Wildlife Discovery Excursion (my TA isn't always so good at the follow up, lol) and saved me money. Again, your individual mileage may vary. Some IPO cast members are amazing and set a very high bar for the one or two not as amazing ones. They spoil us.

Onsite, I found the actual club cast members helpful at making reservations (as long as they're not within an hour or two of dining - hard to do except with the actual restaurant). It was nice to have them make changes & cancellations because they went directly into the system (which opened the schedule up for others) and I didn't have to spend OUR vacation time waiting on hold on the phone to do this.

I really liked the convenience of the food offerings at the club. Could they sub for breakfast lunch & dinner? Not really. But they absolutely worked for breakfast. And I liked not having to wait in line or at a table service restaurant for this. Any time savings at WDW is a gift. Most folks find the wine/beer offered in the evenings valuable too.

If this isn't needed or the food & beverage offerings aren't important to you, you might want to splurge on a special view room at a Deluxe Resort instead.

I hope this helps.

 

[pwdebbie]

When I was playing around with prices for CL at the Disney website (I clicked the button for concierge / club level only) I kept getting villas also. I'm confused now. Would I be booking CL if I reserved a BWI or Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge villa?

 

[coopersmom]

On the advice of someone else in this thread, I did send a very polite email (via their website) to Disney regarding my concerns about things I'd read here, and I was less than reassured by the response I received today, which read, in part ...

"While we truly appreciate your comments, Walt Disney World is known
worldwide for its service. Walt Disney left a legacy of creating
happiness through imagination, attention to detail, and an appreciation
of people's needs and desires.

"May we suggest you visit the official website: www.disney.com for
accurate and up-to-date information."

That's pretty much it and, hey, at least they did respond (and rather quickly too), which IS appreciated. But I had sent my reservation number, so they knew I really had one, and as someone with a package costing upwards of $4,000, I guess I expected more concern, rather than two paragraphs that basically boil down to: "that can't possibly be true."

What happens if someone goes wrong on my stay? Will I be greeted with the same "nope, didn't happen" attitude?

Back to worrying now (totally gonna drive myself nuts with this) ...

 

[Tess]

On the advice of someone else in this thread, I did send a very polite email (via their website) to Disney regarding my concerns about things I'd read here, and I was less than reassured by the response I received today, which read, in part ...

"While we truly appreciate your comments, Walt Disney World is known
worldwide for its service. Walt Disney left a legacy of creating
happiness through imagination, attention to detail, and an appreciation
of people's needs and desires.

"May we suggest you visit the official website: www.disney.com for
accurate and up-to-date information."

That's pretty much it and, hey, at least they did respond (and rather quickly too), which IS appreciated. But I had sent my reservation number, so they knew I really had one, and as someone with a package costing upwards of $4,000, I guess I expected more concern, rather than two paragraphs that basically boil down to: "that can't possibly be true."

What happens if someone goes wrong on my stay? Will I be greeted with the same "nope, didn't happen" attitude?

Back to worrying now (totally gonna drive myself nuts with this) ...

Wow, can you say form letter reply. . .did you use guest communications email address? If so, might I suggest that you email the CL manager with your concerns. While it may not get you an immediate reply, you will be going to the source. I would also include the latest "reply". It does seem you are having some issues.

 

[bluejasmine]

On the advice of someone else in this thread, I did send a very polite email (via their website) to Disney regarding my concerns about things I'd read here, and I was less than reassured by the response I received today, which read, in part ...

"While we truly appreciate your comments, Walt Disney World is known
worldwide for its service. Walt Disney left a legacy of creating
happiness through imagination, attention to detail, and an appreciation
of people's needs and desires.

"May we suggest you visit the official website: www.disney.com for
accurate and up-to-date information."

That's pretty much it and, hey, at least they did respond (and rather quickly too), which IS appreciated. But I had sent my reservation number, so they knew I really had one, and as someone with a package costing upwards of $4,000, I guess I expected more concern, rather than two paragraphs that basically boil down to: "that can't possibly be true."

What happens if someone goes wrong on my stay? Will I be greeted with the same "nope, didn't happen" attitude?

Back to worrying now (totally gonna drive myself nuts with this) ...

OMG! Thats the SAME letter I got today! Defanitely a form letter.. Yes I emailed guestcommunications...

You know I love WDW and will continue to go but what exactly does that state about their world wide known service! I have already printed both my email and the FORM LETTER to bring with me on my trip, Ill be speaking with someone if need be.

 

[coopersmom]

OMG! Thats the SAME letter I got today! Defanitely a form letter.. Yes I emailed guestcommunications...

You know I love WDW and will continue to go but what exactly does that state about their world wide known service!

Yeah, I knew it was a form letter and, to be fair, I don't even know what I really expected them to say. I guess maybe just they'd make sure we were happy and/or that they were confident in their product? That if those sort of things happened they would be immediately rectified? Or that's not how they want to operate?

I don't know for sure, but I think one of the above probably would have made me feel better than the "you're getting bad information" line.

FYI, the email I sent was only about a paragraph. I said I was sure things would be fine, but I'd just booked my trip and read a few things that had me concerned about the club level service. I had links to the posts here (and a few others on allears.net) about the Polynesian club level, and asked one question (about access to drinks fridge and whether it was refilled as the day went on) that, as you can see from my cut and paste, wasn't answered.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

On the advice of someone else in this thread, I did send a very polite email (via their website) to Disney regarding my concerns about things I'd read here, and I was less than reassured by the response I received today, which read, in part ...

"While we truly appreciate your comments, Walt Disney World is known
worldwide for its service. Walt Disney left a legacy of creating
happiness through imagination, attention to detail, and an appreciation
of people's needs and desires.

"May we suggest you visit the official website: www.disney.com for
accurate and up-to-date information."

That's pretty much it and, hey, at least they did respond (and rather quickly too), which IS appreciated. But I had sent my reservation number, so they knew I really had one, and as someone with a package costing upwards of $4,000, I guess I expected more concern, rather than two paragraphs that basically boil down to: "that can't possibly be true."

What happens if someone goes wrong on my stay? Will I be greeted with the same "nope, didn't happen" attitude?

Back to worrying now (totally gonna drive myself nuts with this) ...

I would just call the IPO and ask your questions with a live person. That way all of your questions are answered and if not, they can have a manager call you.

In my opinion, if you are going to drive yourself crazy about club level being worth it or not worth it, then I would change my ressies to something else.

I too was worried about club level, but after seeing some responses, I'm no longer worried. However, I am doing CL for the connivence of going down the hall and eating breakfast as everyone gets ready. I'm looking forward to turn down service and a little bit of extra room in the lounge. Everything else is just an added benefit.

 

[bluejasmine]

My email covered not only the non replineshed food but the crowded pools, the dirty dishes being left in the hallways of the hawaii LH and the incident that iloveeyoree experienced last Sun when the monorail went down due to a lighting storm, I said I knew that couldnt be helped but why wasnt a CM assigned to help guests in all that chaos..

I was just suprised b/c when I had an issue last yr and emailed, I got a call from the executive offices within a week!

 

[nala1128]

Yeah, I knew it was a form letter and, to be fair, I don't even know what I really expected them to say. I guess maybe just they'd make sure we were happy and/or that they were confident in their product? That if those sort of things happened they would be immediately rectified? Or that's not how they want to operate?

I don't know for sure, but I think one of the above probably would have made me feel better than the "you're getting bad information" line.

FYI, the email I sent was only about a paragraph. I said I was sure things would be fine, but I'd just booked my trip and read a few things that had me concerned about the club level service. I had links to the posts here (and a few others on allears.net) about the Polynesian club level, and asked one question (about access to drinks fridge and whether it was refilled as the day went on) that, as you can see from my cut and paste, wasn't answered.

This is a tough one...If I am understanding correctly....you emailed them about things you are concerned about based on info that you have read on the boards here about sub-par service, etc.for an upcoming trip... not about a particular incident or experience that you have had on a recent visit???

I think that it is all a matter of perception. If someone for Disney woud have reassured you would that make you feel more comfortable? I know that I have read many different reviews and opinions here on these boards and take it all with a grain of salt understanding that different people enjoy differnet things and are more critical of certain things. Having been a restaurant manager, I can tell you that you do what you can but there are some people who like to complain just for the sake of complaining!

During your trip if there are any problems or issues that would be a great time to address them. Hopefully the management on site can see to it that any problem is rectified immediately. I don't think that you should be so stressed about it. Once you are sitting around the pool with a nice PinaColava all will be good!!!!

 

[coopersmom]

Oh and to contribute something other than my crazy fears (my husband swears if I ask him if he's sure again with the word Disney after it he'll kill me), also in my Disney in-box this morning an email from IPO that included the Polynesian Club level menu (forgive me if this a duplicate) ...

Breakfast includes:
-Miniature Muffins/Croissants/Bagels
-Cut Fresh Fruit
-Assorted Cereals
-Hot Meal Station:
Fresh-made Oatmeal
Blueberries and Cherries
Granola and Brown Sugar

Evening service includes daily items:
-Assortment of Crudité individually served with Ranch Dip
-Baby Carrots with tops, Cucumbers, Celery
-Variety of three cheeses individually served with Fruits and Berries
-Pineapple with Caramel Dip
-Hummus and Pita Bread
-Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches

And items that change everyday:

Sunday:
-Chicken Satay with Teriyaki Sauce
-Steamed Duck Pot Stickers with Cream Soy Sauce
-Asian Spoon Cole Slaw

Monday:
-California Sushi Roll
-Vegetable Sushi Roll
-Wasabi, Pickled Ginger, Soy Sauce
-Kona Salad

Tuesday:
-Pork Skewers with Luau Barbecue Sauce
-Fried Vegetable Wrap with Tzatziki Sauce
-Chilled Banana and Coconut Soup

Wednesday:
-Kona Sticky Wings
-Steamed Pork Dumplings with Sweet Chili Sauce
-Luau Salad served with Mixed Greens, Mandarin Oranges, Mango-Poppy Seed Dressing

Thursday:
-Vegetable Spring Rolls with Oriental Hot Mustard
-Crab Rangoon?s with Sweet Chili Sauce
-Chilled Canapés

Friday:
-Bacon Wrapped Ginger Chicken with Sweet Chili Sauce
-Cocktail Meatballs with Ohana Mustard Sauce and BBQ Sauce
-Kim Chee

Saturday:
-Barbecue Pulled Pork on Asian Spoon
-Scallop bacon wraps with Ohana Mustard Sauce
-Chilled Pineapple Vegetable Soup

*Please remember all items are subject to change without notice.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

The form letter is typically the instant response you will receive from Guest Communications, and they will often follow up with an additional email or a phone called within 48-72 hours.

To coopersmom

I must admit, I am a bit confused as to why you are so concerned based on a handful of reviews. You haven't experienced a Disney resort, or Club Level at a Disney resort and as many posters here have explained, we are Disney obsessed and many of us have been going for more than 20 years. In that length of time there are going to be a vast number of changes.

I'm not sure what you are expecting in response and to be quite frank, if you are this concerned then perhaps the Ritz would be a better option. Disney doesn't profess to offer the same level of ammeneties as the Ritz (this is part of why they are allowing a Four Seasons to be built on property, they know there is demand for high level, 5 star luxury.

The trade off at a Disney resort are the on property perks, the "magic" and the service, which in my opinion cannot be critiqued properly in advance of actually experiencing it

To bluejasmine

I'm not sure what you would like the resort to do about the crowded pool If the polynesian is at capacity that is 847 rooms. That is approximately 2500 guests at the resort. The pool facilities at the Polynesian just don't have the capacity to accomodate that number of guests. That is a design element, not something that can easily be resolved.

The dishes in the hallway are another relatively easy fix. If you see that there are dishes in the hall during your stay, call or stop by the concierge desk and inform them.

The monorail is not safe to operate during a lightning storm. While the closure may have caused some chaos it was for the purpose of guest safety. And, the monorail isn't technically the responsibility of the Polynesian. The transportation staff are the ones who could have better handled the situation.

 

[coopersmom]

I know that I have read many different reviews and opinions here on these boards and take it all with a grain of salt understanding that different people enjoy differnet things and are more critical of certain things. Having been a restaurant manager, I can tell you that you do what you can but there are some people who like to complain just for the sake of complaining!

Contrary to what people might think, I am not an especially picky person (I can count the number of times on one hand, with fingers and a thumb left over, that I've complained about a hotel stay), and I don't think the complaints I've read--the ones I'm worried about anyway--could in any way, shape or form be construed as, "complaining for the sake of complaining," at least not in my book.

Again, for those who say I don't deserve to post or ask questions since I have not yet been to Disney, I came into this with the idea that was the point of these boards, which I only visited because I was planning a trip. I will refrain from making future comments, not least because I think I've already contributed everything I can at this point in my process.

As for the sentiment that I shouldn't have sent the email without personal experience ... I just felt that as someone who was going to give them almost $4,500, I wanted, and was not out of line to ask for, some reassurance of what I could expect for that money. If the question was posed to me by a potential buyer, I think I'd do better than a form letter response. Just saying.

In fact, thinking cynically, pre-trip concern (before they've got my hard-earned cash) seems like it might even get MORE of a response than post-trip gripes (when they've already banked your funds). If that puts me in the "someone who can never be made happy" category for some folks, so be it.

EDITED TO NOTE: Though I've tried to put every post into context, just in case this wasn't clear ... I am not in the least offended or hurt by anything anyone said and firmly believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion, including of me and my expectations/concerns. I would be the first to admit I'm letting this trip drive me crazy, partly because it was/is very, very expensive and something I really want to do "right" both for my son and my family as a whole. My husband is a workaholic who takes a vacation every 4-5 years, at most. We've been married 12 and this will be our fourth non-business-related trip, including our honeymoon, and the first with our son (who will be almost 4). I don't expect "special" treatment for these or any other reasons but I do want to feel confident I'm getting what I paid for. (Oh and, I didn't say any of that so anybody would feel sorry for us either. We both traveled a LOT with work. Hubby still does, now I'm mostly a stay-at-home mom, though I still do one or two business trips a year for my old firm, so we get out a lot. Just not for vacations.)