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

[TiggerFan3590]

I contacted AKL IPO about something special and I was told to look at Disney FLorists website and if something there interested me then I could let them know and they would arrange it for me. What I am interested in I know is available through private dining since we had it delivered to the room last March and I let them know and they said they would be happy to help.

Are the others that are being directed to Disney Florists being left to arrange everything themselves?

I have been working with the IPO's at the Y&BC with making arrangements for a cake and an arrival birthday surprise for our trip in Nov/Dec. The IPO's have been very helpful, even obtaining a pair of "birthday" ears for my son in July to make sure my wishes were met.

 

[mdrob214]

Yea I asked Poly IPO about getting something put in our room at the Poly and was directed to private dining for food and wine items and disney florist for everything else, I was dissapointed b/c I made all my own ADRs and everything so IPO did do anything for us..

DH and I both used Poly IPO for items delivered to the resort (not on arrival day). We both celebrated birthdays on our last trip since ours are 6 days apart. He ordered a cake and white-chocolate slipper via IPO, and I ordered a chocolate Mickey and truffles (in place of a cake) via IPO. We had no troubles! I think it really depends on who you ask. And ask politely again if you don't get the answer you want. That's how he got the slipper delivered to our room when he was told that he could only get it at GF! (it was wonderful, too!)

 

[jackemail]

I think I am frustrating the BWI/YC/BC IPO. I made my own DME reservations, don't need any ADR's (taking my Mother who has Alzheimer's, so we will just "wing it" on meals), don't have any requests.

I've already had several emails from them, and I have thanked them and told them that there is nothing I need them to do for me. Just got another email!

First time I stayed at BWI they somehow "missed" me and never contacted me. Ever since then, they have really been wonderful.

 

[lucyem]

I think I am frustrating the BWI/YC/BC IPO. I made my own DME reservations, don't need any ADR's (taking my Mother who has Alzheimer's, so we will just "wing it" on meals), don't have any requests.

I've already had several emails from them, and I have thanked them and told them that there is nothing I need them to do for me. Just got another email!

First time I stayed at BWI they somehow "missed" me and never contacted me. Ever since then, they have really been wonderful.

We arrive at the BC Oct 16th staying CL. I still have yet to hear a thing from them. Does anyone have their contact info?

 

[RachelTori]

We arrive at the BC Oct 16th staying CL. I still have yet to hear a thing from them. Does anyone have their contact info?

It's on page 1 of this thread, in the first post!

 

[jackemail]

We arrive at the BC Oct 16th staying CL. I still have yet to hear a thing from them. Does anyone have their contact info?

You need to email them today.

Yacht.Beach.Club.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com

 

[jandmmom]

Hey everyone!
We just returned from a split stay at the AKL and WL, both CL. We had a great time, and loved having the CL experience. I have to say that it might be hard to do it any other way now I am already planning our next trip for June 2011 & hoping that I can somehow make the CL work again in the budget!

Our trip was planned within a couple of months, so I didn't really need to use the IPO for many reservations. They were very nice and helpful once we got there though. We had decided to use the kids club & make some dinner res, and they were helpful with that. Everyone was nice, polite, and helpful.

The AKL lounge was very nice. It overlooked the lobby from the highest level. The seating was comfortable & it was a place where I felt I could sit and enjoy a cup of coffee & read the paper while the kids watched tv and ate.
The WL layout was not as pleasing, in my opinion. However, our room was on the same floor (not so with the AKL for us), so it was very convenient.

These are my opinions on the food:

AKL - breakfast was great. I love hot oatmeal, so this was a plus for me. The fruit was great too, as was the coffee. I am not a pastry/muffin fan, but they were plentiful and my family enjoyed them. My kids liked the cereal, yogurt & chocolate milk!

WL - breakfast did not include the oatmeal...otherwise the same.

We didn't use the lounge much mid-day at WL. At AKL, I really liked the spiced nuts & the kids loved the trail mix. They also had chips, cookies, and goldfish. They always had fresh brewed iced tea, which is our favorite drink

The 5-7 time was fantastic at both! We really aren't huge eaters, so I kind of regretted making dinner res after having some of the food in the lounge. We would have a bit of dip (hummus) with veggies, some cheese, and a few of the hot apps. I don't eat meat, but my husband thought the choices were very good.

At the WL they had salmon chower, which DH said was very filling for a small bowl. They also had things like salmon salad, smoked mushroom salad, and bacon wrapped scallops.

The wine at WL was from Washington state (Columbia), and the wine at AKL was from South Africa.

DH liked the African beer and whatever beer was at WL!

The 8-10 time included desserts & drinks. WL had a hot dessert each night (apple cobbler, berry cake kind of thing), plus the cookies, brownies. AKL had the cookies/brownies/rice crispie treats, and also some bite-sized mini dessert kind of things.

Both had the same cordials and also wine/beer available. I had my first Kaluha and Cream in a long time

I would definitely stay in either place again & I can't say one was "better" than the other. They both had things that were maybe "better" or "worse" than the other, but overall both were fantastic!

Now I am trying to figure out where to stay next year!!!!

 

[dsnygrl21]

Hey everyone!
We just returned from a split stay at the AKL and WL, both CL. We had a great time, and loved having the CL experience. I have to say that it might be hard to do it any other way now I am already planning our next trip for June 2011 & hoping that I can somehow make the CL work again in the budget!

Our trip was planned within a couple of months, so I didn't really need to use the IPO for many reservations. They were very nice and helpful once we got there though. We had decided to use the kids club & make some dinner res, and they were helpful with that. Everyone was nice, polite, and helpful.

The AKL lounge was very nice. It overlooked the lobby from the highest level. The seating was comfortable & it was a place where I felt I could sit and enjoy a cup of coffee & read the paper while the kids watched tv and ate.
The WL layout was not as pleasing, in my opinion. However, our room was on the same floor (not so with the AKL for us), so it was very convenient.

These are my opinions on the food:

AKL - breakfast was great. I love hot oatmeal, so this was a plus for me. The fruit was great too, as was the coffee. I am not a pastry/muffin fan, but they were plentiful and my family enjoyed them. My kids liked the cereal, yogurt & chocolate milk!

WL - breakfast did not include the oatmeal...otherwise the same.

We didn't use the lounge much mid-day at WL. At AKL, I really liked the spiced nuts & the kids loved the trail mix. They also had chips, cookies, and goldfish. They always had fresh brewed iced tea, which is our favorite drink

The 5-7 time was fantastic at both! We really aren't huge eaters, so I kind of regretted making dinner res after having some of the food in the lounge. We would have a bit of dip (hummus) with veggies, some cheese, and a few of the hot apps. I don't eat meat, but my husband thought the choices were very good.

At the WL they had salmon chower, which DH said was very filling for a small bowl. They also had things like salmon salad, smoked mushroom salad, and bacon wrapped scallops.

The wine at WL was from Washington state (Columbia), and the wine at AKL was from South Africa.

DH liked the African beer and whatever beer was at WL!

The 8-10 time included desserts & drinks. WL had a hot dessert each night (apple cobbler, berry cake kind of thing), plus the cookies, brownies. AKL had the cookies/brownies/rice crispie treats, and also some bite-sized mini dessert kind of things.

Both had the same cordials and also wine/beer available. I had my first Kaluha and Cream in a long time

I would definitely stay in either place again & I can't say one was "better" than the other. They both had things that were maybe "better" or "worse" than the other, but overall both were fantastic!

Now I am trying to figure out where to stay next year!!!!

Thanks for the wonderful review!! It makes me even more excited for my trip in October!!

 

[DLBDS]

Hey everyone!
We just returned from a split stay at the AKL and WL, both CL. We had a great time, and loved having the CL experience. I have to say that it might be hard to do it any other way now I am already planning our next trip for June 2011 & hoping that I can somehow make the CL work again in the budget!

Our trip was planned within a couple of months, so I didn't really need to use the IPO for many reservations. They were very nice and helpful once we got there though. We had decided to use the kids club & make some dinner res, and they were helpful with that. Everyone was nice, polite, and helpful........

We're doing the exact same thing you did... 3 nights at the WL and 1 night at AKL (club levels). The last night was an add-on AFTER we had already booked. There are no discounts anywhere that night because of Halloween so in the interest of saving some $ we decided to move over to AKL and check them out. My favorite restaurant is Boma and I like to eat there for breakfast the morning we leave so this is going to work out great. I wasn't too happy with the fact that the lounge and rooms aren't on the same floor but I can deal for one night. Question: Did you, by chance, check out the afternoon tea offering at AKL?? We're afternoon tea people (we go to the GF for Afternoon Tea each trip we take with my mom). We were excited to see this offered at AKL. As for being able to afford club level.... we're taking advantage of the monster deal offered earlier and getting 40% off on our first 3 nights at the WL. PLUS, since I'm going with my mom, I only have to pay half. It makes it very affordable...$155.25 per night including tax... We couldn't pass up a deal like that! REALLY looking forward to it. Thanks for posting your review!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My most recent Contemporary and Boardwalk Club Level lounge pictures.

 

[Mamu]

Hey everyone!
We just returned from a split stay at the AKL and WL, both CL. We had a great time, and loved having the CL experience. I have to say that it might be hard to do it any other way now I am already planning our next trip for June 2011 & hoping that I can somehow make the CL work again in the budget!

Our trip was planned within a couple of months, so I didn't really need to use the IPO for many reservations. They were very nice and helpful once we got there though. We had decided to use the kids club & make some dinner res, and they were helpful with that. Everyone was nice, polite, and helpful.

The AKL lounge was very nice. It overlooked the lobby from the highest level. The seating was comfortable & it was a place where I felt I could sit and enjoy a cup of coffee & read the paper while the kids watched tv and ate.
The WL layout was not as pleasing, in my opinion. However, our room was on the same floor (not so with the AKL for us), so it was very convenient.

These are my opinions on the food:

AKL - breakfast was great. I love hot oatmeal, so this was a plus for me. The fruit was great too, as was the coffee. I am not a pastry/muffin fan, but they were plentiful and my family enjoyed them. My kids liked the cereal, yogurt & chocolate milk!

WL - breakfast did not include the oatmeal...otherwise the same.

We didn't use the lounge much mid-day at WL. At AKL, I really liked the spiced nuts & the kids loved the trail mix. They also had chips, cookies, and goldfish. They always had fresh brewed iced tea, which is our favorite drink

The 5-7 time was fantastic at both! We really aren't huge eaters, so I kind of regretted making dinner res after having some of the food in the lounge. We would have a bit of dip (hummus) with veggies, some cheese, and a few of the hot apps. I don't eat meat, but my husband thought the choices were very good.

At the WL they had salmon chower, which DH said was very filling for a small bowl. They also had things like salmon salad, smoked mushroom salad, and bacon wrapped scallops.

The wine at WL was from Washington state (Columbia), and the wine at AKL was from South Africa.

DH liked the African beer and whatever beer was at WL!

The 8-10 time included desserts & drinks. WL had a hot dessert each night (apple cobbler, berry cake kind of thing), plus the cookies, brownies. AKL had the cookies/brownies/rice crispie treats, and also some bite-sized mini dessert kind of things.

Both had the same cordials and also wine/beer available. I had my first Kaluha and Cream in a long time

I would definitely stay in either place again & I can't say one was "better" than the other. They both had things that were maybe "better" or "worse" than the other, but overall both were fantastic!

Now I am trying to figure out where to stay next year!!!!

Thanks for your reviews. I stayed at AKL CL before but have never stayed at WL. I consider it every time I book because I love the lodge, but always end up picking another resort.

This upcoming trip will be our 4th CL stay, I'm wondering if I'll be able to go back to a regular stay. We will be returning in May for Star Wars Weekend and wondering whether or not I want to do CL. I'm hoping to qualify for a bounceback rate while were there. If I get a good rate I'll probably end up doing CL again. Were looking to stay at the Boardwalk Area but WL will also be an option. Glad to here you enjoyed your stay there.

Keep those WL and Boardwalk CL reviews coming I'll need to make a decision soon. I'm leaning to a BWI stay.

 

[TxMickeyLover]

I had a not-so-magical AKL IPO call this morning. Since we arrive evening of Sept. 25, and the Mad Tea Party (one of my favorite rides) is closed starting Sept. 26, my wonderful DH told me to go ahead and order tickets to Sept. 25 MNSSHP. Yes, I realize we are cutting it very close and will miss some of the party, but he saw how sad I was, and wanted to make sure I get to ride it, even if we are entering the park just an hour or two before closing. Well the IPO CM (not Don, I wish I would have gotten him), proceeded to give me the third degree since it's our arrival day, and then, copped a bit of an attitude, and said "You do realize these tickets are non-refundable, don't you." I understand that it was important for them to make sure I realize that, esp. since we are arriving later in the day, but the attitude in her voice made me feel like I was doing something wrong. Then she made a big deal about me trying to get a passholder discount. She made me feel as if I'm wasting her time. It's the first time I've ever called IPO and not emailed, but I think it also may be the last. I wish I would have gotten her name. For the amount of money we are paying, I just feel that I should not be treated as if I am wasting her time.

Sorry, I had to vent. We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread.

 

[Maxie86]

CRFan, Thanks for posting pics of the BWI lounge. I am staying CL at the BWI in January. The lounge looks very nice. Do they have a coffee machine there? The CR one looks just like the one in AKL. I love the one at the GF. Wish they all had that one.

DLBDS, Afternoon tea in the AKL lounge is not the same as going to the GF for tea. You can make tea, but you can do that any time anyway. I really can't remember what was served, I think just some cookies and snacky things. Maybe scones? Enjoy your stay.

TxMickeyLover, Sorry the CM gave you such a hard time. Sounds like that CM should get a job in a different department. You can't even be sure she is an AKL CM, if they are busy any other IPO CM can answer the call. Don't give up on calling IPO, most of them are very nice.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CRFan, Thanks for posting pics of the BWI lounge. I am staying CL at the BWI in January. The lounge looks very nice. Do they have a coffee machine there? The CR one looks just like the one in AKL. I love the one at the GF. Wish they all had that one.

You're welcome and yes they do have a coffee machine there that gives you more then just coffee, however it's not designed like the one at the Contemporary and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[dragonfly57005]

TxMickeyLover: I think they could have more politely pointed out that sometimes plans don't work out and they didn't want you do be disappointed by missing the party.

We also arrive on the 25th at the Poly. I had thought we might go over to HS and check out Fantasmic, but when I realized it was the last day of the Tea Cup rides, it sealed the deal that we are going to MK for at least a few hours that afternoon. My girls LOVED that ride last time and are looking forward to it. They are already sad that Belle's Storytime and it's a small world won't be available. If we missed Tea Cups, I would be regretting spending all of this money.

 

[zoie101]

thanks for the pics cr resort fan, and I have 13 days to AKL CL!
Thanks for the wondersul up date jandmmom

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

thanks for the pics cr resort fan, and I have 13 days to AKL CL!

You're welcome and I hope you have a great time.

 

[HaleyB]

AKL CL Tea offerings were :
Scones and sweet cream. Cookies and either Rice Krispy Treats or Brownies.
You make your own tea. Soda and milk was in the fridge until 10pm (at least every time we looked) Lemonade, water, tea, 'African Smoothie' were also out most of the time. Oh and fresh whole fruit was out all day as well, mostly just apples and oranges.

While it does not replace the Grand Floridian Tea, it is a really nice afternoon break and I really enjoyed it once I got over the fact that while it is called "Chai" they don't serve any. (I'm making a pot right now).

This was the most relaxing time of day to sit in the lounge and one very rainy afternoon my DH and I sat and read while the kids braved the rain at MK. Delightful.

 

[Kdub]

CR Fan 4 Life,

Add my "Thanx" to the others' for your post-trip report and pix. I was eager to hear your thoughts and comments following your family's 1st BWI stay. I knew you had enough CL experience and objectivity to give a good evaluation.


TxMickeyLover,

Sorry you had to spring for the "Scary Party" to get a few last rides on the Teacups. I sure hope you get in town early enough to have fun!!

I'd never take the chance for a party the evening of our arrival in Oct.

AirTran has set back our Departure/Arrival time into MCO twice already. We keep getting later and later.

 

[jandmmom]

Question: Did you, by chance, check out the afternoon tea offering at AKL??

I am trying to remember the different parts of the day. I know that there was a time around mid-day (my daughter was napping & my son and I were hanging out in the lounge). They had kettle chips, spiced nuts, trail mix with mini M&Ms, goldfish, cookies, brownies, yogurt coverd pretzels, and homemade granola bars. I think there was more too, but that is what I remember. They also always have the coffee, tea, water (glass bottles of Evian), milk, etc. Hope that helps!