Concierge/Club Level Information - Part III (October 2010)

[mirage0306]

The renovations happening right now are only on the 14th floor, so the the rooms on the 12th floor are not being effected. It is weird that you can't find your room category listed and it's not even on Mousesavers. Personally I think if you can somehow reserve their Club Level rooms on the Atrium Club floor it would be better and they were always less expensive then the Standard Rooms on the Tower Club floor.

Yeah, the whole thing is odd! My TA said they are often changing the names of club level stuff around. I told her I don't care what floor or what club lounge; I just want club level and a MK view. She said we are definitely booked for that. So I'm not worried about it, but it's so bizarre that the room category just up and poof! is gone.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I notice there are quite a few posts regarding the Atrium Club so I thought I'd update everyone.

Before our arrival, I checked the booking site and noticed that the Atrium Club actually had rooms available during our stay. So after we ate at The Wave's breakfast buffet yesterday, I asked a mgr. if DH could take a quick peek at the Atrium Club lounge since he's not stayed there. I asked the mgr. why there was availability again and he explained that the construction on the 14th floor has been temporarily halted so they re-opened the 12th floor. He confirmed that the 12th floor was closed due to the noise on the 14th. He also said that the construction would start back up "very soon."

BTW, even though the CR used to be DH's favorite resort, he now absolutely loves the WL/CL. So much so that we have canceled our Poly stay and will be staying here at the Lodge for the full 12 nights. We were given one of only two non-suite rooms that are opposite the Bear Face and face straight out to Bay Lake and the courtyard. The lounge and staff are just fantastic!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

BTW, even though the CR used to be DH's favorite resort, he now absolutely loves the WL/CL. So much so that we have canceled our Poly stay and will be staying here at the Lodge for the full 12 nights. We were given one of only two non-suite rooms that are opposite the Bear Face and face straight out to Bay Lake and the courtyard. The lounge and staff are just fantastic!

Even when your in Walt Disney World you still manage to make changes to your resort reservations. Although if you are happy at one location I agree that it's best to stay and not switch resorts.

 

[tde1969]

Question for experienced CR-Atrium Club stayers, I have been reading some reports on other sites that the CM do not greet you in the lobby and it is often a hassle to get checked in. Where these just isolated issues or is it different at the CR and we have to go through the usual front desk check in. Just wanted to be prepared.

We have never had that problem. We love the Atrium Club. Now I don't know if it makes a difference be we drive there. I think what happens is at the gate when you check in there, they radio ahead. We've always had someone meet us at the truck, and say Mr. Edwards welcome back to the contemporary, and then they take us to the 12th floor check in. I acutally love that part. Makes my son feel special. The first time it happened, he was all excited wondering how they knew who we were. lol

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I think what happens is at the gate when you check in there, they radio ahead.

That's exactly what they do. This past December when my family and I arrived at the Boardwalk Inn after the Cast Member working the security gate told us to drive up to the main entrance I saw him on his radio. Well it was obvious he was calling ahead to say we were arriving since we were staying Club Level. Well once we got off the elevator onto the 4th floor one of our favorite Boardwalk Inn Club Level Cast Members JJ was there to personally meet us. Well we were shocked to see him standing and he mentioned how he heard our names over the radio, so that's how he knew to wait for us.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Question for experienced CR-Atrium Club stayers, I have been reading some reports on other sites that the CM do not greet you in the lobby and it is often a hassle to get checked in. Where these just isolated issues or is it different at the CR and we have to go through the usual front desk check in. Just wanted to be prepared.

The only time I stayed at CR CL I arrived via ME. There was a sign on the bell services stand by the front door to check in there for club level guests but when I told the CM there that I was club level guest he told me to go inside to check in-even after I showed him the sign he still had no clue. I walked inside and there was a manager level CM there asking if we needed anything and I told him we were club level guests and he very quickly got someone to bring us upstairs.

I enjoyed my CR CL stay but DH has no desire to stay there. He's never been. I also had a few issues with the monorail on that trip so I now prefer BWI CL as Epcot is one of my favorite parks.

 

[Shmily1]

Hi, everyone. We got back from our first CL stay on Saturday and I'm finally having time to check in here. I had a few observations and wanted to share them. This was at AKL.

*When we checked in at the guard gate, the guard called on his radio while we sat there. We were then met at the valet area and carried immediately upstairs.

*When checking in, we were paying cash. They looked like I had three heads! Later when we went back to add on our tickets (were waiting to see how the baby felt after the ride there before deciding how many days we needed in the parks), I was paying cash for that too. This was a different CM and the other CM came over and said she had already taken cash from me that day so she would take it so the other CM wouldn't have to go through the trouble of writing it all down too. I didn't realize cash was trouble!

*We loved the access to the lounge. They didn't really have many things that we would eat other than breakfast, but it was great to have the fruit for the little one. The sodas and juices were great too! The best part was the Monchego (sp?) cheese! Loved it! The worst part was that I really wanted to see some sign on chocolate covered strawberries but there never were any. That was the reason we did CL--DD20's love of all things chocolate covered strawberry-like.

*Right after we arrived, a CM brought DGS a birthday present and chocolate suckers for us all. He loved his present and we all thought it was a great addition!

Would we do it again? Absolutely!! If I can find a good deal on rooms, we're going back in September--oh, and will probably even pay cash again!

 

[pas130]

Hi, everyone. We got back from our first CL stay on Saturday and I'm finally having time to check in here. I had a few observations and wanted to share them. This was at AKL.

*When we checked in at the guard gate, the guard called on his radio while we sat there. We were then met at the valet area and carried immediately upstairs.

*When checking in, we were paying cash. They looked like I had three heads! Later when we went back to add on our tickets (were waiting to see how the baby felt after the ride there before deciding how many days we needed in the parks), I was paying cash for that too. This was a different CM and the other CM came over and said she had already taken cash from me that day so she would take it so the other CM wouldn't have to go through the trouble of writing it all down too. I didn't realize cash was trouble!

*We loved the access to the lounge. They didn't really have many things that we would eat other than breakfast, but it was great to have the fruit for the little one. The sodas and juices were great too! The best part was the Monchego (sp?) cheese! Loved it! The worst part was that I really wanted to see some sign on chocolate covered strawberries but there never were any. That was the reason we did CL--DD20's love of all things chocolate covered strawberry-like.

*Right after we arrived, a CM brought DGS a birthday present and chocolate suckers for us all. He loved his present and we all thought it was a great addition!

Would we do it again? Absolutely!! If I can find a good deal on rooms, we're going back in September--oh, and will probably even pay cash again!

I'm glad you had a great trip! Cash a problem at Disney...go figure!

 

[pas130]

I notice there are quite a few posts regarding the Atrium Club so I thought I'd update everyone.

Before our arrival, I checked the booking site and noticed that the Atrium Club actually had rooms available during our stay. So after we ate at The Wave's breakfast buffet yesterday, I asked a mgr. if DH could take a quick peek at the Atrium Club lounge since he's not stayed there. I asked the mgr. why there was availability again and he explained that the construction on the 14th floor has been temporarily halted so they re-opened the 12th floor. He confirmed that the 12th floor was closed due to the noise on the 14th. He also said that the construction would start back up "very soon."

BTW, even though the CR used to be DH's favorite resort, he now absolutely loves the WL/CL. So much so that we have canceled our Poly stay and will be staying here at the Lodge for the full 12 nights. We were given one of only two non-suite rooms that are opposite the Bear Face and face straight out to Bay Lake and the courtyard. The lounge and staff are just fantastic!

WL sounds so awesome, you're definitely helping solidify my decicion to change my Girls trip

 

[mommato2boyz]

You have a club level room with the Deluxe Dining Plan (DDP)? That will be so much food to eat.

We stayed at the YC on our last trip and loved it. I am almost certain all the rooms have full balconies. If you want a bigger room then you'd have to change to a deluxe room or a suite. They should be able to check on those room types and let you know if your pin will still get you the discount based on availability. I used a pin code for a BC CL trip this Dec and they checked into other room types and resorts for me using the pin code (even though it's expired). As long as you "modify" your reservation and not ADD a new one, you should be ok. I tried to change to a split stay and they said NO that requires a new reservation. ok fine.
But they did give me prices for the Poly, WL and GF using the pin code for a complete resort change using the same reservation number.
They also gave me the option of dropping CL to standard room and adding the Dining Plan.

That is a TON of food (CL and DDP).
I see that this is your first disneyworld trip.
I've been 10 or so times and I have to say THAT IS A TON OF FOOD!

I'm not big on paying the huge increase they ask for just for a better view.
We never sit in our room or balcony and just enjoy the view. Maui YES but at WDW we'd rather be out and about.
(Although, if we were in the tower at the Contemporary Resort overlooking the MK, yes we'd sit out on the balcony, just sayin')

So what you may want to do is change to the regular Dining Plan and ask for the deluxe room.
But those rooms are on the 4th floor (lounge on 5th) and you'd have to take the elevator every time you headed to the lounge.

If the club room is important to you (it's great for early breakfast and late night drink and snack) then just stay where you are.
But I'm telling you, the DDP is A TON OF FOOD and we do nice ADRs for every trip.

Dave

agreed. it is a ton of food, but the offer was too good to refuse. we got 3 days tickets, deluxe dining, plus YC CL for $1500....plus since our second son is only 2 we didn't have to get dining for him or ticket, so he can eat food off of our plates. I don't have any experience with disney, but it seemed like a really good deal to me..maybe I am wrong? we would normally just going with regular dining.

 

[Shmily1]

agreed. it is a ton of food, but the offer was too good to refuse. we got 3 days tickets, deluxe dining, plus YC CL for $1500....plus since our second son is only 2 we didn't have to get dining for him or ticket, so he can eat food off of our plates. I don't have any experience with disney, but it seemed like a really good deal to me..maybe I am wrong? we would normally just going with regular dining.

You are right! Too good to pass up. I would do it too! Have a wonderful time.

 

[DWDude]

agreed. it is a ton of food, but the offer was too good to refuse. we got 3 days tickets, deluxe dining, plus YC CL for $1500....plus since our second son is only 2 we didn't have to get dining for him or ticket, so he can eat food off of our plates. I don't have any experience with disney, but it seemed like a really good deal to me..maybe I am wrong? we would normally just going with regular dining.

Sounds like a great deal to me. 3 nights?
I would definitely book 3 signature ADRs and have some character breakfasts in the morning.
Can I plan your ADRs for you? LOL
Just a thought but if this is your first trip, something really cool to do is book an early ADR for Crystal Palace. They let you into the park early with your reservation and you get Main Street all to yourselves. Kodak moment here.
Then a great breakfast with Pooh and pals. We've done this many times with the best being on Christmas Morning. A dream come true.

 

[Shmily1]

Sounds like a great deal to me. 3 nights?
I would definitely book 3 signature ADRs and have some character breakfasts in the morning.
Can I plan your ADRs for you? LOL
Just a thought but if this is your first trip, something really cool to do is book an early ADR for Crystal Palace. They let you into the park early with your reservation and you get Main Street all to yourselves. Kodak moment here.
Then a great breakfast with Pooh and pals. We've done this many times with the best being on Christmas Morning. A dream come true.

Another good one that we love is Hollywood and Vine for breakfast! YUM!

 

[Disneymama5816]

Hi all. I was playing around with perhaps moving to the CR during our trip next month. Aug 30-Sep2. The Atrium Club is available on 8/30 and 8/31, but not 9/01. I spoke with a CM and she said that on 9/01, there is no availability even with a rack rate. I am so disappointed. We love the CR, but really want to treat ourselves with CL, so we are staying at the Poly. I am hoping mgmt will realize that perhaps during a holiday weekend, they should keep the lounge open until after the holiday. The CM said to keep checking back as they just opened these dates up and may extend them just a bit.

 

[mommato2boyz]

Sounds like a great deal to me. 3 nights?
I would definitely book 3 signature ADRs and have some character breakfasts in the morning.
Can I plan your ADRs for you? LOL
Just a thought but if this is your first trip, something really cool to do is book an early ADR for Crystal Palace. They let you into the park early with your reservation and you get Main Street all to yourselves. Kodak moment here.
Then a great breakfast with Pooh and pals. We've done this many times with the best being on Christmas Morning. A dream come true.

2 nights but 3 days at the park, since our flight isn't until 7:55 pm on saturday. We will have 3 full days in the parks.
I have two boys 3 and 5 do you think they would like crystal palace more than chef mickeys...


any suggestions you have for ADRs would be great.


We have some started you can help fill in gaps if you want

17th check in day
Animal kingdom by 12:00 so need a lunch place, was thinking about
Flame tree for lunch

we have a 6 pm ressie at the yachtsman currently, but are open to suggestions

then we were going to head to MK for the parade and fireworks in the evening

18th
could do a crystal palace breakfast?
MK AM
no lunch ideas yet?
Epcot PM
6 pm ressie at Le Cellier

19th last day at disney
Chef mickeys
8 am
Hollywood Studios all day

3 pm ressie for late lunch at Sci-FI



I am open to changing things up...so any suggestions are welcome!

Amy

 

[britfish]

Hi all. I was playing around with perhaps moving to the CR during our trip next month. Aug 30-Sep2. The Atrium Club is available on 8/30 and 8/31, but not 9/01. I spoke with a CM and she said that on 9/01, there is no availability even with a rack rate. I am so disappointed. We love the CR, but really want to treat ourselves with CL, so we are staying at the Poly. I am hoping mgmt will realize that perhaps during a holiday weekend, they should keep the lounge open until after the holiday. The CM said to keep checking back as they just opened these dates up and may extend them just a bit.

I thought the rennovations weren't going to be done until Nov at CR CL?

 

[DWDude]

2 nights but 3 days at the park, since our flight isn't until 7:55 pm on saturday. We will have 3 full days in the parks.
I have two boys 3 and 5 do you think they would like crystal palace more than chef mickeys...


any suggestions you have for ADRs would be great.


We have some started you can help fill in gaps if you want

17th check in day
Animal kingdom by 12:00 so need a lunch place, was thinking about
Flame tree for lunch

we have a 6 pm ressie at the yachtsman currently, but are open to suggestions

then we were going to head to MK for the parade and fireworks in the evening

18th
could do a crystal palace breakfast?
MK AM
no lunch ideas yet?
Epcot PM
6 pm ressie at Le Cellier

19th last day at disney
Chef mickeys
8 am
Hollywood Studios all day

3 pm ressie for late lunch at Sci-FI



I am open to changing things up...so any suggestions are welcome!

Amy

wow I typed up a huge list for you but this board timed me out and I lost it all.

But I would advise you don't travel as much as you appear to be doing in a short time.

1st day.
we like yak for lunch.
Jiko is a fav dinner love it.
or for the kids, after AK go over to the GF and eat at Narcoosses or Poly for Ohana kids love ohana get ADR 45 before wishes and ask for a table by the window with a view at either one.

2nd day
Breakfast at crystal palace at 8:30 ish
ask for table by the window with castle view.
you wont have to wait long, most don't ask for that.

at MK columbia harbor house
or better yet
go to epcot and eat lunch at coral reef.
kids will love watching the fish and so will you.
There's just something about watching live fish and eating them at the same time

Dinner? i know lots like le cellier
we took it off our list.
we like italy and flying fish on boardwalk.
if you want good steak take the boat to dolphin and eat at shula's
But if you want fun, try the new mexican place La Hacienda de San Angel and get table by the window with view. again

last day
save time and eat at Cape may
they have characters there and good food.
then lunch at sci fi is good

here are our adrs
dinner
ohana jiko flying fish cape may narcoosses
lunch
yak sci fi and coral reef

breakfast
at club lounge but we do have Crystal palace for one.

cheers!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi all. I was playing around with perhaps moving to the CR during our trip next month. Aug 30-Sep2. The Atrium Club is available on 8/30 and 8/31, but not 9/01. I spoke with a CM and she said that on 9/01, there is no availability even with a rack rate. I am so disappointed. We love the CR, but really want to treat ourselves with CL, so we are staying at the Poly. I am hoping mgmt will realize that perhaps during a holiday weekend, they should keep the lounge open until after the holiday. The CM said to keep checking back as they just opened these dates up and may extend them just a bit.

It was reported that the renovations to the Tower Club 14th floor had stopped for a short time and that's why the Atrium Club 12th floor became available for some dates. However it was also reported once the renovations re-start on the 14th floor then the 12th floor would once again be closing, so maybe they are planning that for September 1, 2011.

 

[Shmily1]

I have put my suggestions in red below. We just got back with a "now" 2 year old so similar ages Also, if the park opens at 9 am, it is a great idea as a PP said to get an ADR for 8 am if possible. You can get great shots of your family with an almost empty park!

2 nights but 3 days at the park, since our flight isn't until 7:55 pm on saturday. We will have 3 full days in the parks.
I have two boys 3 and 5 do you think they would like crystal palace more than chef mickeys...


any suggestions you have for ADRs would be great.


We have some started you can help fill in gaps if you want

17th check in day
Animal kingdom by 12:00 so need a lunch place, was thinking about
Flame tree for lunch I would do Yak and Yeti--it smelled so good when we were there!

we have a 6 pm ressie at the yachtsman currently, but are open to suggestions Been there, but wouldn't do it with little ones. Not something they will want to sit through IMO. Maybe do Chef Mickey's here?

then we were going to head to MK for the parade and fireworks in the evening

18th
could do a crystal palace breakfast? Excellent!!
MK AM
no lunch ideas yet? Maybe do Tony's at MK, Coral Reef at EPCOT (your little ones may love the fish!) or head over to a resort and check out a great meal there--Maybe Whispering Canyon?
Epcot PM
6 pm ressie at Le Cellier You did good!

19th last day at disney
Chef mickeys I would do Hollywood and Vine for the character breakfast here
8 am
Hollywood Studios all day

3 pm ressie for late lunch at Sci-FI



I am open to changing things up...so any suggestions are welcome!

Amy

 

[mommato2boyz]

wow I typed up a huge list for you but this board timed me out and I lost it all.

But I would advise you don't travel as much as you appear to be doing in a short time.

1st day.
we like yak for lunch.
Jiko is a fav dinner love it.
or for the kids, after AK go over to the GF and eat at Narcoosses or Poly for Ohana kids love ohana get ADR 45 before wishes and ask for a table by the window with a view at either one.

2nd day
Breakfast at crystal palace at 8:30 ish
ask for table by the window with castle view.
you wont have to wait long, most don't ask for that.

at MK columbia harbor house
or better yet
go to epcot and eat lunch at coral reef.
kids will love watching the fish and so will you.
There's just something about watching live fish and eating them at the same time

Dinner? i know lots like le cellier
we took it off our list.
we like italy and flying fish on boardwalk.
if you want good steak take the boat to dolphin and eat at shula's
But if you want fun, try the new mexican place La Hacienda de San Angel and get table by the window with view. again

last day
save time and eat at Cape may
they have characters there and good food.
then lunch at sci fi is good

here are our adrs
dinner
ohana jiko flying fish cape may narcoosses
lunch
yak sci fi and coral reef

breakfast
at club lounge but we do have Crystal palace for one.

cheers!

thanks for all your help...would you do Jiko over Yachtsman?