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

[KARN4U]

What may I ask is an African Smoothie? People who have stayed at AKL CL have been raving about it but I dont know what it is or made up of. If anyone can fill me in I would really appreciate it! Thanks

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

It was nice to meet you and your parents! So sorry to hear you didn't have a good experience at BC. Nice that you were able to get back into BWI. When will you be changing your name?

I have considered BC CL because I think the kids would like the pool but am afraid to stay there since not all rooms have daybeds. I know that I too would miss the CMs at BWI CL too much to be happy elsewhere-it just wouldn't feel like home.

Seems like you have made it home between storms. Did the damage in VT impact your drive home at all or do you go through NY?

We were so lucky with our travels home. Our flight was the first one that wasn't canceled. Then we got home to a house that never lost electricity. Some homes in our area didn't get it back until today. My office was out of electricity until Wednesday so it was nice to have an extra day to recover before going into the office.

It was also great meeting you and your family.

Since we take I-75 we don't go through New York, although today through Georgia there was lite rain basically all day.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I'm so glad that your BWI stay met you and your parents' expectations. It sounds like their service and quality is extremely consistent. Does this mean that from here on, you will only be staying at the BWI/CL?

I'm also glad that you were able to get out of the BC and back to the BWI! Just curious, did you even think of staying anywhere else, like the CR for just one night?

You already know my misgivings about the BC/CL, but I'm still curious what you thought of the lounge itself, the overall "atmosphere" and the room, as compared with BWI and the CR.

Honestly we didn't think of switching out of the Beach Club that day.

As for my other thoughts on it the lounge was to small and at 5:00 PM they open the doors for the hot food, well that was like rope drop at Hollywood Studios for Fast Passes at Toy Story Mania because people were going that fast for the food.

Finally BWI/CL is now our #1 choice.

 

[padawans]

Honestly we didn't think of switching out of the Beach Club that day.

As for my other thoughts on it the lounge was to small and at 5:00 PM they open the doors for the hot food, well that was like rope drop at Hollywood Studios for Fast Passes at Toy Story Mania because people were going that fast for the food.

Finally BWI/CL is now our #1 choice.

I appreciate your review. We will be staying at BW(5 nights) and BC(1 night) in October non cl. We are also going on the disney dream, and didn't want to spend extra on cl. I have booked 8 nights at poly gv cl and 6 nights yc gv for April 2012. Poly is a no brainer we love the resort, but I am still undecided between YC/BC/BWI cl for the second part of trip. I am hoping I get a better idea after staying at both resorts. I love that the poly lounge is right next to pool. Thats where we seem to spend the majority of the vacation. What about the Bwi cl lounge and BC lounge. How convenient are they to the pool? Friendliness or unfriendliness of the cms is not that big of a deal for me. I am more interested in the quality of the food and drink offerings, and the location of the rooms. I would love to read a more detailed review. I think the BW is probably the least discussed resort on these boards.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I appreciate your review. We will be staying at BW(5 nights) and BC(1 night) in October non cl. We are also going on the disney dream, and didn't want to spend extra on cl. I have booked 8 nights at poly gv cl and 6 nights yc gv for April 2012. Poly is a no brainer we love the resort, but I am still undecided between YC/BC/BWI cl for the second part of trip. I am hoping I get a better idea after staying at both resorts. I love that the poly lounge is right next to pool. Thats where we seem to spend the majority of the vacation. What about the Bwi cl lounge and BC lounge. How convenient are they to the pool? Friendliness or unfriendliness of the cms is not that big of a deal for me. I am more interested in the quality of the food and drink offerings, and the location of the rooms. I would love to read a more detailed review. I think the BW is probably the least discussed resort on these boards.

Both the BW and BC have long hallways, so it could be a long walk to either pool depending on where it's located. As for the food offerings the items from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM come from Kouzzina, however we were told in a few months they are testing out a new menu. Other items come from the Boardwalk Bakery.

As for the BC I honestly don't know where their food offerings come from.

 

[momtwoboys]

Are the CL rooms at AKL all on the same floor? Does renting points and booking a CL room differ from renting a CL room through Disney directly?

 

[britfish]

I remember that you had to switch, and I thought of all those who were asked to switch due to the Tower Club renovations on the 14th floor when I stopped in to ask about the renovation back in the end of July. At that time, they had actually opened back up the Atrium Club because they had temporarily halted the renovation. But, the mgr. didn't know how long it would remain open.

Hopefully, you'll be able to book the CR for your next visit. It appears from something I posted a couple of weeks back on the CR thread, that all the 14th floor rooms will be suites. Perhaps they put you in a suite at the GF because they thought you had booked one at the CR. Whatever the reason, it sounds like even though you were in a much more expensive room than you had originally booked, the attention to details just wasn't there, which is unfortunate, but not as unfortunate had you paid OOP for that room. I also get the feeling that if you were to ever choose to stay at the GF again, you would choose RPC over SL?

There were many outside distractions for you with Irene and your getting home. I hope you can have another visit to WDW again soon, without tropical storms/hurricanes and I hope you're able to stay EXACTLY where you want. Where would you stay on your next CL visit?

I think we will try CR CL next time. I really did not like being in a totally different bldg. than the CL at GF. I had wanted to be in the main bldg. but I also felt we were given an upgrade to the suite so I didn't push that we were promised the RPC. The suite really just wasn't best for the circumstances, I was trying to rebook flights figure out plans and I am running back and forth in this suite and actually at one point got locked in the foyer! I know, not much to complain about but with three of us and only one king bed it wouldn't have been our first choice. Although with two bathrooms I got lots of the H20 products to bring home!

 

[padawans]

Both the BW and BC have long hallways, so it could be a long walk to either pool depending on where it's located. As for the food offerings the items from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM come from Kouzzina, however we were told in a few months they are testing out a new menu. Other items come from the Boardwalk Bakery.

As for the BC I honestly don't know where their food offerings come from.

Thanks for quick response. How far are the rooms from the main lobby? I have switched from BW to Yc like 4 times. I can't seem to make up my mind. What are the deluxe rooms like as far as layout. How are the Bathrooms( weird question I know)Are they large. Since I am only female in the family I like some space to change in. When we stay at the boardwalk on 10/4 will I be able to check out where the cl rooms are, or is it a locked floor? Thanks.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for quick response. How far are the rooms from the main lobby? I have switched from BW to Yc like 4 times. I can't seem to make up my mind. What are the deluxe rooms like as far as layout. How are the Bathrooms( weird question I know)Are they large. Since I am only female in the family I like some space to change in. When we stay at the boardwalk on 10/4 will I be able to check out where the cl rooms are, or is it a locked floor? Thanks.

The bathrooms at both resorts are the same size and I mean small.

Now maybe it's because I am use to it but I don't mind the walk from the BWI CL rooms on the 4th floor to the elevator that long, although I guess it's at least a 2 - 5 minute walk depending on where it's located.

Now on the 4th floor they have a door which is key accessed that says Innkeeper's Club, so you insert your KTTW card for it to open and you will then access the CL rooms and lounge.

Finally the Deluxe Rooms have the bigger seating area and 2nd TV, so they are the same design as the Standard Rooms. The difference is the bigger area where the wall would be.

 

[padawans]

The bathrooms at both resorts are the same size and I mean small.

Now maybe it's because I am use to it but I don't mind the walk from the BWI CL rooms on the 4th floor to the elevator that long, although I guess it's at least a 2 - 5 minute walk depending on where it's located.

Now on the 4th floor they have a door which is key accessed that says Innkeeper's Club, so you insert your KTTW card for it to open and you will then access the CL rooms and lounge.

Finally the Deluxe Rooms have the bigger seating area and 2nd TV, so they are the same design as the Standard Rooms. The difference is the bigger area where the wall would be.

Ok thanks. I have dealt with the hardrock bathrooms I am sure I can survive the BW or Yc bathrooms. I really love the big bathrooms at the poly. Its funny what can be important to someone. My 9 year old is afraid he will get lost at the yc pool. I am going to have to give this some thought. I think the advantage to staying at the BW CL is you can book a standard room and request a BW view at the Yc or bc you have to pay for a view. Of course you are not guaranteed a view, but at least you have a shot without paying for it. Hmm descisions descisions..

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I think the advantage to staying at the BW CL is you can book a standard room and request a BW view at the Yc or bc you have to pay for a view. Of course you are not guaranteed a view, but at least you have a shot without paying for it. Hmm descisions descisions..

That's correct.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply!

So sorry to hear about your sister.

I would consider CR for view of Wishes and easy monorail access to V&A or BWI for easy access to Epcot and more "adult" feel of lounge and more resort feel.

Only problem with BWI CL is bus ride back from MK and access to V&A but you could taxi to/from V&A. Also the rooms are a bit of a walk from the elevators. Could you rent sister an ECV offsite-then she'd be sure to have a seat on the bus and while waiting for one?

ECV is a great suggestion! Have looked into a couple rental companies. Thanks. Boy - this decision is getting tougher....

You're a thoughtful sister. I would try GF or WL. GF has V & A its also close enough to watch Wishes and you could ride monorail to TTC & transfer to CP @ Epcot. Its suppose to have a wonderful club level as well. As for WL, cheaper than monorail resorts but still deluxe with wonderful CL, also close enough to monorail to get to other activities & all in one buliding so its easier to get around for your sister, you might also enjoy a boat ride to V & A!

Hadn't really considered WL - it's now on my short list! Thank you.

CR is a nice alternative, adult for sure with nice gift shops and viewing of Wishes.

Thank you. We've never stayed there, and it's looking nice!

I'd consider GF or BWI--GF would be close and convenient to V&A and to Wishes (and if you're not so over the Poly that you can't stand to set foot on its property, you could watch Wishes from the beach there and avoid crowds), and BWI would be close to the Candlelight Processional and Illuminations (I think you can see some of Illuminations from the concierge lounge). What a great idea for a trip--I think wherever you stay, you'll have a great time!

I guess you see my dilemma - they both seem to have so much to offer!
Really don't have anything against the Poly - just won't stay there again. I agree that it's a prime spot for wishes. My sister actually suffered a stroke with resultant brain damage that has left her legally blind and sometimes a little unsteady on her feet. (She's only 58 years old...) She'll be able to appreciate Wishes from the Poly beach for sure - just wonder how she'll do walking on the beach... Don't have any experience with ECV's. Wonder if they can drive thru sand or only on pavement?

Originally Posted by gretchenohar@hotmail
Here's the deal:

We're 3 adult sisters hoping to stay at WDW on a BB (40% off) the last week of Nov/1st week of Dec...

Don't know how long we'll be staying - but probably not more than a few days.
Middle sister recently had a medical event that made us realize we need to spend quality time together while we still can.

Would love to stay CL. Question is: which resort would you choose (keeping in mind we're all adults).

Recently stayed at AKV - while it's a beautiful resort, don't want to go there again due to the bus rides home at night. Can you say "my feet hurt so much - yet I still have to stand up for another 45 min?" Sister would never be able to tolerate.

Stayed Poly CL a little over a year ago and vowed never again. Prior to that had the most wonderful experience & view ever! Beautiful resort, but it's a matter of principle.

So here's what I'd like to do for my sister(s):
Go to the Candlelight Processional
Eat at V & A

We don't need a DP - none of us eat like that. That's why I thought CL would be more cost effective: just grab a cup of coffee & possibly some fruit or a muffin in the AM - and we're set till dinner... Can still take advantage of the offerings throughout the day if sister isn't up to touring... Also don't want to make alot of ADR'S as we're not sure how she'll feel. Emphasis is on spending quality time together.

Don't necessarily want to do the parks - but would like to see Wishes & maybe Illuminations. Viewing from the lounge would be fine - sister with medical issue may or may not be able to stand in the crowd anyway...

I know this is very ambitious - and expensive - but I'm willing to fork over the money for a once in a lifetime trip.

So - given the circumstances - which resort would you choose, and why?

Don't have unlimited funds, but I'm willing to splurge for this event.

Other than the 2 resorts listed above - what would you do? And do you think we have a chance at CP? As of tonite, V&A is available...

TIA!






I would recommend the Royal Palm Club because:

~You would like a pleasant and peaceful lounge setting for your sister

~You're not doing the DDP and the RPC food will be an excellent substitution

~You have come to terms with the fact that this will be expensive

~If you or your sister aren't at the parks, the GF is the perfect resort for relaxing and she can listen to the band after 4 and have tea time in the lounge.

~As krb2g mentioned, you're close to V&A

~You're also on the monorail at the GF, which will mean less walking for your sister, should she want to go to the MK or Epcot.

Would you feel better booking the CP yourself ASAP? I don't know what the cancelation policy is, but maybe you'd feel better having it booked sooner rather than later?

I wish you and your sister a most memorable and wonderful vacation. This is a lovely gesture on your part.

This does seem like the most viable option.

Again, I would like to thank each of you for taking the time to offer your opinions and well wishes.

 

[woodkins]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply!



ECV is a great suggestion! Have looked into a couple rental companies. Thanks. Boy - this decision is getting tougher....



Thank you. We've never stayed there, and it's looking nice!




I guess you see my dilemma - they both seem to have so much to offer!
Really don't have anything against the Poly - just won't stay there again. I agree that it's a prime spot for wishes. My sister actually suffered a stroke with resultant brain damage that has left her legally blind and sometimes a little unsteady on her feet. (She's only 58 years old...) She'll be able to appreciate Wishes from the Poly beach for sure - just wonder how she'll do walking on the beach... Don't have any experience with ECV's. Wonder if they can drive thru sand or only on pavement?


This does seem like the most viable option.

Again, I would like to thank each of you for taking the time to offer your opinions and well wishes.

If you want to watch Wished from the beach at the Poly there is a paved walkway all along the edge of the beach that she could park her ECV on and she would literally be "on" the beach without hitting sand. Right behind the Volcano pool (or in front of depending on your perspective) is a beach with tons of lounge chairs. She could drive right up to edge of the beach & then walk only 2-3 feet to a lounge chair.

 

[ZZUB]

What may I ask is an African Smoothie? People who have stayed at AKL CL have been raving about it but I dont know what it is or made up of. If anyone can fill me in I would really appreciate it! Thanks

Liquid Heaven! I wish I could give you a more specific definition. I think it contains mango juice, pineapple, banana and something else. It didn't occur to me to ask a CM what was in it. Although now that we're home, I sure wish I had.

Are the CL rooms at AKL all on the same floor? Does renting points and booking a CL room differ from renting a CL room through Disney directly?

All standard CL rooms are on the 4th floor. I believe (but am not positive) that all DVC CL rooms are on 6. I cannot speak to the DVC experience of renting points v. going through Disney.

 

[islandboy40]

how does AKL CL compare to BWI CL - really would like to try AKL CL in November?

 

[Polyluvr]

Hi We are due to check in to AKL CL in 10 days~ should I do the online check in ?

Thanks in advance !!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi We are due to check in to AKL CL in 10 days~ should I do the online check in ?

Thanks in advance !!!

You can do it, however, since you're staying CL, you will have a separate check-in on the CL floor. So even if you do online check-in, you won't be waiting in the online check-in line.

 

[momtwoboys]

polyluvr..please report back on how you liked the AKL CL!! please?

 

[disney honeymooners]

We check in at AKL CL in 12 days

 

[chimo2u]

We've stayed twice at AKL CL and absolutely love it! friendly lounge staff, great views, just love the resort, our club level stays where absolutely amazing!!