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

[Doofenshmirtz513]

Just returned from BC CL and I have to admit I was disappointed

Sorry to hear that, particularly as we will be in BC CL in early August after having been at CR CL last year where we had similar tremendous experiences with the CL staff.

On an entirely different note, does anyone know if the CL staff can handle an AP voucher? I'm purchasing an AP voucher (stupid price increase) that I will have with me. My room is under the AP rate, so I know I need to present an AP at check-in. My question is if I can do this all at the same time as part of CL check-in - that is, can I give the CL CM my AP voucher to get my AP, then check-in using that AP to verify my AP rate?

Sorry that's a bit complicated, but I haven't been able to find the answer to such a specific question elsewhere.

 

[disneydreamin247]

Sorry to hear that, particularly as we will be in BC CL in early August after having been at CR CL last year where we had similar tremendous experiences with the CL staff.

On an entirely different note, does anyone know if the CL staff can handle an AP voucher? I'm purchasing an AP voucher (stupid price increase) that I will have with me. My room is under the AP rate, so I know I need to present an AP at check-in. My question is if I can do this all at the same time as part of CL check-in - that is, can I give the CL CM my AP voucher to get my AP, then check-in using that AP to verify my AP rate?

Sorry that's a bit complicated, but I haven't been able to find the answer to such a specific question elsewhere.

I have to say, in all if the times I've booked AP rates I've never once been asked to furnish a valid AP at check-in and I've stayed at values, mods, and deluxes, CL and not.

 

[jcondrad]

Sorry to hear that, particularly as we will be in BC CL in early August after having been at CR CL last year where we had similar tremendous experiences with the CL staff.

On an entirely different note, does anyone know if the CL staff can handle an AP voucher? I'm purchasing an AP voucher (stupid price increase) that I will have with me. My room is under the AP rate, so I know I need to present an AP at check-in. My question is if I can do this all at the same time as part of CL check-in - that is, can I give the CL CM my AP voucher to get my AP, then check-in using that AP to verify my AP rate?

Sorry that's a bit complicated, but I haven't been able to find the answer to such a specific question elsewhere.

I would e-mail IPO and see what they have to say about it..

We are going to be doing the same thing in Dec at BC CL and from my research it appears that resort concierges cannot activate a voucher but they can issue a new AP. You would have to visit guest services (probably the International Gateway at Epcot would be closest to BC) to get it activated. Some people are told they need an activated AP at check-in, others have said the voucher was acceptable, and others have said they had to return later that day/next day with the activated one for proof to get the discount.

I think it really depends on the CM you get.

 

[Doofenshmirtz513]

The main reason for my concern is that we want to roll into the resort relatively quickly, unload, get our KTTW cards with the dining plan credits, then head out to a late lunch where we intend to use the credits. Squeezing in a stop somewhere with a true guest services outpost starts to cramp the timeline. Maybe if I get in touch with IPO they can reassure me. If they will just let me show up with the AP later in the day, I'll be all set.

As a related follow-up, can CL CMs do a TIW card, or does that come from guest services, too?

 

[abk96]

Just returned from BC CL and I have to admit I was disappointed We stayed in the Atrium Club last year and we loved it. The staff was so amazing and welcoming and just made the trip magical.

BC CL staff was just OK. The entire experience was just underwhelming. Everyone was friendly and nice but nothing special. We did get beautiful birthday buttons made by Neil for the kids which were super nice but I know if this was our first CL stay we would not spend the money again. No one was welcoming when we got back from the parks (just a quick HI). I did not like the lounge closing an hour at a time several times a day (something that I do not think happened at CR and if it did, it was not an issue since the fridge was at the entrance and there are no doors). We were more welcomed by the front lobby staff and it was just disappointing. I don't know if it was because the CR staff really did something out of the ordinary with us last year so our expectations were too high or if we just always were around at BC at the wrong time. I don't know. The area of CL seems small, and not just the lounge, even the entrance area where the desks are.

Sorry to be the downer--We had an amazing trip though and did not let this get us down.

I'm sorry you had a not so great experience.

We just returned from BC CL also and we had a terrific trip. We were upgraded so I'm not sure if that had something to do with the way we felt, but I am hooked now.

We always received a warm welcome back when we returned to the floor unless they were checking someone in of course.

The lounge was great and I did notice that the doors would be closed for an hour here and an hour there, but it didn't bother me. I made sure we had drinks in our fridge and snacks if we need them.

 

[lbv7]

Just returned from BC CL and I have to admit I was disappointed We stayed in the Atrium Club last year and we loved it. The staff was so amazing and welcoming and just made the trip magical.

BC CL staff was just OK. The entire experience was just underwhelming. Everyone was friendly and nice but nothing special. We did get beautiful birthday buttons made by Neil for the kids which were super nice but I know if this was our first CL stay we would not spend the money again. No one was welcoming when we got back from the parks (just a quick HI). I did not like the lounge closing an hour at a time several times a day (something that I do not think happened at CR and if it did, it was not an issue since the fridge was at the entrance and there are no doors). We were more welcomed by the front lobby staff and it was just disappointing. I don't know if it was because the CR staff really did something out of the ordinary with us last year so our expectations were too high or if we just always were around at BC at the wrong time. I don't know. The area of CL seems small, and not just the lounge, even the entrance area where the desks are.

Sorry to be the downer--We had an amazing trip though and did not let this get us down.

Agree with your comments that compared to other club levels the BC is just "ok". The room was nice, the hotel was nice, and the food offerings were on par with other club levels I have stayed at, but the lounge is just too small for the number of people trying to use it. Also, I am not sure what their logic is for closing the doors and then opening them at 5. Sort of reminded me of the rope drop at Epcot, when everyone runs to Soarin - in this case it was a mad dash to get a seat at the limited number of tables that were available.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Just returned from BC CL and I have to admit I was disappointed We stayed in the Atrium Club last year and we loved it. The staff was so amazing and welcoming and just made the trip magical.

BC CL staff was just OK. The entire experience was just underwhelming. Everyone was friendly and nice but nothing special. We did get beautiful birthday buttons made by Neil for the kids which were super nice but I know if this was our first CL stay we would not spend the money again. No one was welcoming when we got back from the parks (just a quick HI). I did not like the lounge closing an hour at a time several times a day (something that I do not think happened at CR and if it did, it was not an issue since the fridge was at the entrance and there are no doors). We were more welcomed by the front lobby staff and it was just disappointing. I don't know if it was because the CR staff really did something out of the ordinary with us last year so our expectations were too high or if we just always were around at BC at the wrong time. I don't know. The area of CL seems small, and not just the lounge, even the entrance area where the desks are.

Sorry to be the downer--We had an amazing trip though and did not let this get us down.

I have to agree with you. We were there at the beginning of the month/end of last month. We weren't disappointed, but it was just an ok experience. Our past CL experiences definitely surpassed this one. We thought the staff was very nice and often stopped to chat for a bit (and also had Neil-made buttons , as well as a "visit" from Tink in place of the tooth fairy for a lost tooth arranged by him), but the overall CL experience at BC wasn't on par with our other stays. May or may not stay CL again there (we LOVE BC!!), but you never know until you try.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I'm suprised at the posters who were underwhelmed at BC CL.

We enjoyed our BC CL stays even more than when we stayed GF RPC!

The cms were always welcoming and friendly. Lounge offerings were very nice and replenished often. Now they did shut down for cleaning and then reopening but the drinks were available even late at night after the lounge had closed.

Of course we are just happy to have cms who are both efficient and friendly. We never felt the need to be over pampered or fawned all over.

 

[mana'olana]

Just returned from BC CL and I have to admit I was disappointed We stayed in the Atrium Club last year and we loved it. The staff was so amazing and welcoming and just made the trip magical.

Oh man, that scares me. We are staying BCCL in a month. We've stayed Poly CL and liked it a lot. I hope it's not completely terrible and a waste of money. Oh well, try everything once, right?

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Oh man, that scares me. We are staying BCCL in a month. We've stayed Poly CL and liked it a lot. I hope it's not completely terrible and a waste of money. Oh well, try everything once, right?

We liked BC CL better than GF RPC.
Everyone has different likes or dislikes. Don't judge by what anyone else says (including me)! Some people love BC CL, some hate CR CL, some love the Poly CL, some hate GF SL - it's different for each person.

 

[Missoutandabout]

I think for every person liking their CL experience, you'll find one who didn't -- regardless of the resort. It's a subjective thing; only thing you can do is check it out and form your own opinion.

 

[mana'olana]

Everyone has different likes or dislikes. Don't judge by what anyone else says (including me)! Some people love BC CL, some hate CR CL, some love the Poly CL, some hate GF SL - it's different for each person.

That is true. DH and I want to stay at all of the resorts but for some reason we just can't talk ourselves into GF. It would be like the Clampetts comin' to stay.

 

[Broncobilly83]

Hi all. We will be first time CL visitors this November at the Wilderness Lodge, and so far, I have to say it has made the trip easier. I did not have to worry about making ADRs, and was able to get everything I asked for ADR wise and will be contacted as soon as Be Our Guest might open for ADR taking

We also have a room request in (would like 7th floor, castle view), but understand that it is not a 100% lock to get. Should I remind them of the room request closer to check in time?

Reading some of the thread so far, I noticed this in the first post:

Tipping Guideline: Thank you to TheRustyScupper, for the following information (9/22/08)

"1) Concierge (and Front Desk) CM's can be fired for taking cash tips.
2) They are supposed to refuse up to three times.
. . . if you ask a fourth time, they take it
. . . but, they must immediately turn it over to a manager
3) The tip goes into a fund, and the manager buys donuts or coffee for all.
4) If they do not turn in the cash, it can be immediate termination.

NOTE: They can accept gifts of up to $75 value (like candy, doll, etc)."

So what is suggested, as we were going to have envelopes with cash ready to go, but now that I see that, I want the person who helps us to get something, not necessarily go towards donuts for all, etc?

As a first time CL visitor, what is the normal check in procedure for the WL? Should we do online check-in (did it the last 2 times for normal visits)?

Any tips/tricks others might have learned in general? Like what to ask for/not to ask for, etc?

Can they help with specific character locations throughout the parks, i.e. finding out if a character will be available for pictures, etc? I ask as my main picture want would be with Scrooge McDuck, usually only seen during Christmas time events. We will be at MVMCP twice during our stay, but I read last year there was no photo ops with the character, unlike the years before.

 

[psac]

That is true. DH and I want to stay at all of the resorts but for some reason we just can't talk ourselves into GF. It would be like the Clampetts comin' to stay.

I think people overestimate the fanciness of the Grand Floridian. It's a friggin beautiful resort, and if you look deeper, you'll see people of all types (and I mean no insult to anyone at all, I'm one of those types!) staying there. If you frequent the club circuit, you should definitely try the GF. Right now with the construction, I can understand not wanting to stay there, but once it's done, definitely add it to your list!

EDIT: I wasn't sure whether or not to include this story, but I'll give it a go. It's not directly club related, so forgive the Off Topic. The first time we stayed at the GF, my wife and I were walking back to our room from the boat from MK, and a kid and his father were also walking back to theirs. We hit a fork in the road and they went the other way. When I guess they thought they were out of earshot (but not so), the father says to his son: "Man, I got a really bad case of swamp a--!" My wife and I were DYING. We found it really funny. So if you ever feel you'd be too "uncouth" for the Grand, just remember those people stayed there!

 

[mrmdisneyfl]

we will be cl beach club Sept 21 until Oct 2 of this year. does anyone know if Pete is still working cl? we love beach club and love going during mnsshp and f and w.


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[WsPrincess]

Oh man, that scares me. We are staying BCCL in a month. We've stayed Poly CL and liked it a lot. I hope it's not completely terrible and a waste of money. Oh well, try everything once, right?

Please don't let my review (or anyone's for that matter) cast a cloud. I loved BC and everything CL was very nice. I think I just missed the special connections we made at CR last year. DD still looks at the pictures all the CM took with her on the last day when we go through pictures. I could have been us too, maybe we didn't offer the connections to them to be made.

 

[TikiGoddess07]

We'll be at AKL club level in July. What are the advantages/disadvantages to doing online check-in?

Thanks!
Kathy

 

[swald91]

We'll be at AKL club level in July. What are the advantages/disadvantages to doing online check-in?

Thanks!
Kathy

I cant speak specifically for the AKL...but we stay at the Poly. They bring us right to the check in (separate from main building) so I never understood the early check-in for CL there....

 

[WsPrincess]

We'll be at AKL club level in July. What are the advantages/disadvantages to doing online check-in?

Thanks!
Kathy

We did it this time at BC (we had not done it at CR last year) and our check in at BC was SO FAST compared to CR. The CM greeted us when we arrived, grabbed our folder from the desk and took us right upstairs. Within 10 minutes we were done and heading out to the parks!

 

[mana'olana]

EDIT: I wasn't sure whether or not to include this story, but I'll give it a go. It's not directly club related, so forgive the Off Topic. The first time we stayed at the GF, my wife and I were walking back to our room from the boat from MK, and a kid and his father were also walking back to theirs. We hit a fork in the road and they went the other way. When I guess they thought they were out of earshot (but not so), the father says to his son: "Man, I got a really bad case of swamp a--!" My wife and I were DYING. We found it really funny. So if you ever feel you'd be too "uncouth" for the Grand, just remember those people stayed there!

That's awesome! I would have fell over laughing. We have gone there for 1900 Fare and walked around and got some funny looks, nothing I'm not used to haha We will definitely try it sometime, probably with out the kids. My son can be rather loud and crazy.