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

[debrapagliasotti]

We are staying 10 nights at BW CL in Dec. Our ADR date was earlier this week. I have now added 2 nights at CR (non CL) to our reservation at the end of the trip. Will IPO book ADRs for those 2 nights for me if I ask? I dont want to ask them unless someone else has had experience with it. My ADR date for those is next Sunday.

Thanks.

 

[Sue M]

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 loved BC cl. Stayed there last August.

 

[Sue M]

Is it customary to bring a gift for the CL. CMs? I was reading another thread and there was mention of this. I've only stayed CL once before, and never heard this.
So what do you do?

 

[DisneyChristmas]

Is it customary to bring a gift for the CL. CMs? I was reading another thread and there was mention of this. I've only stayed CL once before, and never heard this.
So what do you do?

We've stayed CL over the years 1996-2011, and I'm never heard of this.

It might be fun to take a family photo and use Word or Publisher or Photoshop (whatever) to create a picture with all of your names to give the cast member at checkin.

 

[focusondisney]

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 were disappointed. We have never done Club @ the BC, but have stayed Club level @ YC many, many times. I think some of the CMs have worked @ both.

I do think nothing compares to your first experience, so that may be some of the problem. And everyone has different personalities & preferences. I really don't get needing to be "welcomed" back every time you step off the elevator, or have a kid fawned over repeatedly by a CM. I don't mean that to be snarky or nasty @ all. I really just don't have the need for that kind of attention. So I am perfectly fine with a smile & quiet hello. Which is pretty much what we usually get.

I feel I am paying for : pretrip planning services, a good place for a quick breakfast, secure floor, guaranteed lagoon/ StormAlong view when I book a waterview room, quicker assistance if needed during the trip (usually) & some yummy snacks & drinks. I am satisfied that I get what I pay for, which is why we keep going back. I think club CMs are there to assist all guests, not entertain kids (they have kids clubs & pool activities for that) & make friends with everyone. I would actually be pretty annoyed if I went to the CM desk needing help & they were too busy schmoozing or playing with someone's kid to assist me. (Again, don't mean that to be nasty, just truthful).

Yes the lounge is small & it is closed periodically. But we just plan appropriately & work around the schedule. Nothing we can do about the size, but if the lounge closing is a big deal for you, make sure you mention it if you get a survey. Teena tells us they really do listen to guest feedback, so maybe it will change if enough guests complain.

I hope you enjoyed the rest of the BC & your vacation despite your disappointment.

 

[Sue M]

We've stayed CL over the years 1996-2011, and I'm never heard of this.

It might be fun to take a family photo and use Word or Publisher or Photoshop (whatever) to create a picture with all of your names to give the cast member at checkin.

Thanks. Good to know I'm not the only one who never heard of that. I know you're not allowed to tip the CL CMs (except for housekeeping) however I never heard mention of people bringing gifts.

 

[focusondisney]

Thanks. Good to know I'm not the only one who never heard of that. I know you're not allowed to tip the CL CMs (except for housekeeping) however I never heard mention of people bringing gifts.

It was a popular topic a few years ago. For awhile there, I thought I was the only one who wasn't bringing them a gift. We don't need much from the club level CMs. Lots of times the only thing we need them for is check in. Surely nothing that deserves a gift.

And don't forget, the IPO who makes your prearrival ADRs, etc is a different staff. A few posters even talked about gifts for both the IPO & the Club CMs.

 

[Angel16]

Hi Angel! How are you?

Hi Nancy I'm sorry I didn't see your post until today, I am doing great! How are you?

We have BC CL coming up this September to celebrate our anniversary, then moving over to ALK CL. What have you been up to lately?



Ann

 

[Nancyg56]

Hi Nancy I'm sorry I didn't see your post until today, I am doing great! How are you?

We have BC CL coming up this September to celebrate our anniversary, then moving over to ALK CL. What have you been up to lately?



Ann

Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Not too much. The past two years have been tough with a health scare with my DH and losing my wonderful DBIL. Thank God DH is okay but it was scary for a while. DGD is 10 now and she has wanted to stay at BC. I told her she should make sure that "Pa" goes because he is the most fun in the water so we are all going for Thanksgiving. We booked CL because DD this was one trip where the resort is a big part of our trip.

You are going to my favorite resort! I love AKL and can think of no better place to stay in Disney.

How is your family? I think I remember when your DD and DSIL were taking a little get-a-way at AKL after DSIL's deployment.

 

[binkytell]

We are looking at booking concierge for beach club but I'm wondering is there less chance of a balcony in a standard club room, as if so I'd rather just do concierge at yacht club??

 

[WsPrincess]

We are looking at booking concierge for beach club but I'm wondering is there less chance of a balcony in a standard club room, as if so I'd rather just do concierge at yacht club??

Not all Standard CL room at BC have a full balcony. BUT Garden View rooms are just slightly more and all of them have a full balcony. We had a beautiful GV room there that we could even see SAB from! It was great (and I think like $10 more a night than standard)

 

[KerryCM]

We have changed our dates for our BW CL visit. We are now going Aug. 2nd to the 9th!!!
We had to change because we are moving to TN, and may be closing on the house when our other dates were. Excited to move and very excited thet my husband did not want to cancel our trip!!!!!!

 

[nascargirl]

Best of luck with the move Kerry. I believe sfbank will be at the BWI during that time.

 

[sfbank]

Kerry-You cannot leave until the 10th, more specifically after 3-4pm. We should be there by about 1pm on the 10th so we are just going to miss AGAIN! Then Nascargirl, her DH, my DH, DD, her BFF, and I will be there in May 2013 finally!

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

Any advice on whether or not to do online check-in for Poly club level this summer?

 

[Sue M]

Don't know, I've never done on line check in, but some here seem to like it.

 

[houstonmama]

Hello everybody
Newbie and Disney 1st timer here!! We (DH, DD 4, DS 15 mos and myself) will be headed to Disney Dec 8-16. The Dis has been an invaluable resource for me. I didn't even know the name of the parks (well, besides MK) when I started planning!

My dilemma at the moment is which resort/resorts to choose.. I received a pin code for room only and was hoping to get y'alls advice/opinions. The resorts available for my dates and with discount are: AKL CL, Poly CL GV & MK view, CR Atrium bay view, WL CL standard room and GF Lagoon view, regular garden view or deluxe garden view (no RPC/SL available ). Because my kiddos are young we spend a lot of time in our room and resort so I'd prefer to have all my stays be CL. With that in mind....
Preliminary plan- AKL CL 8-10, GF deluxe 11-13 then CR CL 14-15

Reasoning...
AKL CL for the first 3 nights and then moving to one of the rail resorts or WL. I know AKL is far but my DD would really LOVE it and we would go to AK and HS while in that area plus great reviews.

Poly CL- negative reviews have steered me away from trying them. The views are tempting but dated rooms and cranky CMs .

CR CL-scares me too with the complaints of dirty rooms and slow mousekeeping but walking to MK sounds wonderful! The views from the lounge look fabulous but the offerings are just OK.

WL CL - looks soooo beautiful and gets good reviews but I don't know about getting on and off buses with two strollers . We'd be willing to cab it but I don't know how easy it is to get cabs? Maybe do this instead of CR?

GF- would be really wonderful but I don't have the CL option, What are my chances of getting upgraded to CL at GF? You think since its midweek it would be better than 0?? I still prefer this than poly or a longer stay at CR.

Sorry this turned into a thesis!Your advice/opinions/criticisms would be super duper and greatly appreciated! Thanks so, so much in advance

 

[lovesdumbo]

Hello everybody
Newbie and Disney 1st timer here!! We (DH, DD 4, DS 15 mos and myself) will be headed to Disney Dec 8-16. The Dis has been an invaluable resource for me. I didn't even know the name of the parks (well, besides MK) when I started planning!

My dilemma at the moment is which resort/resorts to choose.. I received a pin code for room only and was hoping to get y'alls advice/opinions. The resorts available for my dates and with discount are: AKL CL, Poly CL GV & MK view, CR Atrium bay view, WL CL standard room and GF Lagoon view, regular garden view or deluxe garden view (no RPC/SL available ). Because my kiddos are young we spend a lot of time in our room and resort so I'd prefer to have all my stays be CL. With that in mind....
Preliminary plan- AKL CL 8-10, GF deluxe 11-13 then CR CL 14-15

Reasoning...
AKL CL for the first 3 nights and then moving to one of the rail resorts or WL. I know AKL is far but my DD would really LOVE it and we would go to AK and HS while in that area plus great reviews.

Poly CL- negative reviews have steered me away from trying them. The views are tempting but dated rooms and cranky CMs .

CR CL-scares me too with the complaints of dirty rooms and slow mousekeeping but walking to MK sounds wonderful! The views from the lounge look fabulous but the offerings are just OK.

WL CL - looks soooo beautiful and gets good reviews but I don't know about getting on and off buses with two strollers . We'd be willing to cab it but I don't know how easy it is to get cabs? Maybe do this instead of CR?

GF- would be really wonderful but I don't have the CL option, What are my chances of getting upgraded to CL at GF? You think since its midweek it would be better than 0?? I still prefer this than poly or a longer stay at CR.

Sorry this turned into a thesis!Your advice/opinions/criticisms would be super duper and greatly appreciated! Thanks so, so much in advance

I would never attempt 3 resorts with a 4 yo & infant. You'll loose park time on the days you move and potentially be without a room on those days until 3pm. You would have access to the lounge though once you check in.

What if your DD loves AKL and doesnt want to move? Maybe you should stay there last.

I've stayed CL at AKL, CR, Poly and BWI. Love the staff at BWI the most, enjoy AKL way more than I thought I would, CR was fine and while Poly wasn't as good as others in some respects it was the best choice when my kids were small. Poly location really can't be beat. Easy access to MK via monorail or boat and easy access to Epcot by walking to TTC for direct monorail. I didn't like having to change monorails when I stayed at CR.

My dissatisfactions with Poly were relatively minor. I think all the other CL I've tried had more variety at breakfast and that is a time I know I will be there. I would say that I liked the evening offerings the best at Poly but I haven't been there since Aug 2009. My biggest issue with Poly is price. The last time we stayed there we had a TPV room but it was when they only had GV & LV categories. I think it is crazy that they charge $175 more than CL GV for that room I was in on that last trip to the Poly.

 

[WsPrincess]

Hello everybody
Newbie and Disney 1st timer here!! We (DH, DD 4, DS 15 mos and myself) will be headed to Disney Dec 8-16. The Dis has been an invaluable resource for me. I didn't even know the name of the parks (well, besides MK) when I started planning!

My dilemma at the moment is which resort/resorts to choose.. I received a pin code for room only and was hoping to get y'alls advice/opinions. The resorts available for my dates and with discount are: AKL CL, Poly CL GV & MK view, CR Atrium bay view, WL CL standard room and GF Lagoon view, regular garden view or deluxe garden view (no RPC/SL available ). Because my kiddos are young we spend a lot of time in our room and resort so I'd prefer to have all my stays be CL. With that in mind....
Preliminary plan- AKL CL 8-10, GF deluxe 11-13 then CR CL 14-15

Reasoning...
AKL CL for the first 3 nights and then moving to one of the rail resorts or WL. I know AKL is far but my DD would really LOVE it and we would go to AK and HS while in that area plus great reviews.

Poly CL- negative reviews have steered me away from trying them. The views are tempting but dated rooms and cranky CMs .

CR CL-scares me too with the complaints of dirty rooms and slow mousekeeping but walking to MK sounds wonderful! The views from the lounge look fabulous but the offerings are just OK.

WL CL - looks soooo beautiful and gets good reviews but I don't know about getting on and off buses with two strollers . We'd be willing to cab it but I don't know how easy it is to get cabs? Maybe do this instead of CR?

GF- would be really wonderful but I don't have the CL option, What are my chances of getting upgraded to CL at GF? You think since its midweek it would be better than 0?? I still prefer this than poly or a longer stay at CR.

Sorry this turned into a thesis!Your advice/opinions/criticisms would be super duper and greatly appreciated! Thanks so, so much in advance

We did a split stay last trip and while it was OK, I like not having to move but having 2 different experiences was AWESOME.

CR Atrium Club was AMAZING for us. We had no problems with Mousekeeping, we actually had some amazing towel animals and the day we left the Mousekeeper found DD in the CL and gave her one of the towel bears she made to take home. The staff was great and the room was clean and nice! We loved it.

 

[houstonmama]

I would never attempt 3 resorts with a 4 yo & infant. You'll loose park time on the days you move and potentially be without a room on those days until 3pm. You would have access to the lounge though once you check in.

What if your DD loves AKL and doesnt want to move? Maybe you should stay there last.

I've stayed CL at AKL, CR, Poly and BWI. Love the staff at BWI the most, enjoy AKL way more than I thought I would, CR was fine and while Poly wasn't as good as others in some respects it was the best choice when my kids were small. Poly location really can't be beat. Easy access to MK via monorail or boat and easy access to Epcot by walking to TTC for direct monorail. I didn't like having to change monorails when I stayed at CR.

My dissatisfactions with Poly were relatively minor. I think all the other CL I've tried had more variety at breakfast and that is a time I know I will be there. I would say that I liked the evening offerings the best at Poly but I haven't been there since Aug 2009. My biggest issue with Poly is price. The last time we stayed there we had a TPV room but it was when they only had GV & LV categories. I think it is crazy that they charge $175 more than CL GV for that room I was in on that last trip to the Poly.

With the resort changing, I guess I thought that since it was a slower time at Disney our room would be ready sooner but you're right I shouldn't assume that. I'd hate to not have a place for baby to nap.

Hmmmm, good idea to leave AKL for last!

Good info about the poly location. I didn't realize you had to switch monorails from CR to Epcot.

Those TPVs are expensive!! It's less expensive at CR to stay CL than TPV just like Poly.

Thanks so much for your help!!