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

[chimo2u]

I am beginning to really appreciate the CL services we enjoyed at AKL on both our previous trips! (January 08/Sept 09)

I am venturing away from my beloved AKL this trip as it is a trip with my teen son and I thought he might like the Epcot area resorts (Staying BC CL)

I sure hope our experience at BC CL is as positive as my experiences have been at AKL!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I am thinking experiences vary depending partly on how full the hotels are. Although you would THINK the lounge staff would know if the club level rooms were sold out and prepare accordingly.

Maybe the 10 nights we were there in Aug. '09 they were tweaking the evening service, or maybe people who were not supposed to have lounge access were up there anyway. I would almost swear there were not 2 hot appetizers offered each evening. I think it was one. Or maybe one just went so quickly I missed it.

 

[seadd67]

You would think with the price you pay, it would never be a issue about what you get In the CL?

 

[Pjimmeyer]

You would think with the price you pay, it would never be a issue about what you get In the CL?

I agree.

It seems to be way too hit-and-miss for CL service. The negative stories should be very few and far between. We expected them to blow our socks off and while we didn't have very many complaints we were not overly impressed either. CL service should not be a "your mileage may vary" issue. It should be a "fantastic if you can afford it" issue.

Just our opinion and don't stress about it if you want to try it out. I would very much recommend it for the curious if you can get a good deal. And if you are a fan of CL then that's cool too.

 

[hill6]

In our 5 nights at the Boardwalk the only time things were depleted was one morning when we got a late start. We did take what they had out and when they replenished some items we did take them.

All other times things were full or being filled as they were emptied. Those folks worked hard. Also they were great when we spent our last hour there before going down to Magical Express. They came and asked if we needed/wanted anything.

 

[yolie912]

I would like to know if the Beach Club CL rooms all have full balconies.??

Thanks

 

[hill6]

I would like to know if the Beach Club CL rooms all have full balconies.??

Thanks

Go to the Yacht and Beach Club Thread to get this info. I know not everyroom has full balconies. Lots of useful info first few pages. If not then ask and you will have answer shortly

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

In December 2009 we were talking to one of the Atrium Club Cast Members and asked them what happens to all the food in the lounges once it gets taken away? We were told that it all gets thrown out into the garbage. We then asked how come it doesn't get donated to a food bank? They told us that's what use to happen, however someone from there who was eating the food got sick and the food bank sued WDW. So because of that they stopped donating all that food. Anyway I thought it's an intresting fact for those who didn't know that and after hearing that we never felt guilty going up and taking 2 or 3 more plates of food during the various food services, because at least that's better then having it all end up in the garbage.

 

[yolie912]

Thanks so much for the suggestion. I will check out the beach club thread. What do you guys thing of the CL at the CR??

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Read all 30 pages and still have questions, hope someone can help.

DH surprised me with a birthday trip this February. When he booked, he forgot to add my need for a handicap bathroom (grab bars in the tub and around the commode area). So when I called back, we had to move from POR to POFQ and they said that there was a room held for our end of the stay at AKL club level. I am a bit worried since no one has mentioned this type of room and I would hate to have our "view" moved because of this. I would feel absolutely terrible if I ruined his surprise to me. Anyone have any experience with this??

Also, the Sunrise Safari. I was going to surprise DH with the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour as this is our first without children vacation in 20 years. He always talks about this tour but then I read good things regarding the Sunrise Safari. Anyone feel one is better than the other?

From reading, I get breakfast will be okay for us without being considered a "hoarder", but I need some ideas re: other meals. We will be just off deluxe dining while at POFQ and the carry-over for our first night at AKL (my bday!!).

Is it about right to have a continental breakfast in the lounge, a CS (we have some favorites that we will not be visiting while in DXDining) and then some grazing other times in the lounge. Does this sound within protocol?

Do all the rooms have balcony's? Would you recommend a resort day only. We have never stayed at either a moderate or a deluxe, so this is all new to us.

Last but not least, we will be having breakfast at Boma, lunch and Liberty Tree Tavern for my birthday and praying for a cancellation for the Wishes Dessert party for dinner. Since, I think that wish may not come true, could you state where you would want your bday dinner, (either one or two credit doesn't matter, we have some room to move ADR's around). I really wanted CG for Wishes, but since this is a late planned trip, only way after 9 is available.

And last but not least, I haven't really had a drink since we married. I do love Kahlua, and see that it is available. Do the CM's pour for you or can you do it. I was thinking of trying something for my bday in the evening. Any other drink contributions would be appreciated.

I know I have asked a lot. This will be my bday celebration but also my 20th. wedding anniversary a few months early. DH's boss took off the week before, week of and week after at our anniversary. A large surprise party had to be cancelled and many tears were shed by me. Thus, the creation of my gift. I want it to be as perfect as we can make it. I totally understand, never think everything will be perfect or you will be disappointed, thus the few cordials to make the bad stuff disappear.. Thank you everyone!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks so much for the suggestion. I will check out the beach club thread. What do you guys thing of the CL at the CR??

We have had many Club Level stays at the Contemporary on their Atrium Club floor and each one has been great, so I don't have one bad thing to say about them.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Read all 30 pages and still have questions, hope someone can help.

DH surprised me with a birthday trip this February. When he booked, he forgot to add my need for a handicap bathroom (grab bars in the tub and around the commode area). So when I called back, we had to move from POR to POFQ and they said that there was a room held for our end of the stay at AKL club level. I am a bit worried since no one has mentioned this type of room and I would hate to have our "view" moved because of this. I would feel absolutely terrible if I ruined his surprise to me. Anyone have any experience with this??

Also, the Sunrise Safari. I was going to surprise DH with the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour as this is our first without children vacation in 20 years. He always talks about this tour but then I read good things regarding the Sunrise Safari. Anyone feel one is better than the other?

From reading, I get breakfast will be okay for us without being considered a "hoarder", but I need some ideas re: other meals. We will be just off deluxe dining while at POFQ and the carry-over for our first night at AKL (my bday!!).

Is it about right to have a continental breakfast in the lounge, a CS (we have some favorites that we will not be visiting while in DXDining) and then some grazing other times in the lounge. Does this sound within protocol?

Do all the rooms have balcony's? Would you recommend a resort day only. We have never stayed at either a moderate or a deluxe, so this is all new to us.

Last but not least, we will be having breakfast at Boma, lunch and Liberty Tree Tavern for my birthday and praying for a cancellation for the Wishes Dessert party for dinner. Since, I think that wish may not come true, could you state where you would want your bday dinner, (either one or two credit doesn't matter, we have some room to move ADR's around). I really wanted CG for Wishes, but since this is a late planned trip, only way after 9 is available.

And last but not least, I haven't really had a drink since we married. I do love Kahlua, and see that it is available. Do the CM's pour for you or can you do it. I was thinking of trying something for my bday in the evening. Any other drink contributions would be appreciated.

I know I have asked a lot. This will be my bday celebration but also my 20th. wedding anniversary a few months early. DH's boss took off the week before, week of and week after at our anniversary. A large surprise party had to be cancelled and many tears were shed by me. Thus, the creation of my gift. I want it to be as perfect as we can make it. I totally understand, never think everything will be perfect or you will be disappointed, thus the few cordials to make the bad stuff disappear.. Thank you everyone!!!

A shameful bump, hoping for answers...

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Is it normal for the CL to charge and reverse charges numerous times on your card? We put in only one request that would cost anything, it has been booked for ages and I really didn't expect a miracle. Now the cost of said request was put on my card only to be reversed and in the hold on my account. So is this normal?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Tinker'n'Fun,
Here is what I am able answer for you. The Club Level lounges offer a continental breakfast which would include various Cereals, Pastries, Fruit, Bagles, Toast and some lounges have Oatmeal and others don't.

Since I have never stayed Club Level at the Animal Kingdom Lodge I don't know if they have Kahlua, however when it comes to those type of drinks you pour them yourself.

Finally in our previous Club Level stays we have never needed to give the IPO Cast Members a credit card or anything for stuff in advance, so I am not sure what that situation is.

 

[baler31]

Is it normal for the CL to charge and reverse charges numerous times on your card? We put in only one request that would cost anything, it has been booked for ages and I really didn't expect a miracle. Now the cost of said request was put on my card only to be reversed and in the hold on my account. So is this normal?

I have had that happen. We have used them to book tours, fireworks cruises, CRT, and some private dining events. Sometimes even the CM's did not know why, it usually occured when we made changes to an existing reservation. It happend with CRT numerous times, but the charges were always refunded.

I would call the CM you have dealt with and ask about the issue, they have always been very quick to respons by phone or email when I have had to contact them.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I have had that happen. We have used them to book tours, fireworks cruises, CRT, and some private dining events. Sometimes even the CM's did not know why, it usually occured when we made changes to an existing reservation. It happend with CRT numerous times, but the charges were always refunded.

I would call the CM you have dealt with and ask about the issue, they have always been very quick to respons by phone or email when I have had to contact them.

Had a manager call and apologize but was a bit confused with his reasoning. Pretty much blamed another dept. and that he would get their management involved. It's off now. Still hesitant, but as I have said, this is all new to me.

 

[lovesdumbo]

DH surprised me with a birthday trip this February. When he booked, he forgot to add my need for a handicap bathroom (grab bars in the tub and around the commode area). So when I called back, we had to move from POR to POFQ and they said that there was a room held for our end of the stay at AKL club level. I am a bit worried since no one has mentioned this type of room and I would hate to have our "view" moved because of this. I would feel absolutely terrible if I ruined his surprise to me. Anyone have any experience with this??

I am fortunate enough to not need a handicap room but I would be shocked if AKL didn't have savanah view handicap rooms. I would talk to IPO about this-they can tell you for sure and be sure it is noted on your reservation.

Also, the Sunrise Safari. I was going to surprise DH with the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour as this is our first without children vacation in 20 years. He always talks about this tour but then I read good things regarding the Sunrise Safari. Anyone feel one is better than the other?

I have done Keys to the Kingdom one time and Sunrise Safari twice. I have to say I enjoyed Sunrise Safari MUCH more! Plus you can only do Sunrise Safari if staying AKL CL while you can do Keys to the Kingdom on any trip. The Keys to the Kingdom was a nice tour but I just didn't like our guide. He was so full of himself. I would like to do it again sometime but probably not until my DS is old enough to do it. The Sunrise Safari is just a really awesome experience! Breakfast is great too!

From reading, I get breakfast will be okay for us without being considered a "hoarder", but I need some ideas re: other meals. We will be just off deluxe dining while at POFQ and the carry-over for our first night at AKL (my bday!!).

Is it about right to have a continental breakfast in the lounge, a CS (we have some favorites that we will not be visiting while in DXDining) and then some grazing other times in the lounge. Does this sound within protocol?

Breakfast at AKL CL is very nice. Nice fruit, oatmeal, quinoa, pastries and a wonderful espresso machine! OH and the "jungle juice" or whatever they call the OJ/mango mix.

Afternoon snacks are stuff like cookies, chips, mixed nuts, and apples. Evening offerings are cheese & crackers-most cheese was smoked, humus, grilled/marinated veggies and 2 hot offerings. Some times the hot offerings were a bit too "exotic" for me. Lots of little philo dough stuffed things. They have wine & beer at this time. A few nights that was enough for me after a large late lunch but I more often would grab a little something there and then get something else at Mara.

Do all the rooms have balcony's? Would you recommend a resort day only. We have never stayed at either a moderate or a deluxe, so this is all new to us.

All AKL rooms have balconies.

Last but not least, we will be having breakfast at Boma, lunch and Liberty Tree Tavern for my birthday and praying for a cancellation for the Wishes Dessert party for dinner. Since, I think that wish may not come true, could you state where you would want your bday dinner, (either one or two credit doesn't matter, we have some room to move ADR's around). I really wanted CG for Wishes, but since this is a late planned trip, only way after 9 is available.

I did the Wishes Dessert party once and didn't think it was worth the cost and that was when it was a lot cheaper. BUT...we are a family of 5 and we did it on our arrival day when everyone was too tired to eat much or enjoy it. Too bad you can't get CG-that is where I go for my birthday. Can you get anything ealier in the night? If you eat early you can go back up to the lookout for the fireworks.

How about Narcoosees at GF? You could watch Wishes from their deck. My favorite meals at WDW have been the 3 times I've eaten at Flying Fish at BWI.

And last but not least, I haven't really had a drink since we married. I do love Kahlua, and see that it is available. Do the CM's pour for you or can you do it. I was thinking of trying something for my bday in the evening. Any other drink contributions would be appreciated.

Found this photo over on the CL photo thread. Looks like they have Kahlua. If you want to see Wishes you might not be at the lounge when the cordials are out. OH...and while looking for photos of the cordials I also found photos of handicap CL rooms.

I know I have asked a lot. This will be my bday celebration but also my 20th. wedding anniversary a few months early. DH's boss took off the week before, week of and week after at our anniversary. A large surprise party had to be cancelled and many tears were shed by me. Thus, the creation of my gift. I want it to be as perfect as we can make it. I totally understand, never think everything will be perfect or you will be disappointed, thus the few cordials to make the bad stuff disappear.. Thank you everyone!!!

I'm sure you'll have a very magical trip.

 

[dgbg100106]

Read all 30 pages and still have questions, hope someone can help.

DH surprised me with a birthday trip this February. When he booked, he forgot to add my need for a handicap bathroom (grab bars in the tub and around the commode area). So when I called back, we had to move from POR to POFQ and they said that there was a room held for our end of the stay at AKL club level. I am a bit worried since no one has mentioned this type of room and I would hate to have our "view" moved because of this. I would feel absolutely terrible if I ruined his surprise to me. Anyone have any experience with this??

Also, the Sunrise Safari. I was going to surprise DH with the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour as this is our first without children vacation in 20 years. He always talks about this tour but then I read good things regarding the Sunrise Safari. Anyone feel one is better than the other?

From reading, I get breakfast will be okay for us without being considered a "hoarder", but I need some ideas re: other meals. We will be just off deluxe dining while at POFQ and the carry-over for our first night at AKL (my bday!!).

Is it about right to have a continental breakfast in the lounge, a CS (we have some favorites that we will not be visiting while in DXDining) and then some grazing other times in the lounge. Does this sound within protocol?

Do all the rooms have balcony's? Would you recommend a resort day only. We have never stayed at either a moderate or a deluxe, so this is all new to us.

Last but not least, we will be having breakfast at Boma, lunch and Liberty Tree Tavern for my birthday and praying for a cancellation for the Wishes Dessert party for dinner. Since, I think that wish may not come true, could you state where you would want your bday dinner, (either one or two credit doesn't matter, we have some room to move ADR's around). I really wanted CG for Wishes, but since this is a late planned trip, only way after 9 is available.

And last but not least, I haven't really had a drink since we married. I do love Kahlua, and see that it is available. Do the CM's pour for you or can you do it. I was thinking of trying something for my bday in the evening. Any other drink contributions would be appreciated.

I know I have asked a lot. This will be my bday celebration but also my 20th. wedding anniversary a few months early. DH's boss took off the week before, week of and week after at our anniversary. A large surprise party had to be cancelled and many tears were shed by me. Thus, the creation of my gift. I want it to be as perfect as we can make it. I totally understand, never think everything will be perfect or you will be disappointed, thus the few cordials to make the bad stuff disappear.. Thank you everyone!!!

I can tell you that they have Handicapped rooms, I stayed in one two years in a row.

I have pictures from the sunrise safari in my tr and they start at post 179 on page 12. It was wonderful.

 

[coopersmom]

Found this photo over on the CL photo thread. Looks like they have Kahlua. If you want to see Wishes you might not be at the lounge when the cordials are out. OH...and while looking for photos of the cordials I also found photos of handicap CL rooms.

I'm sure you'll have a very magical trip.

I don't drink liquors, but on our recent stay at Polynesian club level they were no longer offering Kahlua, Baileys or Grand Mariner. I know this only because, while waiting for a chocolate milk for my son, I heard a club cast member speaking with another guest about the lack. He said all club level offerings are being standardized, so that every club level has the same things, and some of the higher-priced items were being phased out and there would be a smaller selection of liquors overall offered in the evening (4, instead of 6-8). He did offer her something that he said was Kahlua-like. I don't remember the name/brand.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I don't drink liquors, but on our recent stay at Polynesian club level they were no longer offering Kahlua, Baileys or Grand Mariner. I know this only because, while waiting for a chocolate milk for my son, I heard a club cast member speaking with another guest about the lack. He said all club level offerings are being standardized, so that every club level has the same things, and some of the higher-priced items were being phased out and there would be a smaller selection of liquors overall offered in the evening (4, instead of 6-8). He did offer her something that he said was Kahlua-like. I don't remember the name/brand.

When I stayed at Poly CL in September they only had 4 liquors out. Actually, every time I have stayed at WDW CL they have only had 4. I'd be shocked if they removed Grand Marnier as they are a WDW sponsor. Also, they have never offered Bailey's.