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

[LorieDisneyLover]

Anyone have any thoughts on a YC Junior Suite/Deluxe room Vs. a Poly Lagoon View CL room? They are pricing out about the same for us, but the rooms are quite different:

The YC Junior Suite is 645 Sq. Ft., but isn't on the CL floor (they're on the 3rd and 4th floors). It has a Crescent Lake View and full balcony (there are only two of these rooms). The Poly LV room is only 415 Sq. Ft.

We have never had a LV or CL room at the Poly nor a suite at the YC. We're doing a split stay with the first five nights at the CR, so we thought the next 7 nights of the split should be at an Epcot resort, but now I'm not sure since the costs are almost identical and it's so easy to get to the TTC/Epcot from the Poly.

The Polynesian Lagoon View rooms might have an obstructed view of the castle. Last year we were in rooms 1514 and 1515 -- both had a decent view of the castle but at an angle and there was a tree that slightly blocked our view. It wasn't a big deal except on the 4th of July -- the middle of the building was an idea place to view the fireworks. Our room was near the end of the hall.

 

[Tess]

The Polynesian Lagoon View rooms might have an obstructed view of the castle. Last year we were in rooms 1514 and 1515 -- both had a decent view of the castle but at an angle and there was a tree that slightly blocked our view. It wasn't a big deal except on the 4th of July -- the middle of the building was an idea place to view the fireworks. Our room was near the end of the hall.

Another school of thought is that IF they overbook the LV CL rooms, the only option is to give you a TPV CL for the same rate. A risk you take when you book LV CL, but I would be willing to take the risk. Then again, I really do prefer to book the GV CL at a much lower rate. We vastly prefer to be outside rather than on our balcony for the view.

The east end LV CL rooms are truly the most obstructed.

 

[Missoutandabout]

Appreciate this discussion regarding Poly's CL rooms. Since we downgraded from the TPV to the GV, I've been wondering about whether I should add to my room request -- which currently is "top floor, full balcony" -- and have them put "quiet" as well. Not sure I'd enjoy being near the lounge. If, and I know it's a big "if" whether or not we'll even get the top floor, should I just wait and see what they give us ... then potentially just ask during check-in if the room is further away from the lounge? Ah, such waffling. Just call me Eggo.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Third floor is a really good choice and my favorite. I prefer the middle to east end of the floor (farthest from the lounge, but nearest the east exit of Hawaii). The middle building rooms have more unobstructed GV and are equal-distant to the exits. It's just a personal preference though.

Breakfast service is the typical Disney norm--loads of carbs and fruits. The coffee is crap though. Evening service has a variety of offerings each evening and with the exception of our visit last summer (Chef Dick had just departed and the lounge was in flux as a result) are plentiful and tasty. The third floor seating area in the lounge is our favorite, but we no longer have young children.

The Polynesian is our favorite CL and we have been fortunate enough to give all but YC, WL, and Contemp a shot. Sadly for us, our kids are grown and with the exorbitant increase in rates for CL, we find that the cost is prohibitive for the two of us. Still, it was a wonderful 15+ year run of CL stays. . .I don't even want to calculate what we have spent on our yearly (and sometimes twice yearly) visits. The memories are worth every penny spent.

Thank you so much for all the information.

We have 4 older children and the three youngest ones travel to Disney with us so I know what you mean about the memories. We do a nice, long, over 2 week summer Disney trip each year and I don't even want to think about all the money we've spent! CL is definitely worth it for us - with 5 of us taking advantage of the offerings. My children have been staying CL for years so they know what "Lounge" manners are! They definitely won't be the kids grabbing food with their hands or taking something and putting it back.

We are very excited to try the Poly CL!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

We're in a debate of where to stay for our Oct Trip. At least I have a while to decide.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I remember that their Lagoon View - Club Level Rooms and Deluxe Rooms were a bit more expensive then the Beach Club.

Yes, the YC's Deluxe rooms are actually Jr. Suites and are 645 Sq. Ft. Vs. 533 Sq. Ft. for a BC Deluxe room. And, a BC Deluxe room (they all have a lake view) is actually less than the BC (lake view) regular room. The fact that the Deluxe room isn't on the CL floor (5th) must have something to do with it.

WDWKOOK,
Did you see this comment from TigerLvsPooh on her live from the Beach Club thread. After reading that comment it made me feel even better about staying Club Level there and I think it will have the same effect for you.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40558066&postcount=296

Yes, I saw that and I did feel a little better. But, I still think the BC is busier and attracts more families with children than the YC and may be part of the reason its lounge can be rather chaotic at times. Also, with Cape May in the lobby, the BC lobby is always more crowded and crazy than is the YC's. Also, sometimes when I check availability online, the BC seems to fill-up faster than the YC.

When we stayed Club Level at the Polynesian in December 2007 we got upgraded from their Garden View - Club Level room to their Lagoon View - Club Level room at check-in. However this was before they added thier Club Level - Theme Park View, because the room we got also had a clear view of Cinderella's Castle and today it would considered a Theme Park View room. I also remember we stayed on the 3rd floor of the Hawaii Longhouse in room #3510, so when we walked to the lounge we went through the sitting area on the 3rd floor and took the stairs down to the main area on the 2nd floor.

Was that your only stay there? Just curious, why have you never been back since your upgrade?

Appreciate this discussion regarding Poly's CL rooms. Since we downgraded from the TPV to the GV, I've been wondering about whether I should add to my room request -- which currently is "top floor, full balcony" -- and have them put "quiet" as well. Not sure I'd enjoy being near the lounge. If, and I know it's a big "if" whether or not we'll even get the top floor, should I just wait and see what they give us ... then potentially just ask during check-in if the room is further away from the lounge? Ah, such waffling. Just call me Eggo.

Eggo:

You do know all about the Resort Changers' thread, right?

I wouldn't bother putting "quiet" in your request. The longer your request, the harder it is for the room assigner to fulfill. And, one person's "quiet" can easily be another person's "noisy." Instead of "quiet" you should be more specific such as, "Away from elevator" or "Far from lounge" or "No connecting door." If you can, try to limit your request to two things. Since you're staying CL, it won't be that difficult for you to head back down to the concierge if your room isn't quite to your liking.

Good luck, Eggo!

 

[Tess]

Appreciate this discussion regarding Poly's CL rooms. Since we downgraded from the TPV to the GV, I've been wondering about whether I should add to my room request -- which currently is "top floor, full balcony" -- and have them put "quiet" as well. Not sure I'd enjoy being near the lounge. If, and I know it's a big "if" whether or not we'll even get the top floor, should I just wait and see what they give us ... then potentially just ask during check-in if the room is further away from the lounge? Ah, such waffling. Just call me Eggo.

All of the CL rooms on first and third have a "full" balcony or patio. No need to add that to the request. Quiet would be at the east end of the building. It is the most remote from the lounge. If you request both first or third and the east end of the building as your requests (in that order)--that would make the second floor (no balcony or outdoor space whatsoever) as your least likely option and the least likely assigned.

Honestly, we have never been unhappy with a room assignment in Hawaii. Trust the tiki gods and let the chips fall. If, after your primary requests as listed above, you are assigned a room on two, ask for one or three. As I have posted. We have stayed at the Polynesian for over 15 years and never gotten a second floor room.

Thank you so much for all the information.

We have 4 older children and the three youngest ones travel to Disney with us so I know what you mean about the memories. We do a nice, long, over 2 week summer Disney trip each year and I don't even want to think about all the money we've spent! CL is definitely worth it for us - with 5 of us taking advantage of the offerings. My children have been staying CL for years so they know what "Lounge" manners are! They definitely won't be the kids grabbing food with their hands or taking something and putting it back.

I guessed with your moniker that you had a number of children. I wasn't sure how many were still under the adult age. We have enjoyed those long stays as well and I hope you enjoy your next as we have enjoyed all of ours. We will be looking forward to grandchildren some day. . .not too soon. . .but some day.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

IPO sent me an email offering to put all the reservations I made, together for me. I already entered all the confirmation #s into my cell phone calendar. Is there any reason to still have them do this? I don't want to waste their time.

 

[jackemail]

Honestly, we have never been unhappy with a room assignment in Hawaii. Trust the tiki gods and let the chips fall. If, after your primary requests as listed above, you are assigned a room on two, ask for one or three. As I have posted. We have stayed at the Polynesian for over 15 years and never gotten a second floor room.

I have stayed in Hawaii at least 10 trips, and never received-or wanted- a second floor room. Since no one EVER seems to want them, I have always wondered who gets stuck with them!

 

[Missoutandabout]

You do know all about the Resort Changers' thread, right?

Yes. And, nooooo way. I don't need to add to my bona fide insanity. Honestly, I briefly considered the GF when I found out my parents wanted to come as I thought they'd enjoy it and it was on the monorail... then realised that would be a triple-split stay.

I wouldn't bother putting "quiet" in your request. The longer your request, the harder it is for the room assigner to fulfill. And, one person's "quiet" can easily be another person's "noisy." Instead of "quiet" you should be more specific such as, "Away from elevator" or "Far from lounge" or "No connecting door." If you can, try to limit your request to two things. Since you're staying CL, it won't be that difficult for you to head back down to the concierge if your room isn't quite to your liking.

All of the CL rooms on first and third have a "full" balcony or patio. No need to add that to the request. Quiet would be at the east end of the building. It is the most remote from the lounge. If you request both first or third and the east end of the building as your requests (in that order)--that would make the second floor (no balcony or outdoor space whatsoever) as your least likely option and the least likely assigned.

Honestly, we have never been unhappy with a room assignment in Hawaii. Trust the tiki gods and let the chips fall. If, after your primary requests as listed above, you are assigned a room on two, ask for one or three. As I have posted. We have stayed at the Polynesian for over 15 years and never gotten a second floor room.

Thanks gals. Yeah, since I added the request via phone, the woman insisted on putting "full balcony" when I had just said top floor. I explained to her in a nice way that top floor meant full balcony but she put both anyway. Ah well, rather overly efficient than under, eh? I think I'll just leave it at that and hope for the best the Tiki Gods can deliver. And, like WDWKook mentioned above, if I'm that turned off by the room location -- which I seriously doubt I will be unless it's on the second floor -- I can always head back down to concierge.

Good luck, Eggo!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I have stayed in Hawaii at least 10 trips, and never received-or wanted- a second floor room. Since no one EVER seems to want them, I have always wondered who gets stuck with them!

People who get free upgrades!

We had booked a garden view on an AP rate and they upgraded us to 2nd floor Hawaii building. It was only a 2 night stay, but it was nice to be upgraded.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Yes, I saw that and I did feel a little better. But, I still think the BC is busier and attracts more families with children than the YC and may be part of the reason its lounge can be rather chaotic at times. Also, with Cape May in the lobby, the BC lobby is always more crowded and crazy than is the YC's. Also, sometimes when I check availability online, the BC seems to fill-up faster than the YC.

Was that your only stay there? Just curious, why have you never been back since your upgrade?

Honestly I don't care how busy their lobby can be with Cape May and etc, because all I care about is the Stone Harbor Club lounge. I mean the 4th floor of the Contemporary is busy with Chef Mickey's, Contempo Cafe, their stores and Monorail station. However that never effected the Atrium Club lounge.

Yes that was our only stay at the Polynesian in December 2007 and it's because we still liked the Contemporary a lot more. Besides that even though it's nice since it's renovation, we didn't like that their rooms were more darker compared to the rooms at the Contemporary and Boardwalk Inn.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

All of the CL rooms on first and third have a "full" balcony or patio. No need to add that to the request. Quiet would be at the east end of the building. It is the most remote from the lounge. If you request both first or third and the east end of the building as your requests (in that order)--that would make the second floor (no balcony or outdoor space whatsoever) as your least likely option and the least likely assigned.

Honestly, we have never been unhappy with a room assignment in Hawaii. Trust the tiki gods and let the chips fall. If, after your primary requests as listed above, you are assigned a room on two, ask for one or three. As I have posted. We have stayed at the Polynesian for over 15 years and never gotten a second floor room.



I guessed with your moniker that you had a number of children. I wasn't sure how many were still under the adult age. We have enjoyed those long stays as well and I hope you enjoy your next as we have enjoyed all of ours. We will be looking forward to grandchildren some day. . .not too soon. . .but some day.

The best trip we ever had was in 2008. For Christmas 2007 we gave all our children, their spouses, the 3 grandchidlren we had at the time and my mom a "Trip of a Lifetime" all expenses paid trip to Disney. We paid for everything - rooms, ddp, passes, airfare and spending money. We stayed at BC CL and we did the resort portrait session. There were 16 of us, representing 4 generations. The cost was astronomical but it was the best money we ever spent. The memories will be with all of us forever. It was a blast watching the grandchildren see Disney for the first time. My mom's health has taken a serious decline since then so it definitely was her last trip to Disney. I can honestly say without a doubt that these memories truly are priceless.

 

[grannyminnie]

The best trip we ever had was in 2008. For Christmas 2007 we gave all our children, their spouses, the 3 grandchidlren we had at the time and my mom a "Trip of a Lifetime" all expenses paid trip to Disney. We paid for everything - rooms, ddp, passes, airfare and spending money. We stayed at BC CL and we did the resort portrait session. There were 16 of us, representing 4 generations. The cost was astronomical but it was the best money we ever spent. The memories will be with all of us forever. It was a blast watching the grandchildren see Disney for the first time. My mom's health has taken a serious decline since then so it definitely was her last trip to Disney. I can honestly say without a doubt that these memories truly are priceless.

Enjoyed reading your memories, Robyn. One of my most memorable trips in the last several years was the one I took with my sister, my mother and my granddaughter (her first trip and celebrating her 5th bd). It was my mother's last visit as well. She is still with us, but not able to travel. Seeing the photos from that trip makes me happy! (we were at the WL)

 

[Tess]

The best trip we ever had was in 2008. For Christmas 2007 we gave all our children, their spouses, the 3 grandchidlren we had at the time and my mom a "Trip of a Lifetime" all expenses paid trip to Disney. We paid for everything - rooms, ddp, passes, airfare and spending money. We stayed at BC CL and we did the resort portrait session. There were 16 of us, representing 4 generations. The cost was astronomical but it was the best money we ever spent. The memories will be with all of us forever. It was a blast watching the grandchildren see Disney for the first time. My mom's health has taken a serious decline since then so it definitely was her last trip to Disney. I can honestly say without a doubt that these memories truly are priceless.

Thanks for sharing your story. and I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. Our trip in 2008 was memorable as well but for all the wrong reasons. Our daughter graduated high school that year and I was sicker than I have ever been in my life--the entire trip! Despite the illness, it was a trip we will never forget either and we had fun despite the setback.

 

[lovesdumbo]

People who get free upgrades!

Or me.


It was our 4th paid Poly CL stay. When I asked for another room that said that was all they had. It was our first GV stay. I didn't ask if they could move us some other day during our 9 night stay as I didn't want to deal with that. We skipped Poly CL for 2 years after that. When we went back we did LV again (before TPV) and got the PERFECT 3rd floor room. That TPV is just SO expensive. We haven't gone back to Poly CL since they added that booking category.

 

[Wendy&Grumpy]

We are blocked in an accessible for Labor Day weekend, Club Level. Are there Club level HA rooms on the 7th floor or are they located on other floors?

I would think the solid wall balconies on the 7th floor would be a no-go for an HA room?

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Or me.


It was our 4th paid Poly CL stay. When I asked for another room that said that was all they had. It was our first GV stay. I didn't ask if they could move us some other day during our 9 night stay as I didn't want to deal with that. We skipped Poly CL for 2 years after that. When we went back we did LV again (before TPV) and got the PERFECT 3rd floor room. That TPV is just SO expensive. We haven't gone back to Poly CL since they added that booking category.

I'm in total agreement with you. I even paid for a TPV last time we stayed Poly CL and our view was majorly blocked by a huge palm tree! Haven't been back to Poly since.
This time around we're looking forward to staying at the Beach Club and possibly AK Kindani. Have to do a split stay (UGH!) because we had to change our dates due to a family wedding, and we couldn't get anything for the entire time. Am definitely NOT looking forward to the move right in the middle of our stay, but am looking forward to both resorts!

 

[Sea Turtles]

We are blocked in an accessible for Labor Day weekend, Club Level. Are there Club level HA rooms on the 7th floor or are they located on other floors?

I would think the solid wall balconies on the 7th floor would be a no-go for an HA room?

We were assigned a HA room on the 7th floor in Sept of last year

 

[lovesdumbo]

I'm in total agreement with you. I even paid for a TPV last time we stayed Poly CL and our view was majorly blocked by a huge palm tree! Haven't been back to Poly since.
This time around we're looking forward to staying at the Beach Club and possibly AK Kindani. Have to do a split stay (UGH!) because we had to change our dates due to a family wedding, and we couldn't get anything for the entire time. Am definitely NOT looking forward to the move right in the middle of our stay, but am looking forward to both resorts!

I'm sure you'll love those 2 resorts. I considered a 1BR at Kindani for our family trip this August but couldn't get it with a discount which made it a LOT more than BWI CL. I've stayed AKL CL twice with DS & DD but DH has never been there. He said he had no desire to stay there (our entire family of 5 won't fit in on CL room there). I really think he would have loved it if he tried it. If we go next summer I'm thinking we should try a family suite at Animation Suites but I probably won't be able to get a discount and we'll probably be back to BWI CL.

The pricing on those TPV Poly CL rooms is crazy! Nearly $100 more per night than the deluxe BWI CL rooms and I think the service at BWI is better. Especially breakfast!