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

[britfish]

I thought I'd check in because we just returned from a stay at GF. We originally booked CR but were switched to GF due to rennovations at CR. When we were switched we were told we would be in the main bldg with a theme park view. We ended up being in the Conch bldg. in a one bedroom suite. I think it was the Wakeida suite? It was huge, we had three balconies that looked right at the castle. If you couldn't get a good view from one we could try another! I missed having the CL close by, Sugarloaf was usually so busy we preferred to just go to RPC. We did find the food offerings the same in each (and neither seemed to replenish the chocolate strawberries at night
I dont know if they would have gotten us some, we didn't ask, although I did ask for a glass of white wine each evening and the happily supplied that!
I was a little diasappointed our room was not ready until after 4 on our check in day. For an hour and a half prior to that we kept being told "any minute" that it needed a check over from the supervisor for the hosuekeeping. Oddly enough we found the housekeeping lacking, the flowers were dead and dropping petals, the counters on the wet bar were sticky/dirty as was the coffee table and there were some clothing tags on the floor.
Unfortunately our stay at GF was clouded by Hurricane Irene as we spent endless hours rebooking flights and trying to find a way to get home. We tried to enjoy the details but we had so much stressful going on while we were there it was hard. I am sad to have had this all going on while at this once in a lifetime resort but I am also thankful that we made it home safe and sound and that we came home to a home that was uneffected unlike many of our neighbors.

 

[Adlergray]

Sounds delish! We're staying CL at BC but there are not many reviews of the offerings there. Lots of good reviews from every where else which makes me second guess BC.

I think the offerings at the bc are the same as at the YC, we just got back last weekend and while the people and room were lovely the food was really bleh. I would say it was just us but some one who was there the same week said they felt the same way. The chips and dip at snack time are awesome. they have great PB&J for the kids (a soft roll with a little cup of peanut butter topped with Jelly) Apples and caramel. However the hot apps were just not good. The cheese was always glassed over. Wine I would skip beer, water awesome, breakfast was good. pretty basic but always fresh and usually some good pastrys/bread/muffins. Besides the gross misjudgment (on our part) of how hard the buses would be with an infant and a stroller it was really the only other disappointment in our trip. (now we also did DXDP so it was a very small disappointment as we were always on our way to dinner right after the food got put out.)

 

[WDWKOOK]

I thought I'd check in because we just returned from a stay at GF. We originally booked CR but were switched to GF due to rennovations at CR. When we were switched we were told we would be in the main bldg with a theme park view. We ended up being in the Conch bldg. in a one bedroom suite. I think it was the Wakeida suite? It was huge, we had three balconies that looked right at the castle. If you couldn't get a good view from one we could try another! I missed having the CL close by, Sugarloaf was usually so busy we preferred to just go to RPC. We did find the food offerings the same in each (and neither seemed to replenish the chocolate strawberries at night
I dont know if they would have gotten us some, we didn't ask, although I did ask for a glass of white wine each evening and the happily supplied that!
I was a little diasappointed our room was not ready until after 4 on our check in day. For an hour and a half prior to that we kept being told "any minute" that it needed a check over from the supervisor for the hosuekeeping. Oddly enough we found the housekeeping lacking, the flowers were dead and dropping petals, the counters on the wet bar were sticky/dirty as was the coffee table and there were some clothing tags on the floor.
Unfortunately our stay at GF was clouded by Hurricane Irene as we spent endless hours rebooking flights and trying to find a way to get home. We tried to enjoy the details but we had so much stressful going on while we were there it was hard. I am sad to have had this all going on while at this once in a lifetime resort but I am also thankful that we made it home safe and sound and that we came home to a home that was uneffected unlike many of our neighbors.

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?

 

[krb2g]

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'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!

 

[WDWKOOK]

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'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 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.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We were at AKL in the middle of August. Really enjoyed the lounge and the club level CMs were fantastic.

We were there for seven days and were in the lounge at all times of the day. It was never crowded. There was always a place to sit down.

They continued stocking the food for each session right up until they began breaking it down. If they ran out of something, they'd replenish it. Before we left for our trip, I read several posts from people at various resorts complaining that if you weren't there right at the start of the presentation, all the food would be gone. That wasn't our experience at all.

Also, everyone came dressed. No pajamas. No barefeet.

Breakfast was bagels, croissants, cereal, oatmeal, quinoa (which I never tried but my wife enjoyed), fruit and slap yo' mamma good pastries. The cinnamon rolls and chocolate croissants were outstanding. They also have an expresso machine and coffee. And yes, they have to-go cups with lids. They also have juice (including my new favorite, mango juice) and water.

I can't remember what mid-morning/afternoon snacks were, I think goldfish, kettle chips, yogurt preztels and gummy bears.

For tea they had scones.

Appetizers were surprisingly good. They had two hot options, usually food I couldn't immediately identify (in other words, it wasn't meatballs or shrimp) but I tried everything and it was always good. One night they had a cold tomato bisque which even my 4 year old thought was the bomb diggity. They'd also have veggies, cheese, humus and ham and cheese deals.

Desserts were nondescript brownies, rice crispie deals, cookies and some tart looking things.

But the club lounge is worth the cost for the African Smoothie. Good night nurse! They start serving it after breakfast and it stays out until they close. Unbelievably good! Even better mixed with some Sprite.

On our arrival day, as we were settling into our room, a club level cm came to bring us a gift for our anniversary (two wooden giraffes), some Happy Anniversary badges and some chocolate animal lollipops for all of us. Really nice and unexpected.

We had requested a bunk bed room and received one. The room was pretty much like anyother room I reckon. But it was spotlessly clean. It also seemed like we received additional bath products. We received toothbrushes, after-sun gel and mouthwash (or was that a hint?).

The lounge CMs were very attentive and even learned our names (which was impressive in that I don't recall ever identifying myself specifically), but sure enough I was addressed as Mr. ZZUB and welcomed a handful of times.

All club level rooms are on the 4th floor with an Arusha Savannah view but we didn't find the schlep to the lounge to be overly annoying. Yes, it would be ideal if our room was only a few feet away, but it wasn't that far that it ever prevented us from visiting the lounge. It probably helped, however, that we weren't at the end of one of those massively long AKL corridors.

Only complaint about club level: no one met us at check in. I told the bellman we were staying club level but he was unable to find a CM, so he directed us to the desk in the lobby. There wasn't much of a line, so I didn't mind, but in a perfect world, a CM would have been there to greet us. Since that is the only negative comment, I think the AKL club level was worth the money.

I'll answer any questions y'all have.

I'M SOLD! Just this simple fact alone would have me absolutely booking AKL/CL! This was a real problem at the Atrium Club last summer. I've never witnessed this at the YC/CL or at the WL/CL though, just the Atrium Club. Staff never said a word to adults in PJs and bare feet/slippers at breakfast and during Wishes. I've witnessed a couple of guests come to the lounge at the WL in their stocking feet and the lounge CMs tell them immediately that they cannot come into to the lounge without footwear

Nope - the mouthwash wasn't a hint. The Regatta and Atrium Clubs also have the additional amenities (and I'm sure other CLs), but the WL doesn't (not even in the Presidential Suite, though we did have larger/higher priced H2O toiletries.)

Nondescript desserts, huh? My DH LOVES (and still talks about) the different cobbler they have every night at the WL. This could be a problem if the AKL has "boring" desserts. Maybe the beer selection would make-up for that... Is the beer in a fridge? Do you recall the brands?

Thanks for your great review!

 

[JanetMom]

We are only a week away from our ADR date. Received the IPO email this week, so my head is all abuzz trying to make our dining decisions.

So exciting!

 

[ZZUB]

Nondescript desserts, huh? My DH LOVES (and still talks about) the different cobbler they have every night at the WL. This could be a problem if the AKL has "boring" desserts. Maybe the beer selection would make-up for that... Is the beer in a fridge? Do you recall the brands?

The African Smoothie will make up for the boring desserts. It did for us.

As for beer, we don't drink so I'm not going to be a good source of info on that. I'm pretty sure there was beer b/c I saw people taking bottles out of the fridge, but I can't tell you what kind it was. I'm pretty sure I saw a CM bring out a few bottles to someone b/c the type he wanted wasn't in the fridge.

The AKL club level CMs really were helpful. There were a few times we arrived during dessert but I was in the mood for something salty (to go with my huge glass of African Smoothie) and they would bring out crackers or goldfish for me.

I'm sure your stay in the Presidential Suite at WL was fantastic. Have you posted pictures somewhere?

 

[MatzoRella]

Just want to make sure I understand correctly: Even though we have to check out at 11 a.m. on departure day, we can continue to use the CL lounge (with room card?) until it is time to leave for the airport a few hours later? Thanks!

 

[Tess]

Just want to make sure I understand correctly: Even though we have to check out at 11 a.m. on departure day, we can continue to use the CL lounge (with room card?) until it is time to leave for the airport a few hours later? Thanks!

The lounge is available to you until midnight on your check-out day.

 

[MatzoRella]

The lounge is available to you until midnight on your check-out day.

Thank you, Tess! That's awesome.

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

delete

 

[lovesdumbo]

Nondescript desserts, huh? My DH LOVES (and still talks about) the different cobbler they have every night at the WL. This could be a problem if the AKL has "boring" desserts. Maybe the beer selection would make-up for that... Is the beer in a fridge? Do you recall the brands?

Well my DD who wants to go back to AKL CL instead of BWI CL wants to go back because she LOVES the animals and she likes the desserts better at AKL. I have to say she is about the pickiest eater in the world so I'm sure "boring" is the perfect word for it! I was last there Jan 2010 and they had brownies and rice crispy treats just about every night. The rice crispy treats at BWI were both "regular" and chocolate cereal while I think the AKL ones were all "regular" so miss picky preferred those. BWI also didn't always have brownies. AKL did have other desserts-fruit tarts, some chocolate moose thing, ...I don't remember ever being disappointed.

I do remember that they had Tusker beer from Africa that was really good.

 

[KerryCM]

Just returned from a 12 night stay this week. Another wonderful stay! The evening offerings are from Kouzzina. They had some sort of greek salad everynight-olives/tomatoes/cukes, orzo salad, or some other greek type offering. They had hummus nearly every night that also varied. They had an assortment of cheese and crackers and fresh veggies. They also had pb&j pinwheels and apples and carmel sauce every night. The pbj's were MUCH better than the Smuckers uncrustables-they were very thin bread with thin layers of pb and raspberry jam that were rolled up and then sprinkled with powdered sugar. The hot appetizers also varied. I remember stuffed grape leaves, crab cakes, phyllo with spinach, phyllo with goat cheese, pork in bbq sauce, pot stickers, spring rolls, duck quesadillas...

Can't wait to return in November!!!

When in November will you be there? Jim and I are taking our children and grandchildren the 16-23.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Boardwalk Inn
First things I have to thank JJ, Jackie, Anita, Lorenzo, Linda, Janice, Tiffany, Scott, Pete and Joe for being the best Club Level Cast Members WDW has. They all make us feel right at home and I consider them my family.

We had reserved a Deluxe Room and our request to have it on the fourth floor was meet. We were in room #4225 which was right over the Boardwalk Bakery and had an amazing view.

Check-in was perfect and Pete personally came into our room which is where that process was done.

One thing that we happen to see on a rainy night was Brian the magician that always dresses in purple, coming into the lounge and doing his act up there.

Basically I have come to the conculsion that the Boardwalk Inn is now my favorite WDW Resort.


Beach Club
I am sorry to say that this part of my review will not be a good one so I appologize in advance to any Beach Club fans.

I have to say their Club Level was horrible. Very rude and cold Cast Members at check-in and the ones who work in the lounge watch over everyone until they are ready to clear the plates off the tables.

For example the Cast Member who checked us in saw we had just stayed at the Boardwalk and made a joke that their best quality is they face the Beach Club. I realize he was making a joke but we didn't think it was funny.

It was just a horrible experience that the next day on September 1st we decided to switch back to the Boardwalk Inn, which we did and got to stay in the room we previously had. So it goes without saying we are never again going to stay at the Beach Club.

 

[KerryCM]

Jason, so glad you enjoyed your stay at the BW once again. I am sooooo looking forward to my stay in November. I see you will be returning again in December!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Boardwalk Inn
First things I have to thank JJ, Jackie, Anita, Lorenzo, Linda, Janice, Tiffany, Scott, Pete and Joe for being the best Club Level Cast Members WDW has. They all make us feel right at home and I consider them my family.

We had reserved a Deluxe Room and our request to have it on the third floor was meet. We were in room #4225 which was right over the Boardwalk Bakery and had an amazing view.

Check-in was perfect and Pete personally came into our room which is where that process was done.

One thing that we happen to see on a rainy night was Brian the magician that always dresses in purple, coming into the lounge and doing his act up there.

Basically I have come to the conculsion that the Boardwalk Inn is now my favorite WDW Resort.


Beach Club
I am sorry to say that this part of my review will not be a good one so I appologize in advance to any Beach Club fans.

I have to say their Club Level was horrible. Very rude and cold Cast Members at check-in and the ones who work in the lounge watch over everyone until they are ready to clear the plates off the tables.

For example the Cast Member who checked us in saw we had just stayed at the Boardwalk and made a joke that their best quality is they face the Beach Club. I realize he was making a joke but we didn't think it was funny.

It was just a horrible experience that the next day on September 1st we decided to switch back to the Boardwalk Inn, which we did and got to stay in the room we previously had. So it goes without saying we are never again going to stay at the Beach Club.

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.

When in November will you be there? Jim and I are taking our children and grandchildren the 16-23.

I will be there with a coworker/friend 11/10 to 11/15. Seems like we always just miss each other. My friend is a DVC member who loves BWV. Her DH (not going with us) is also a coworker-I know she's going to LOVE it. I think he might hate me after I spoil her with BWI CL.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Boardwalk Inn
First things I have to thank JJ, Jackie, Anita, Lorenzo, Linda, Janice, Tiffany, Scott, Pete and Joe for being the best Club Level Cast Members WDW has. They all make us feel right at home and I consider them my family.

We had reserved a Deluxe Room and our request to have it on the third floor was meet. We were in room #4225 which was right over the Boardwalk Bakery and had an amazing view.

Check-in was perfect and Pete personally came into our room which is where that process was done.

One thing that we happen to see on a rainy night was Brian the magician that always dresses in purple, coming into the lounge and doing his act up there.

Basically I have come to the conculsion that the Boardwalk Inn is now my favorite WDW Resort.


Beach Club
I am sorry to say that this part of my review will not be a good one so I appologize in advance to any Beach Club fans.

I have to say their Club Level was horrible. Very rude and cold Cast Members at check-in and the ones who work in the lounge watch over everyone until they are ready to clear the plates off the tables.

For example the Cast Member who checked us in saw we had just stayed at the Boardwalk and made a joke that their best quality is they face the Beach Club. I realize he was making a joke but we didn't think it was funny.

It was just a horrible experience that the next day on September 1st we decided to switch back to the Boardwalk Inn, which we did and got to stay in the room we previously had. So it goes without saying we are never again going to stay at the Beach Club.

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.

 

[soarinup]

So has the CR CL floors shut down again yet? I would love to know if they are remaining open for a little longer.

 

[lala3291]

CRResortFan4Life- Glad to hear that the BWI was great again for you! We love the Innkeepers Club as well- we have found it to be the best in WDW. We will be at the Poly in November (per DD's request), and are hoping that we love it as much as the BWI, but I'm not sure about that!
Actually, we feel the same about the BC. We stayed there in March, and I was very underwhelmed. The cast members were not the greatest, in my opinion, and they were not nearly as warm and inviting as the BWI Innkeepers Club Cast Members. We consider BWI our home away from home.
I am anxious to see what the Poly is like- we are not staying club level, we have a theme park view room reserved, but I am excited about it!