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

[disneydreamin247]

We are at the Poly now and every. CM we have encountered (even the non CL ones) have been beyond friendly and helpful to us. We are having a great time. Last night one was telling a woman to take two bottles of wine back to her room.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We are at the Poly now and every. CM we have encountered (even the non CL ones) have been beyond friendly and helpful to us. We are having a great time. Last night one was telling a woman to take two bottles of wine back to her room.

It's funny you mentioned that because at the Boardwalk Inn a woman asked for a bottle of wine and was told they are not allowed to give the guests a full bottle for their room, but they could drink as many glasses as they want while inside the lounge. So I would think all the Club Level lounges have the same rules when it comes to that and why I have a hard time seeing a Cast Member suggest that. I am not doubting what you heard, I just think that Cast Member suggestion was wrong.

 

[micknme]

I have always wondered why do some people think like that because it's not the first time I read that type of comment. I mean in the Club Level lounges where you put the dirty plates and etc on a specifc table like at the Contemporary, Polynesian and Boardwalk Inn you are just walking a few feet from your table. So I personally don't see what's so wrong about doing that and I noticed the Cast Members always clear that table right away, so you won't need to balance your plates on top of others. At the Beach Club I felt like we were being watched by the Cast Members who clear the plates off the tables because once they saw we were finished with them they came right over before we knew it and it made us feel uncomftorable.

In December 2010 I saw their games being over there when they were in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. Plus the Edmonton game was scheduled to be shown on their big screen with the sound and that was a nice surprise, plus I was the only one paying attention to it when they scored.

Last year at the Poly, I was standing there with my dishes in my hands, afraid to put them on the growing pile of used dishes because with my luck, they would have ended up on the floor. I had to go ask if they could remove the dirty dishes so I could put mine away. I don't mind if someone is watching me so they can remove my plates when I am done with them. I mean, that is what happens in restaurants, right???

I also would have been paying attention to the Edmonton game especially when it was showing on the big screen. The only thing I would like watching more than a leaf's game, would be the Jays!!!

 

[disneydreamin247]

It's funny you mentioned that because at the Boardwalk Inn a woman asked for a bottle of wine and was told they are not allowed to give the guests a full bottle for their room, but they could drink as many glasses as they want while inside the lounge. So I would think all the Club Level lounges have the same rules when it comes to that and why I have a hard time seeing a Cast Member suggest that. I am not doubting what you heard, I just think that Cast Member suggestion was wrong.

I thought it was a little strange but shrugged it off because it isn't my business to police others. I just enjoyed my glass of wine and headed back to my room.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

but I at least feel confident in saying that the current CR CL CMs are much better than when you visited in 2008.

Even though the Contemporary Club Level Cast Members were nice during our last stay up there in August 2010, I think they were even better when we were there in 2008. Now back then they didn't have as many new Cast Members working up there because it used to be the same ones that we got to know over the years, however since then they now like working in the lobby and only two of the experienced Club Level Cast Members are still work up there.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Hi everyone! We are returning to the BC CL next month and wondering if the lounge is still open 24 hours to grab drinks. When we were there in Dec. even if we came back after the dessert service had ended, it was open and stocked with drinks.

We were at BC CL for two weeks - end of July/beginning of August and the lounge is open 24 hours!

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

We were at BC CL for two weeks - end of July/beginning of August and the lounge is open 24 hours!

Thanks! I'm glad they are still keeping it open. I can't imagine spending two weeks there! I am so excited about going back. When I booked I couldn't get BC at all, much less CL. Our boys were so disappointed! After weeks and weeks of checking for cancellations, I finally got it. I'm keeping it a surprise. The boys still think we are staying at GF.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I can finally post this.....

I'm doing the single digit dance!!
​

At this time, 9 days from now, our plane will be descending into Orlando and shortly after that we will be checking-in to Poly CL!

This will be our 3rd stay at the Poly in CL, our 5th stay there overall. Can't wait!!

 

[focusondisney]

I posted my YC review a few days ago but didn't have time then to post about our stay @ GF Royal Palm Club. Here's what I wrote for the GF thread:

Hi! Got back from our vacation late Saturday night. We did a split stay: 5 nights YC (our favorite resort) & 2 nights GF (king deluxe RPC room). I was nervous about staying @ GF; just didn't know how well we would like it. As you all know, that was a worry I didn't need to have! Beautiful resort & every cast member we encountered was friendly, sweet & helpful. We will definately stay here again.

We took a cab over from YC @ about 10 AM & were met by "Denny". What an enthusiastic guy!! DH thought maybe a touch too much coffee; but I thought what a great job he has. No wonder he's in such a good mood! I think club level greeter would be my ideal Disney job. Our room was ready, so he took us right to it. According to Denny, we had the best room in the place; he siad this is the room all the CMs would want to stay in. We were in 4205. There are 9(?) deluxe kings on the 2nd floor & our room was smack in the middle. Entered the room to see THE CASTLE right in the middle of our view.

NOTE: This would be almost the exact same view as Stitchlet had, just to the right a little. Spectacular!!

The room was very clean & comfortable. Even tho we were right over the enterance to Gasparilla's, we never heard a sound from outside our room. We did not mind taking the elevator to the lounge. We usually request a room away from the lounge @ YC, so we are used to that. Loved, loved the SOFT, oversized bath towels! Never had that at any hotel we've ever stayed at.

Finally know the "smell" you guys always talk about. I couldn't smell it in the lobby, but did in the hallway. I loved it! DH thought it was a little too strong, but he's a man; what does he know?!

Found I really loved sitting in the lounge listening to the band & piano. While sipping that delicious tropical fruit juice. So relaxing & the music choices were great. Only regret I didn't video any of it. I didn't think of it until they were done.

Lounge food: here's what was there the 2 nights we were there: Thurs. 5 -7 PM: steak & blue cheese tarts & pot stickers. There was a cold shrimp crostini type offering too.

Fri. 5 -7 PM: A spinich/ cheese/ pastry plus fried shrimp (very tiny shrimp) for hot plus BBQ pork with a fruit salsa (cold) & sushi.

I loved the bread with roasted garlic & seasoned oil. YC has nothing like that. The other cold offerings both nights were roasted green & yellow zucchini & asparagus, dips, many cheeses, crackers & rolls.

Desserts I saw: chocolate covered strawberries, mini eclairs, cupcakes, fruit tarts, a fruit & chocolate mousse layered cake & a mousse type cheesecake.

Breakfast: Several varieties of bagels; white, multi grain & raisin bread for toasting; blueberry muffins (regular sized with huge blueberries!); cheese & strawberry turnovers; croissants; ham & turkey lunch meat slices with rolls.

And of course oatmeal, yougurt & fruit. Which brings me to the only negative thing I can say about GF. Unfortunately, I saw many fruit flies all over the food service area. I know it's Florida in the summer, but I have a severe intolerance for bugs on my food. They were on the whole & cut fruit, rolls & bagels (sitting right on the foods). So I avoided those things. I did not ask anyone about it. DH hates when I complain about stuff, so I just ate what I thought was "safe". I don't know if this is a new problem or what. I have never seen anyone mention this before so maybe it just started. We have never seen this @ YC, in probably 10 club level stays there.


Swam once on Thursday evening. We were surprized that the water was pretty cold in the lakeside pool & the life guard laughed @ how long it was taking us to get in. He told us they had just put a new heater in the day before & it was taking a while to get the water temp back up. Only lasted a few minutes before we headed to the courtyard pool. Lifeguard wasn't surprized!


Monorail from MK Thursday afternoon about 3:30 had issues. Ended up waiting for a boat along with a lot of other people. Line for monorail got really long but it finally started up again. Because the MK was closing @ 6 for a private event, it was stopping @ 7 for the night. So we really didn't get too much monorail time.


Final thoughts: we really were happy here & will probably be back. Although next time I will probably do a garden view; we didn't really need the king deluxe room; it was just for a treat.


======


There are several posters just back from GF RPC this week who have written detailed reviews on the Grand Floridian thread, if anyone is interested.

 

[Anonomom]

We booked our mini-trip to the Poly CL for Halloween weekend! I am very excited, given how much we loved CR's club level. But now I have a few questions, and I'm hoping someone will know the answers:

1. Once of the best things about the CR lounge was the fantastic espresso/cappucino maker. Does the Poly's lounge have the same thing, or should I plan on packing a bunch of Vias?

2. We don't need the IPO to make any reservations for us (since it's such a short trip, we won't be making any ADRs), but there is one souvenir that I'd like to make sure we can buy. I'm hoping to get two more Mickey Mouse trick-or-treat bags to match the one we bought DD1 (then an only child, now she has two sibs who need t-o-t bags) back in 2008. Assuming that they still sell them or something similar, is it appropriate to see if the IPO can put aside two for us? Otherwise, I am concerned that with our trip being Halloween weekend, the bags will be sold out.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We booked our mini-trip to the Poly CL for Halloween weekend! I am very excited, given how much we loved CR's club level. But now I have a few questions, and I'm hoping someone will know the answers:

1. Once of the best things about the CR lounge was the fantastic espresso/cappucino maker. Does the Poly's lounge have the same thing, or should I plan on packing a bunch of Vias?

2. We don't need the IPO to make any reservations for us (since it's such a short trip, we won't be making any ADRs), but there is one souvenir that I'd like to make sure we can buy. I'm hoping to get two more Mickey Mouse trick-or-treat bags to match the one we bought DD1 (then an only child, now she has two sibs who need t-o-t bags) back in 2008. Assuming that they still sell them or something similar, is it appropriate to see if the IPO can put aside two for us? Otherwise, I am concerned that with our trip being Halloween weekend, the bags will be sold out.

The Club Level lounge at the Polynesian doesn't have that same type of espresso/cappucino maker that the Contemporary has. Instead they use the one which is at the Boardwalk Inn Club Level lounge and here is a picture of what it looks like.

As for your other question we have never needed the IPO Cast Members to get anything like you described, however I guess you can request it with them and see what they say.

 

[marlaine8]

Just returned from our annual trip! We stayed Poly CL. Everything was great, again! Mousekeeping was wonderful! There is a Mousekeeper named Pham in the Hawaii building that is one of the sweetest ladies on earth! Every day she did something special for DS. She even (2nd year in a row) made my DS a dollar bill folded up origami style. Beautiful towel animals every day.
I requested the same room we had last year, and got it! We like room 2501, right next door to the lounge. Most people probably wouldn't like it, because of traffic coming and going to the lounge, but we find it so convenient! We had a TPV, and the view was simply amazing! We watched the fireworks and electric water parade 4 nights we were there from our window. Watching fireworks from bed is really special!
There was only 1 glitch that affected the whole Hawaii building. On the night of the 1st MNSSHP, when we returned to our room (at 1:00 a.m.), there was a message saying that there was "routine maintenance" on the hot water, and they didn't know for sure when it would be back on. I got up the next morning at 5:30--NO HOT WATER! I took the coldest bath in the world and went to the desk when they opened at 7:00. The CM said that a water line broke, and gave me a key to another room IN ANOTHER BUILDING for my DH and DS to take showers. Major inconvenience! Couldn't make rope drop because it just took longer. When we got back from HS later that evening, things were fixed.
I can't wait to go back next year--water problems can happen at any hotel.
They did try to accommodate every one.

 

[mickeynut1]

Just returned from our annual trip! We stayed Poly CL. Everything was great, again! Mousekeeping was wonderful! There is a Mousekeeper named Pham in the Hawaii building that is one of the sweetest ladies on earth! Every day she did something special for DS. She even (2nd year in a row) made my DS a dollar bill folded up origami style. Beautiful towel animals every day.
I requested the same room we had last year, and got it! We like room 2501, right next door to the lounge. Most people probably wouldn't like it, because of traffic coming and going to the lounge, but we find it so convenient! We had a TPV, and the view was simply amazing! We watched the fireworks and electric water parade 4 nights we were there from our window. Watching fireworks from bed is really special!
There was only 1 glitch that affected the whole Hawaii building. On the night of the 1st MNSSHP, when we returned to our room (at 1:00 a.m.), there was a message saying that there was "routine maintenance" on the hot water, and they didn't know for sure when it would be back on. I got up the next morning at 5:30--NO HOT WATER! I took the coldest bath in the world and went to the desk when they opened at 7:00. The CM said that a water line broke, and gave me a key to another room IN ANOTHER BUILDING for my DH and DS to take showers. Major inconvenience! Couldn't make rope drop because it just took longer. When we got back from HS later that evening, things were fixed.
I can't wait to go back next year--water problems can happen at any hotel.
They did try to accommodate every one.

This is very reassuring as we are booked for Poly CL in December and I have been considering switching to GF CL after reading some not-so-good reviews about the condition of the Poly lounge, food offerings, etc. We love the Poly and can't wait to stay there again and I am excited to try CL, but after reading some reports, I got a little nervous. I'm glad you had a great stay and are looking forward to going back .

 

[marlaine8]

Everything really was great. The CMs in the lounge were friendly and very accommodating. Food was good, fresh and replenished quickly. The only thing I don't like is that horrible coffee! The coffee out of the machines is really bad. But while we were there, they got new coffee makers in the rooms-Cuisinart I believe, and it made really good coffee.
Have a wonderful stay! We took the time this trip to really enjoy the resort. There is just so much to do at The Poly!

 

[mickeynut1]

Everything really was great. The CMs in the lounge were friendly and very accommodating. Food was good, fresh and replenished quickly. The only thing I don't like is that horrible coffee! The coffee out of the machines is really bad. But while we were there, they got new coffee makers in the rooms-Cuisinart I believe, and it made really good coffee.
Have a wonderful stay! We took the time this trip to really enjoy the resort. There is just so much to do at The Poly!

Thank you....we are really looking forward to it . I was wondering about the coffee after seeing those Nescafe machines. But if everything else is great, I guess I can deal with the coffee....or make it in the room if that is better . When we stayed there in Sept 2007 we spent alot of time at the pool and enjoying the resort. I agree that it really is a fabulous resort with alot to do .

 

[WDWKOOK]

This is very reassuring as we are booked for Poly CL in December and I have been considering switching to GF CL after reading some not-so-good reviews about the condition of the Poly lounge, food offerings, etc. We love the Poly and can't wait to stay there again and I am excited to try CL, but after reading some reports, I got a little nervous. I'm glad you had a great stay and are looking forward to going back .

Hi, mickeynut1! disneydreamin247 was at the Poly CL last week and loved it so much that she tried to change her GF reservation (where they are now) back to the Poly CL, but there wasn't any availability. She hasn't mentioned any specifics though, just that she misses the tropical theming of the Poly.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi, mickeynut1! disneydreamin247 was at the Poly CL last week and loved it so much that she tried to change her GF reservation (where they are now) back to the Poly CL, but there wasn't any availability. She hasn't mentioned any specifics though, just that she misses the tropical theming of the Poly.

Hi WDWKOOK . I read a post from disneydreamin247 about that. I felt bad for her because when I stayed at the GF, I missed the Poly....so I know how she feels to be at one resort, but wishes she was at another . I hope she's having a good time though.

 

[disneydreamin247]

Hi, mickeynut1! disneydreamin247 was at the Poly CL last week and loved it so much that she tried to change her GF reservation (where they are now) back to the Poly CL, but there wasn't any availability. She hasn't mentioned any specifics though, just that she misses the tropical theming of the Poly.

Hi WDWKOOK . I read a post from disneydreamin247 about that. I felt bad for her because when I stayed at the GF, I missed the Poly....so I know how she feels to be at one resort, but wishes she was at another . I hope she's having a good time though.

Hi guys. I miss the relaxed atmosphere and the family vibe of the Poly. The lounge here is lovely, and the service is exceptional but I just don't feel as comfortable here as I was there. The lounge at the Poly was excellent. Everyone was courteous and helpful. Everything was replenished up until the very end. One night it was 5 minutes before 10 and a tray had run out and a new tray was brought to replace it. Even my father commented that he misses the Poly.

 

[jdd]

Hi guys. I miss the relaxed atmosphere and the family vibe of the Poly. The lounge here is lovely, and the service is exceptional but I just don't feel as comfortable here as I was there. The lounge at the Poly was excellent. Everyone was courteous and helpful. Everything was replenished up until the very end. One night it was 5 minutes before 10 and a tray had run out and a new tray was brought to replace it. Even my father commented that he misses the Poly.

That's so awesome to hear - we check in on Wednesday . We loved the lounge last year, but sometimes I start to listen to those folks who have negative things to say

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi guys. I miss the relaxed atmosphere and the family vibe of the Poly. The lounge here is lovely, and the service is exceptional but I just don't feel as comfortable here as I was there. The lounge at the Poly was excellent. Everyone was courteous and helpful. Everything was replenished up until the very end. One night it was 5 minutes before 10 and a tray had run out and a new tray was brought to replace it. Even my father commented that he misses the Poly.

I know how you feel . The GF is a beautiful resort and their CL is great, but it just doesn't compare to the Poly when it comes to the relaxed atmosphere (at least to me). I hope you're still having a good time and enjoying SL .

We loved the lounge last year, but sometimes I start to listen to those folks who have negative things to say

That is exactly what's happening to me . We LOVE the Poly and are trying CL there for the first time in December and I have contemplated many times over the last several months whether or not to switch to GF CL due to the negative reviews of the Poly lounge. We stayed at the GF last December and while my DH and both DSs thought it was ok, they really want to go back to the Poly. I'm the one who wants to try CL.....a GV is fine with them.....but then I started reading bad things about the lounge and the staff and started second guessing my choice . Glad to hear you enjoyed the lounge and are going back .