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

[ppony]

Looking for some advice about whether or not staying at the Club Level is worth it. We've decided on Yacht Club and the only decision is Club Level or not. If we do it would be a "lagoon view" (view is important to DH).

It's just DH and I. No dining plan. The trip is 6 weeks away and I don't need much help with ADRs. However, the lounge and a place to relax would be nice as would be the level of service. We are night owls.

Do you think it's worth it?

Worth is highly subjective and is as personal as each of us are individuals. You'll find most of us here in this thread DO feel the worth for us and our families. You may or may not feel it's worth for you and your DH. If you can afford it w/o much struggle, try it! Then at least you'll have an idea. All of them are different of course, but there's only one way to answer your question and that's for you to try it. My family and I never get dining plans and we do all our own ADRs, but we still LOVE the level for our own reasons.
Good luck in your decision.

 

[BC1836]

And hi to you!

Yes...we're hooked on CL. During a longer Florida trip this year we stayed just one night at GF on November 13 for MVMCP. It was our first time for GF Main Building - MK view (and we used our Disney Visa points for what was basically a "free night").

We just returned from a "Main Building" stay. The CMs are superb, thoroughly professional and accommodating. It was a wonderful week.

Of course, a few guests thought they were at home: one man entered the food area barefoot and another woman showed up in her PJs. Another woman rested her feet on the table in front of the TV while she inhaled plate after plate of food.

All the best.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We just returned from a "Main Building" stay. The CMs are superb, thoroughly professional and accommodating. It was a wonderful week.

Of course, a few guests thought they were at home: one man entered the food area barefoot and another woman showed up in her PJs. Another woman rested her feet on the table in front of the TV while she inhaled plate after plate of food.

All the best.

Oh, no! That is not what I wanted to hear. Did the CL staff say anything to these guests? Having booked the priciest CL with thoughts of an extra special 25th anniversary CL splurge, you have dashed my hopes of an RPC decorum that's a step above some other CLs.

I notice from your signature that despite the barefoot/PJ'd guests, you seem to keep returning to the GF. Do you always stay RPC there? Do the RPC positives outweigh the negatives? Would you still recommend it?

Thanks, BC1836!

 

[BC1836]

Oh, no! That is not what I wanted to hear. Did the CL staff say anything to these guests? Having booked the priciest CL with thoughts of an extra special 25th anniversary CL splurge, you have dashed my hopes of an RPC decorum that's a step above some other CLs.

I notice from your signature that despite the barefoot/PJ'd guests, you seem to keep returning to the GF. Do you always stay RPC there? Do the RPC positives outweigh the negatives? Would you still recommend it?

Thanks, BC1836!

Indeed, we've been to the GF 20 times, and we plan to return in March. The CL CMs allow the poor behavior; they are curbed by management who look first to the dollars rather than the deportment. Earth calling Norm Noble; earth calling Norm Noble! [Note: Ironically, 7-11 convenience stores even have a "no shoes, no service" policy.]

The clueless behavior is even more widespread at Sugar Loaf where quick access to the pool encourages the bathing suit crowd to run wild. Make that wet and wild. One outstanding CM at Sugar Loaf couldn't take it anymore and transferred to HS.

Fortunately, the Main Building (RPC) allows guests to escape to other places on the 4th floor for seating far from the maddening crowd. All the CMs have to say upon greeting and orienting the new CL guests is: "Please be kind enough to wear footwear and proper clothing to the food service areas."

All the best.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Indeed, we've been to the GF 20 times, and we plan to return in March. The CL CMs allow the poor behavior; they are curbed by management who look first to the dollars rather than the deportment. Earth calling Norm Noble; earth calling Norm Noble! [Note: Ironically, 7-11 convenience stores even have a "no shoes, no service" policy.]

The clueless behavior is even more widespread at Sugar Loaf where quick access to the pool encourages the bathing suit crowd to run wild. Make that wet and wild. One outstanding CM at Sugar Loaf couldn't take it anymore and transferred to HS.

Fortunately, the Main Building (RPC) allows guests to escape to other places on the 4th floor for seating far from the maddening crowd. All the CMs have to say upon greeting and orienting the new CL guests is: "Please be kind enough to wear footwear and proper clothing to the food service areas."

All the best.

...And that is why I love the Old Faithful Club: Way too far away from the pool to just drop-in for a cookie and a soda and several times I've witnessed lounge staff telling guests they could not enter the lounge without footwear and thus far, I've not see any PJ-clad guests. Could be a fluke, but it's been a great track record for us so we keep returning. I've not had the same great experiences though at YC and CR.

We're trying 3 new-to-us CLs this summer: BWI, AKL and RPC. Do you have any experience with AKL or BWI? I've only heard great things about the BWI CL staff.

 

[BC1836]

...And that is why I love the Old Faithful Club: Way too far away from the pool to just drop-in for a cookie and a soda and several times I've witnessed lounge staff telling guests they could not enter the lounge without footwear and thus far, I've not see any PJ-clad guests. Could be a fluke, but it's been a great track record for us so we keep returning. I've not had the same great experiences though at YC and CR.

We're trying 3 new-to-us CLs this summer: BWI, AKL and RPC. Do you have any experience with AKL or BWI? I've only heard great things about the BWI CL staff.

The BWI CL CMs may be WDW's best. And that's saying a lot.

All the best.

 

[pixarmom]

The BWI CL CMs may be WDW's best. And that's saying a lot.

All the best.

I agree!! I have a long list of examples of how BWI CL staff go above and beyond. And our pre-teen boys are raving about BWI primarily because of CMs like Jackie and Pete. When pre-teen boys not only notice this, but rank resorts based on that kind of thing, you know it's good!

As for guest behavior at BWI, that's another thing that impressed us. Now, I know it's entirely up to chance - it can vary from trip to trip. But during our August stay, other BWI guests were so friendly. For example, the lounge was a wee bit crowded, so our family set up at an available table (it was pretty small, but no problem.) A twosome at a larger table immediately stood up and offered to switch. And I'm pretty sure we were sitting next to CR Resort Fan in the lounge on more than one occasion - our travel dates were similar and I saw the guest with the Toronto Maple Leafs hat several times!

 

[BC1836]

I agree!! I have a long list of examples of how BWI CL staff go above and beyond. And our pre-teen boys are raving about BWI primarily because of CMs like Jackie and Pete. When pre-teen boys not only notice this, but rank resorts based on that kind of thing, you know it's good!

As for guest behavior at BWI, that's another thing that impressed us. Now, I know it's entirely up to chance - it can vary from trip to trip. But during our August stay, other BWI guests were so friendly. For example, the lounge was a wee bit crowded, so our family set up at an available table (it was pretty small, but no problem.) A twosome at a larger table immediately stood up and offered to switch. And I'm pretty sure we were sitting next to CR Resort Fan in the lounge on more than one occasion - our travel dates were similar and I saw the guest with the Toronto Maple Leafs hat several times!

Ah, Jackie and Pete! We actually stopped at the Innkeeper's Club last week during our stay at the GF's RPC to say hello to the CMs there. Jackie was at the entrance table and we paid our respects. Other first rate CMs at the Innkeeper's Club include Scott, Michael, Anita, Janice, JJ, Lorenzo, Mary and Susan.

All the best.

 

[bowbat]

We just returned from a "Main Building" stay. The CMs are superb, thoroughly professional and accommodating. It was a wonderful week.

Of course, a few guests thought they were at home: one man entered the food area barefoot and another woman showed up in her PJs. Another woman rested her feet on the table in front of the TV while she inhaled plate after plate of food.

All the best.

During our stay at BWI CL, we saw a grown man come into the lounge straight from bed -- pjs & slipper, bedhead, the works. I mean, come on, people -- your hotel ROOM is your private space. That's it. Everything else is public. Dress accordingly. This isn't rocket science.

 

[BC1836]

During our stay at BWI CL, we saw a grown man come into the lounge straight from bed -- pjs & slipper, bedhead, the works. I mean, come on, people -- your hotel ROOM is your private space. That's it. Everything else is public. Dress accordingly. This isn't rocket science.

Whenever you decide to run for office, contact us: we want to be your campaign managers.

All the best.

 

[ClareH37]

The BWI CL CMs really are the most wonderful CMs you could ever encounter, nothing is too much trouble for them.

Unfortunately one can encounter rude/ill mannered people everywhere, thankfully I hadn't really had much experience with this issue during previous trips at the BWI CL until my trip this year (November), rude people pushing in front of me in the food area, people coughing all over the food (whilst not covering their mouths), children picking up items of food and then putting the same item back in the bowl/plate whilst their parents were too busy guzzling wine and expecting other guests/CMs to keep an eye on their children

It was pretty chaotic there during part of my stay, thankfully after the week in question was over with, things settled down considerably and the BWI CL was back to it's normal self

 

[pixarmom]

We're planning a multi-split stay, which will include (among other resorts) BWI CL and GF - probably SL. Our oldest has a very strong preference for SL - he thinks it looks like BWI. Can anyone compare GF SL and BWI CL, in terms of atmosphere, crowds, CMs, food, etc.?

 

[BC1836]

We're planning a multi-split stay, which will include (among other resorts) BWI CL and GF - probably SL. Our oldest has a very strong preference for SL - he thinks it looks like BWI. Can anyone compare GF SL and BWI CL, in terms of atmosphere, crowds, CMs, food, etc.?

Howdy!

Based upon our multiple experiences at both:

BWI CL: more upscale atmosphere, food almost on par with GF SL offerings.

GF SL has a better selection of wines (only red at BWI CL the last two years: Merlot).

BWI CL: fewer clueless guests/Parent 101 dropouts (they have been abundant at GF SL, especially in warmer weather with the pool directly outside). Too many guests at both locations fail to clean up after themselves.

GF SL food area somewhat difficult to negotiate when it's crowded.

CMs at both locations are first rate folks!

Chefs at both locations are underrated. They constantly come up with interesting tasty dishes.

All the best.

 

[221HEMT]

We just returned from a "Main Building" stay. The CMs are superb, thoroughly professional and accommodating. It was a wonderful week.

Of course, a few guests thought they were at home: one man entered the food area barefoot and another woman showed up in her PJs. Another woman rested her feet on the table in front of the TV while she inhaled plate after plate of food.

All the best.

Take out your camera and take pictures of the lounge. See if they are camera shy.

 

[pas130]

So after ANOTHER resort change, I contacted IPO to be sure the connecting rooms request was on my reservation. The switch was not an easy one this morning...WL got back to me right away, and it was the same unfortunate person who helped me when I booked the Poly in November and switched multiple times between Poly and WL. She probably fell off her chair when she saw my email- "Oh great that crazy Jersey lady who can't EVER stay at a resort"

I do promise my kiddos will be watched at all times in the CL lounge, they know better though....rude people REALLY aggravate me, I try to let it go because they are everywhere. Fortunately at my other CL stays they are the exception rather than the norm, but it does make you scratch your head and wonder "WHAT ARE THEY THINKING!"

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi everyone, I am not home just yet. Earlier this morning my family and I left the Boardwalk Inn and I am posting this from Cleveland, Tennessee at the Fairfield Inn & Suites I am staying at. Anyway here is my recent Boardwalk Inn Club Level review.

Boardwalk Inn

Just like my previous stays there I have to give thanks to the Boardwalk Inn Club Level Cast Members, who are simply amazing and the best set of people you will ever meet. Since we reserved a Standard Club Level Room we got room #4223 which was the exact same room we had in December 2010. The lounge was great and I loved the new food offerings. We also didn't have problems getting a table, although it helped being there when they would start serving the food offerings like at 5:00 PM.

Also one day I happened to be walking in the hallway and who do I see, Cat Cora who was there singing copies of her book at Kouzzina. Well she was very nice and I got to get a picture with her.

Theme Parks

Among the 4 parks Epcot is the one I went to the most, with a couple of visits to the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom. Lines and crowds were not an issue since I got to them when they opened

Restaurants

Among the onsite restaurants I went 6X to the ESPN Club, 2X at Earl of Sandwich, Big River Grill & Brewing Works, Liberty Tree Tavern, Via Napoli and Le Cellier.

Next WDW Vacation

I am happy to say we got the Bounceback offer for August 2012 and made another Club Level reservation at the Boardwalk Inn from the 9th - 23rd in a Standard Room. The Deluxe Room was available however it was still $1700 more and we are happy with the Standard Room.

 

[pixarmom]

Howdy!

Based upon our multiple experiences at both:

BWI CL: more upscale atmosphere, food almost on par with GF SL offerings.

GF SL has a better selection of wines (only red at BWI CL the last two years: Merlot).

BWI CL: fewer clueless guests/Parent 101 dropouts (they have been abundant at GF SL, especially in warmer weather with the pool directly outside). Too many guests at both locations fail to clean up after themselves.

GF SL food area somewhat difficult to negotiate when it's crowded.

CMs at both locations are first rate folks!

Chefs at both locations are underrated. They constantly come up with interesting tasty dishes.

All the best.

Thanks so much - this is really helpful, and I know our boys will appreciate the comparison, too. Happy Holidays!

 

[goofy4mykids]

I think I am still in Shock but I was able to get AKV CL with my DVC points for 11/17/12 -11/27/12. I am hoping to make this an extra special trip celebrating my DD 8th birthday and my 14th wedding anniversary to the love of my life.

I know it is a long way off but it is never to soon to start planning/dreaming... Few questions???

Is their a laundry service? Being that we will be their for 10 days I dont want to have to do wash and was wondering if anyone has used this and how much it cost?

Food offerings..Do they change around the Holidays? and are they all spicy? Although my DH would enjoy them Im afraid my DS & DD will like a more simple mild selection.

Allergies My DS has a Red 40 Allergy and I can not eat MSG. Will the staff let us know what is safe to eat? How do they handle Allergies?

TIA !!!

 

[mickeynut1]

We're planning a multi-split stay, which will include (among other resorts) BWI CL and GF - probably SL. Our oldest has a very strong preference for SL - he thinks it looks like BWI. Can anyone compare GF SL and BWI CL, in terms of atmosphere, crowds, CMs, food, etc.?

We haven't stayed BWI CL, but I thought GF SL was just ok. The food offerings were good, but the lounge was always very crowded. The lounge is right in the lobby as you walk into the SL building. I thought it was hard to get food and there didn't seem to be enough tables and chairs to sit down and enjoy your food at a leisurely pace. For us, I don't think I will spend the extra money to stay SL again. When we stay at the GF again, it will either be RPC or a regular GV.

 

[meowser]

I think it really depends on your touring style.

We spend quite a bit of time at the resort, so we get a lot of use out of the lounge & the food/drink offerings. If, however, you're park commandos and are just at the resort to sleep & shower, you probably wouldn't see the value in CL.

We adore it, though. For us, just having the breakfast in the a.m. and wine in the evening make it worthwhile, but we're usually able to take advantage of the appetizers & desserts in the evening, too. We also love having the space in the lounge as well as CMs at the ready to answer any questions. Plus, little things, like our last stay my sister & her family (who are local in Orlando) came to visit us at the resort to wish my son a happy birthday. I had ordered a cake for us, so my husband went down to the lounge & they gave us plates, utensils, napkins & a cake server to take back to our room. That sort of personal service -- which begins with separate check-in -- makes you really feel taken care of.

Worth is highly subjective and is as personal as each of us are individuals. You'll find most of us here in this thread DO feel the worth for us and our families. You may or may not feel it's worth for you and your DH. If you can afford it w/o much struggle, try it! Then at least you'll have an idea. All of them are different of course, but there's only one way to answer your question and that's for you to try it. My family and I never get dining plans and we do all our own ADRs, but we still LOVE the level for our own reasons.
Good luck in your decision.

Thanks, guys!! That helped. It does fit our vacation style and we want to try something new. So I just made the reservation. Unfortunately, the Lagoon View was gone, so I went with the Standard View. So we'll be at the Yacht Club CL the first week of February!