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

[marlaine8]

I booked our vacation for this coming September at the Poly CL again! 3rd year in a row! Can't wait!
(I couldn't stand that this thread slipped down a couple of pages. I have gotten so much useful info from it, I had to get it back to page 1! )

 

[WDWKOOK]

I booked our vacation for this coming September at the Poly CL again! 3rd year in a row! Can't wait!
(I couldn't stand that this thread slipped down a couple of pages. I have gotten so much useful info from it, I had to get it back to page 1! )

Congratulations, from a former Hoosier! I bet you're excited and ready to make some ADRs soon. Did you book TPV, LV or GV?

Just wondering, have you found your Poly CL experience to be consistent over the last 3 years? I read so many mixed reviews about the KKC, so I was curious what you've experienced with the lounge, CMs, etc....

 

[mickeynut1]

We enjoyed our stay at the Polynesian. Probably the thing we appreciated most was the view from the lounge. It was amazing watching the fireworks from the lounge which was decorated for the holidays with a beautiful tree. The food was good, but there wasn't as large a selection as we were used to at the GF. The resort and lounge has a family feel. There are a lot of kids, however at this stage of our lives (our kids are young adults) we probably wouldn't stay there again. I would highly recommend CL at the Polynesian you have kids, they will love it.

Thanks for your review . The view from the lounge is what's pulling me toward Poly CL. But from reviews I've read, I'm afraid the food offerings aren't as plentiful and there isn't much variety compared to other CLs. We've stayed WL CL, GF SL,and GF RPC and I thought all 3 of those were great as far as food offerings and it worries me that the Poly won't be as good.

Hi all! We will be arriving at SL on Jan 31 and I was wondering if there is a room request that I should be making. Is one floor better than another? Does one side have a better view than the other? I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has stayed in that buidling before!

I don't think you can go wrong as either side offers a pretty view, IMO. We had a view of the marina and I loved it.....it was peaceful in the morning sitting on the balcony .

The Poly had Longboard beer the last time we were there. I was wondering if the people who say that the lounge selections are better at the GF than the Poly have stayed in SL or RPC. While we loved the GF, and would stay there again in a heartbeat, the food offerings were much more limitted than at the Poly. Maybe we were there on an abnormal week, but other than the am offerings, the Poly was better. We were in SL in July.

I have read reviews that the Poly offerings aren't as plentiful as other CLs and that has made me hesitate booking there. I like the atmosphere of GF RPC better than SL, but other than that, the offerings are the same at both, so I would be curious to hear what others think of the offerings for Poly CL vs. SL/RPC.

I booked our vacation for this coming September at the Poly CL again! 3rd year in a row! Can't wait!

Congrats on going back to the Poly . We love the Poly, just haven't tried CL yet .

Congratulations, from a former Hoosier!

Just wondering, have you found your Poly CL experience to be consistent over the last 3 years? I read so many mixed reviews about the KKC, so I was curious what you've experienced with the lounge, CMs, etc....

Hey Kook . I'm a Hoosier too .....what part of Indiana are you from?

I'm curious about Poly CL too as I have read more not-so-good reviews than good ones. I have always wanted to try it, but just when I think I've made up my mind to do so, I think about the other club levels we've stayed at and wonder if I should book what we're familiar with .

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hey Kook . I'm a Hoosier too .....what part of Indiana are you from?

I'm curious about Poly CL too as I have read more not-so-good reviews than good ones. I have always wanted to try it, but just when I think I've made up my mind to do so, I think about the other club levels we've stayed at and wonder if I should book what we're familiar with .

I grew-up in Bloomington

You and I are having the same issues with the KKC. I even booked it last summer and one night into our WL/CL stay, I asked the CM if they could extend us and cancel the Poly - I got cold feet. Sounds like you've read all the same mixed reviews as me about the lounge.

I've stayed twice at the Poly, but not CL. One visit we had was wonderful, and the last was not and left me worried about ever staying again. I like the rooms and location and theming, but I just haven't been impressed by their customer service and overall CL reviews.

What will get us to ever book it - and stay?!

 

[mickeynut1]

I grew-up in Bloomington

You and I are having the same issues with the KKC. I even booked it last summer and one night into our WL/CL stay, I asked the CM if they could extend us and cancel the Poly - I got cold feet. Sounds like you've read all the same mixed reviews as me about the lounge.

I've stayed twice at the Poly, but not CL. One visit we had was wonderful, and the last was not and left me worried about ever staying again. I like the rooms and location and theming, but I just haven't been impressed by their customer service and overall CL reviews.

What will get us to ever book it - and stay?!

What a small world.....we're in NW Indiana, about 3 hours from Bloomington .

I remember reading that you cancelled your Poly ressie to stay at WL. We've only stayed at the Poly once in a GV room and loved it......we had the best stay and LOVED the resort ......but CL scares me from all of the reviews I've read. But I'm glad I'm not the only one who's hesitant. My DS16 really wants to stay there again in July and in all honesty, the volcano pool is our favorite pool of all of the resorts we've stayed at, so that is persuading me to book the Poly, but I'm having a hard time biting the bullet on CL . DH said to book the GF, but if I did that I'd want RPC and the room/view I would want would be overlooking the construction.....so needless to say, I'm having a hard time making a decision . I still haven't had any luck convincing my DSs to let me book BWI, so it looks like I will have to pick something so I can get it booked and maybe head over to the RC's thread again as I bounce back and forth between several resorts or room categories .

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

We have stayed in SL numerous times, RPC once and did a split stay at Poly CL and BC CL a few weeks ago. I have to say I was disappointed in the offerings at the Poly. I think part of what I didn't care for was that at least in the evening the offerings are put out in a much more condensed area so although there was probably as much variety as at the BC it seemed like it was less. The set up just seemed awkward and with kids underfoot it was a bit chaotic. There was also never more than one CM working in the lounge when we were there. I have to say our last two mornings we didn't even have breakfast in the lounge. If we stayed at the Poly again I wouldn't pay for CL.

We did really like the CL at the BC and are booked there in September. However, irregardless of whether or not you like the offerings the selection at either the BC or the Poly doesn't come close to what they serve at the GF. At the GF they put out 4 or 5 types of pastries for breakfast, as well as bagels, ham, cheese, two kinds of yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, fresh fruit and so on. A much bigger selection.

 

[mickeynut1]

We have stayed in SL numerous times, RPC once and did a split stay at Poly CL and BC CL a few weeks ago. I have to say I was disappointed in the offerings at the Poly. I think part of what I didn't care for was that at least in the evening the offerings are put out in a much more condensed area so although there was probably as much variety as at the BC it seemed like it was less. The set up just seemed awkward and with kids underfoot it was a bit chaotic. There was also never more than one CM working in the lounge when we were there. I have to say our last two mornings we didn't even have breakfast in the lounge. If we stayed at the Poly again I wouldn't pay for CL.

We did really like the CL at the BC and are booked there in September. However, irregardless of whether or not you like the offerings the selection at either the BC or the Poly doesn't come close to what they serve at the GF. At the GF they put out 4 or 5 types of pastries for breakfast, as well as bagels, ham, cheese, two kinds of yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, fresh fruit and so on. A much bigger selection.

What you described about the Poly CL offerings is exactly what worries me. After staying RPC, I'm afraid nothing else will compare. RPC offerings were fabulous, IMO.......breakfast had ALOT to choose from and the evening offerings were just as good....and the CMs were top notch . I can only compare to WL CL, and it's been awhile since we've stayed there (2004), but from what I remember, that was great.....we had an awesome stay and loved CL there. Wonder if that's still the same . We love the Poly and I have been wanting to try CL, but I can't help but think of spending that much money and being disappointed. Thanks for your input.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We did really like the CL at the BC and are booked there in September. However, irregardless of whether or not you like the offerings the selection at either the BC or the Poly doesn't come close to what they serve at the GF. At the GF they put out 4 or 5 types of pastries for breakfast, as well as bagels, ham, cheese, two kinds of yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, fresh fruit and so on. A much bigger selection.

After staying RPC, I'm afraid nothing else will compare.

Last month when I was staying Club Level at the Boardwalk Inn and was getting some food during the 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM time frame, I overheard this Woman behind me saying to someone with her that their selection isn't as great compared to the Grand Floridian. Now I am not sure if she meant that the way you both described or in a OMG their food offerings are horrible compared to what the Grand Floridian has.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Thanks for the info! I just don't want to be put on a lower floor. DH prefers 3rd floor or higher. I didn't reserve a deluxe club level so I'm guessing we will be on the 5th floor?

I'm not too familiar with the Boardwalk. Totally forgot Kouzzina was located there. I'm not particular food wise. However, now I would be excited to see some Oreo bon-bons from Cape May gracing the dessert plates in the lounge. Loved those suckers last week!!

We've stayed BC CL, YC CL and GF RPC and honestly BC CL is our favorite!

There were oreo bonbons for dessert lots of times. I know this because they are my dd's favorite dessert.

Unless you are staying in a deluxe cl room or a suite you will be on the 5th floor - right where the lounge is.

I will say that we NEVER had a problem with the lounge being too crowded. Of course we are up bright and early to have breakfast before we go to the parks. Lots of the times in the evening DH or I would go to the lounge and bring a plate of appetizers back to the room while everyone was getting ready for dinner.

I will tell you that I thought BC CL had the friendliest, most helpful cms anywhere!

 

[sunnygal041]

Hey folks. Last time I was at the CR CL there was a fantastic CM named Janet. Does anyone know if she is still there? Thanks

 

[bowbat]

We have stayed in SL numerous times, RPC once and did a split stay at Poly CL and BC CL a few weeks ago. I have to say I was disappointed in the offerings at the Poly. I think part of what I didn't care for was that at least in the evening the offerings are put out in a much more condensed area so although there was probably as much variety as at the BC it seemed like it was less. The set up just seemed awkward and with kids underfoot it was a bit chaotic. There was also never more than one CM working in the lounge when we were there. I have to say our last two mornings we didn't even have breakfast in the lounge. If we stayed at the Poly again I wouldn't pay for CL.

We did really like the CL at the BC and are booked there in September. However, irregardless of whether or not you like the offerings the selection at either the BC or the Poly doesn't come close to what they serve at the GF. At the GF they put out 4 or 5 types of pastries for breakfast, as well as bagels, ham, cheese, two kinds of yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, fresh fruit and so on. A much bigger selection.

This was precisely our experience at the Poly CL. We're in the lounge quite a bit when we stay CL, and the vast majority of the time during our Poly stay there wasn't even one CM there. (Compare that to BWI CL, where there was always at least two CMs in the lounge, often three.) And if we did happen to see a CM and ask a question, they always acted so harried & put out. What would keep them so busy, I don't know, because it clearly wasn't helping guests.

 

[WDWKOOK]

What a small world.....we're in NW Indiana, about 3 hours from Bloomington .

I remember reading that you cancelled your Poly ressie to stay at WL. We've only stayed at the Poly once in a GV room and loved it......we had the best stay and LOVED the resort ......but CL scares me from all of the reviews I've read. But I'm glad I'm not the only one who's hesitant. My DS16 really wants to stay there again in July and in all honesty, the volcano pool is our favorite pool of all of the resorts we've stayed at, so that is persuading me to book the Poly, but I'm having a hard time biting the bullet on CL . DH said to book the GF, but if I did that I'd want RPC and the room/view I would want would be overlooking the construction.....so needless to say, I'm having a hard time making a decision . I still haven't had any luck convincing my DSs to let me book BWI, so it looks like I will have to pick something so I can get it booked and maybe head over to the RC's thread again as I bounce back and forth between several resorts or room categories .

Small world - good one!

I "de-booked" our RPC reservation for our 25th anniversary this summer precisely because of what I've been calling the DVCRPC construction view. I had booked a Deluxe room and they only have either a lagoon or courtyard view and we just love water views so I requested LV. But, then I got those cold feet again and worried that the view would be of the DVC construction and I canceled. We've yet to stay at the GF and I thought the RPC would be perfect as part of a split stay for our anniversary, but paying such a premium for an undesirable view or room that needs updating/repair, scared me. DH loves great food on vacation and I have heard nothing but praise for the RPC lounge offerings and I know that DH would be thrilled, but I'm still scared to stay there. I think you and I have some resort CL phobias!

WL CL has never disappointed us so we keep re-booking it. The value is there and theming and the level of service and the lounge seating area is just perfect for us. Yes, the rooms are smaller and it's not directly on the monorail line, but we appreciate a great CL and they have one.

We have stayed in SL numerous times, RPC once and did a split stay at Poly CL and BC CL a few weeks ago. I have to say I was disappointed in the offerings at the Poly. I think part of what I didn't care for was that at least in the evening the offerings are put out in a much more condensed area so although there was probably as much variety as at the BC it seemed like it was less. The set up just seemed awkward and with kids underfoot it was a bit chaotic. There was also never more than one CM working in the lounge when we were there. I have to say our last two mornings we didn't even have breakfast in the lounge. If we stayed at the Poly again I wouldn't pay for CL.

We did really like the CL at the BC and are booked there in September. However, irregardless of whether or not you like the offerings the selection at either the BC or the Poly doesn't come close to what they serve at the GF. At the GF they put out 4 or 5 types of pastries for breakfast, as well as bagels, ham, cheese, two kinds of yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, fresh fruit and so on. A much bigger selection.

Jungle Cruiser, you've just eloquently confirmed my fears of the KKC and now I feel really guilty about having canceled our RPC reservation. May I ask why you re-booked BC, but not RPC?

If cost were not an issue, which CL would you book, taking into consideration the view, the room, the CL service and the lounge offerings.

Thank you

What you described about the Poly CL offerings is exactly what worries me. After staying RPC, I'm afraid nothing else will compare. RPC offerings were fabulous, IMO.......breakfast had ALOT to choose from and the evening offerings were just as good....and the CMs were top notch . I can only compare to WL CL, and it's been awhile since we've stayed there (2004), but from what I remember, that was great.....we had an awesome stay and loved CL there. Wonder if that's still the same . We love the Poly and I have been wanting to try CL, but I can't help but think of spending that much money and being disappointed. Thanks for your input.

I would love it if you could answer the same question I posed to Jungle Cruiser above (and anyone else!)

Last month when I was staying Club Level at the Boardwalk Inn and was getting some food during the 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM time frame, I overheard this Woman behind me saying to someone with her that their selection isn't as great compared to the Grand Floridian. Now I am not sure if she meant that the way you both described or in a OMG their food offerings are horrible compared to what the Grand Floridian has.

Since she said that the "selection" wasn't as great, and not the food or quality, I'm sure she meant that they don't have as much variety as RPC. And that would be consistent with everything I've read: RPC offers more food throughout the day than any other CL. For those who have stayed RPC and other CLs, would you say this is accurate?

Hey folks. Last time I was at the CR CL there was a fantastic CM named Janet. Does anyone know if she is still there? Thanks

I was last there 8-10 and I don't recall. If you don't get an answer here, you might also want to post your question to the CR Resort Info. thread.

This was precisely our experience at the Poly CL. We're in the lounge quite a bit when we stay CL, and the vast majority of the time during our Poly stay there wasn't even one CM there. (Compare that to BWI CL, where there was always at least two CMs in the lounge, often three.) And if we did happen to see a CM and ask a question, they always acted so harried & put out. What would keep them so busy, I don't know, because it clearly wasn't helping guests.

That's reason enough right there for us not to choose the KKC. Like you, we're in the lounge quite a bit, and that kind of service would be very disappointing to us. Thanks for posting your experience, bowbat and I'd love to read your response to my question to Jungle Cruiser!

 

[pas130]

I would love it if you could answer the same question I posed to Jungle Cruiser above (and anyone else!)


That's reason enough right there for us not to choose the KKC. Like you, we're in the lounge quite a bit, and that kind of service would be very disappointing to us. Thanks for posting your experience, bowbat and I'd love to read your response to my question to Jungle Cruiser!

You know I TOTALLY get why you didn't keep your RPC reservation.

I am a wee bit nervous about the Poly CL, HOWEVER I know we will love the Poly, so it's all good. I am worried about a letdown going from BWI to Poly.

I have stayed AKL, YC, and Sugarloaf.

SL by far had the most plentiful offerings and the nicest CMs. We were treated wonderfully....since they share with RPC, I would assume RPC is the same.....but I know our friends here can help confirm that...

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hey folks. Last time I was at the CR CL there was a fantastic CM named Janet. Does anyone know if she is still there? Thanks

Everytime I have stayed Club Level at the Contemporary which was starting back in May 1998 I remember seeing Janet back then, so yes she is still working there.

However a couple of years ago she mentioned to us she now works in the Lobby Concierge of the Contemporary desk and is sometimes the Cast Member who will bring you up to the 12th or 14th floor when you arrive. There have been the odd times when she would work inside the lounge when she needed to replace a Cast Member that wasn't able to be there on a specifc day.

 

[bowbat]

If cost were not an issue, which CL would you book, taking into consideration the view, the room, the CL service and the lounge offerings.

Thank you

Okay, I just starting typing out a master's thesis in response to this, but the gist of it is: I don't know yet.

We've stayed CL at CR, Poly, and BWI. Of those, BWI is my favorite, but we want to try a few more before we decide for good. We'll be at GF next month and AKL in April, and I also want to try YC. We also weren't on CL when we stayed WL, so I'd like to try that, too (although I'm waiting until the rumored renovations take place).

I will say, though, regarding Poly, that the lack of CMs probably wouldn't have bothered me so much on an otherwise-great trip, but there were all sorts of little gripes we had with our stay that added up to a not-so-great time (2nd floor room/no balcony, continuous loud noise from "quiet pool" renovation, rain, crowds, etc.).

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I think one reason for the lack of Club Level Cast Members at the Polynesian is this. They have one set that works in the Hawaii Longhouse entrance that do check-in, make ADR's and etc. Then the another set work in the kitchen area making the food and are also responsible for keeping the tables clean. At least that's my view having already stayed Club Level at the Polynesian, so would others who stayed there agree or disagree with that?

 

[sunnygal041]

Everytime I have stayed Club Level at the Contemporary which was starting back in May 1998 I remember seeing Janet back then, so yes she is still working there.

However a couple of years ago she mentioned to us she now works in the Lobby Concierge of the Contemporary desk and is sometimes the Cast Member who will bring you up to the 12th or 14th floor when you arrive. There have been the odd times when she would work inside the lounge when she needed to replace a Cast Member that wasn't able to be there on a specifc day.

Thanks! Glad to hear that she is still around, very nice gal!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks! Glad to hear that she is still around, very nice gal!

You're welcome and it's to bad she decided to no longer work full time in the lounge, because it was nice seeing a familar face and since the Contemporary is always having new Cast Members work in the lounges it's harder to make connections with them.

 

[WDWKOOK]

You know I TOTALLY get why you didn't keep your RPC reservation.

I am a wee bit nervous about the Poly CL, HOWEVER I know we will love the Poly, so it's all good. I am worried about a letdown going from BWI to Poly.

I have stayed AKL, YC, and Sugarloaf.

SL by far had the most plentiful offerings and the nicest CMs. We were treated wonderfully....since they share with RPC, I would assume RPC is the same.....but I know our friends here can help confirm that...

Yeah, I know you get it - you've been there and done that, too

Weren't you upgraded to suites at AKL and YC? I know from personal upgrade experience, that being upgraded to a suite can skew your opinion a tad. It's hard to be absolutely unbiased when you've received a wonderful upgrade. So I have to think about that when I seem to be getting REALLY enthusiastic about WL/CL.

Okay, I just starting typing out a master's thesis in response to this, but the gist of it is: I don't know yet.

We've stayed CL at CR, Poly, and BWI. Of those, BWI is my favorite, but we want to try a few more before we decide for good. We'll be at GF next month and AKL in April, and I also want to try YC. We also weren't on CL when we stayed WL, so I'd like to try that, too (although I'm waiting until the rumored renovations take place).

I will say, though, regarding Poly, that the lack of CMs probably wouldn't have bothered me so much on an otherwise-great trip, but there were all sorts of little gripes we had with our stay that added up to a not-so-great time (2nd floor room/no balcony, continuous loud noise from "quiet pool" renovation, rain, crowds, etc.).

I'd love to read your thesis defense! I like having TONS of info. before making decisions so I don't mind info. overload.

BTW, the WL rehab isn't a rumor, but the start date did change from 2-12 to 4-15-12. I'll get another update from the CL Manager in about 70 days

I think one reason for the lack of Club Level Cast Members at the Polynesian is this. They have one set that works in the Hawaii Longhouse entrance that do check-in, make ADR's and etc. Then the another set work in the kitchen area making the food and are also responsible for keeping the tables clean. At least that's my view having already stayed Club Level at the Polynesian, so would others who stayed there agree or disagree with that?

And, do they also share the staff with the Tonga Suites (CL) until 5?

 

[mickeynut1]

Last month when I was staying Club Level at the Boardwalk Inn and was getting some food during the 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM time frame, I overheard this Woman behind me saying to someone with her that their selection isn't as great compared to the Grand Floridian. Now I am not sure if she meant that the way you both described or in a OMG their food offerings are horrible compared to what the Grand Floridian has.

I think she probably meant that the offerings were more plentiful in RPC than BWI CL and not the quality of the food. I have read nothing but rave reviews of BWI CL, so I'm sure the offerings are great, otherwise I don't think there would be so many great reviews .

Small world - good one!

I "de-booked" our RPC reservation for our 25th anniversary this summer precisely because of what I've been calling the DVCRPC construction view. I had booked a Deluxe room and they only have either a lagoon or courtyard view and we just love water views so I requested LV. But, then I got those cold feet again and worried that the view would be of the DVC construction and I canceled. We've yet to stay at the GF and I thought the RPC would be perfect as part of a split stay for our anniversary, but paying such a premium for an undesirable view or room that needs updating/repair, scared me. DH loves great food on vacation and I have heard nothing but praise for the RPC lounge offerings and I know that DH would be thrilled, but I'm still scared to stay there. I think you and I have some resort CL phobias!

WL CL has never disappointed us so we keep re-booking it. The value is there and theming and the level of service and the lounge seating area is just perfect for us. Yes, the rooms are smaller and it's not directly on the monorail line, but we appreciate a great CL and they have one.

If cost were not an issue, which CL would you book, taking into consideration the view, the room, the CL service and the lounge offerings.

Thank you


I would love it if you could answer the same question I posed to Jungle Cruiser above (and anyone else!)

That's reason enough right there for us not to choose the KKC. Like you, we're in the lounge quite a bit, and that kind of service would be very disappointing to us. Thanks for posting your experience, bowbat and I'd love to read your response to my question to Jungle Cruiser!

LOL on the "small world"......I didn't even realize that when I typed it .

Our July trip is for our 20th anniversary and our oldest DS's high school graduation and I, too, thought RPC would be great for that. But my favorite room views are the ones that overlook the beach pool with the Poly in the background, which is now a view of DVC construction . The construction itself wouldn't bother me being out and about around the resort, but I know it wouldn't be the prettiest thing to look at from my balcony in the morning (or any other time of day) . I agree about the CL phobias.....it's not cheap to stay CL at any resort, but when I do, I don't want to have a mediocre experience.

That is good to hear about WL CL. Our stay in 2004 was awesome. Some people don't like the lounge and how seating is around the railing, but I think that makes for a unique set up. I love sitting and watching the goings on down in the lobby .

To answer your question about which CL I would book, I think GF RPC is the best; although, I've only stayed there, SL, and WL CL (so not much to compare). But I think RPC is awesome.....the food is great and very plentiful throughout the day, the lounge is spacious, and the CMs, IMO, are top notch . With that said, I would like to try other CLs not only for comparison, but we love trying different resorts .

We also weren't on CL when we stayed WL, so I'd like to try that, too (although I'm waiting until the rumored renovations take place).

This is my thinking too. We've stayed at the WL twice (courtyard view once, CL once) and I'm wanting to wait to stay there again until the renovations are over. We just love the WL, but the last time I stayed there (2010), I could tell it was in need of a refurb......but even without it, it's still an amazing resort .