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

[mickeynut1]

Just wanted to let you know we decided NOT to book WL CL as I was concerned about the renovation noise. We went for GF Sugarloaf instead, for a very short (2 nights) trip.

I really didn't expect DH to like a particular resort so much to want to return to it again (stayed here 2 nights in March this year). I was pleasantly surprised when we met a CM on the grounds who asked us how our stay was going and DH replied "I want to live here!" He is already showing interest in staying at RPC some time. I never thought I would see it happen.

Thanks for your review. Glad you had a nice stay at the GF and enjoyed SL . That's great that your DH is showing interest in staying RPC. We've stayed both SL and RPC and RPC is amazing......the CMs are awesome and it's such a different experience staying in the main building .

 

[disneydreamin247]

Just wanted to let you know we decided NOT to book WL CL as I was concerned about the renovation noise. We went for GF Sugarloaf instead, for a very short (2 nights) trip.

I did online check-in where I entered my cc details and also our arrival time (noon). It does say in the online check-in directions that you should proceed to the online check-in desk so I was not sure what to expect. Well we arrived at 1.30pm, and were met by a CM who walked us to Sugarloaf, directly to our room, no stopping at any desks anywhere. On the way he gave the standard tour speech about the resort and the CL amenities. We signed the papers in the room and the whole thing from the car took less than 10 min. I didn't even need to sit down.

I also emailed the IPO separately giving them our arrival time (I had ADR's to book), so not sure if this is a factor. But the check in was so quick I think I'll do online check-in again next time (if staying CL).

We requested a high floor and were assigned a 3rd floor room with no room above us - so we got that high ceiling which I love as it makes the room seem so much more spacious. We had a nice quiet view of the marina. I also like SL for the location near the Mousekeepers Club, it's just out the back door.

The lounge was very crowded on our first night, but table turnover was quick. I noticed they stepped up the table bussing during this time, someone was always actively patrolling to clear plates and clean the tables. The second day was much less busy though. Food was delicious and plentiful. My DH commented how much more relaxed he feels at GF than BWI (the only other CL we have tried) - I think it's because the food is replenished so quickly and the variety so plentiful at GF that he doesn't feel he has to wait for anything, unlike the BW they tend to be slower. I don't mean this to say they are slow at BW, but the staff at Sugarloaf is just quicker and more alert, refilling food, glasses, napkins, coffeepots, etc. at almost marathon pace, even as I noticed they were training new CMs as they did so. I guess could say BW is more sedate, which in a way is more relaxing and club like. Sugarloaf is almost cafeteria paced, although this did not bother me.

I really appreciated the juice and water we could grab on our way in or out. Some kids were refilling water bottles which I thought was a good idea. This is the first trip I did not pack any snacks for DD5, so I really liked being able to grab that cookie or banana for her snack.

I really didn't expect DH to like a particular resort so much to want to return to it again (stayed here 2 nights in March this year). I was pleasantly surprised when we met a CM on the grounds who asked us how our stay was going and DH replied "I want to live here!" He is already showing interest in staying at RPC some time. I never thought I would see it happen.

One last thing I noticed is how there are more younger people on the staff now. From the person who greeted us, the CMs at the lounge service and also the CMs at the desk. I rather like it.

I had the same check in experience and I didn't do online check in.

 

[mmmears]

I had the same check in experience and I didn't do online check in.

I'm starting to wonder if the check-in time just depends on the CM that you get (so luck of the draw there). We've had speedy check-ins and slow ones, but haven't ever tried the on-line part. Sometimes I just want to say, "Yes I know where we are going, how to get there, and I have my ADRs all made -- can I just go???"

 

[chabs]

Thinking about staying at AKL CL over the 4th of July. I can't figure out where the lounge is on the map? Also, I've read that the lounge is on a different floor-can anyone explain how far away we might be? We are used to staying WL CL, but I wanted to try something different this year, but I am worried that we might not like it. We tried the YC CL last year and hated it, ended up moving over the WL CL in the middle of our trip. Don't want to do that this year.

Also-does anyone know if the AK lounge has those big pitchers of chocolate milk like the WL lounge does (if not, may be a deal breaker for the kids).

 

[mmmears]

Thinking about staying at AKL CL over the 4th of July. I can't figure out where the lounge is on the map? Also, I've read that the lounge is on a different floor-can anyone explain how far away we might be? We are used to staying WL CL, but I wanted to try something different this year, but I am worried that we might not like it. We tried the YC CL last year and hated it, ended up moving over the WL CL in the middle of our trip. Don't want to do that this year.

Also-does anyone know if the AK lounge has those big pitchers of chocolate milk like the WL lounge does (if not, may be a deal breaker for the kids).

The AKL lounge is on the 6th floor, right above the main entrance to the resort. (You can't find it on the AKL map). There are photos of it on this thread and on the CL Photo thread. It's very airy and spacious and overlooks the main lobby.

The AKL CL rooms are on the 4th floor, on the Kudu and Zebra trails, overlooking the Arusha Savanna. It is a walk to the lounge, but my family thinks it's nice enough that we don't mind.

I don't know what you didn't like about YC CL so I can't do a comparison for you, but the AKL lounge is much larger than the one at the YC. I'm about to go back and we are doing an AKL/YC split, both CL. AKL CL is really nice (our favorites are AKL and GF RPC). If you have a strong preference for WL, though, it may be that none of the resorts will match it in your eyes. They are all really different from one another, IMO.

I don't recall big pitchers of chocolate milk, but you'd have to check with the hotel to be sure. I do remember they had chocolate milk, plus you can make incredible hot cocoa using the espresso machine up there...

I hope this helps!

 

[baler31]

I'm starting to wonder if the check-in time just depends on the CM that you get (so luck of the draw there). We've had speedy check-ins and slow ones, but haven't ever tried the on-line part. Sometimes I just want to say, "Yes I know where we are going, how to get there, and I have my ADRs all made -- can I just go???"

Over many CL visits we have found this to be true. Although we usually don't get the whole spiel as they must have some notation that we have been many times before so that usually does speed it up. I have a feeling the regular check in is about the same in terms of speed being related to "luck of the draw" with regards to which CM you get.

 

[chabs]

The AKL lounge is on the 6th floor, right above the main entrance to the resort. (You can't find it on the AKL map). There are photos of it on this thread and on the CL Photo thread. It's very airy and spacious and overlooks the main lobby.

The AKL CL rooms are on the 4th floor, on the Kudu and Zebra trails, overlooking the Arusha Savanna. It is a walk to the lounge, but my family thinks it's nice enough that we don't mind.

I don't know what you didn't like about YC CL so I can't do a comparison for you, but the AKL lounge is much larger than the one at the YC. I'm about to go back and we are doing an AKL/YC split, both CL. AKL CL is really nice (our favorites are AKL and GF RPC). If you have a strong preference for WL, though, it may be that none of the resorts will match it in your eyes. They are all really different from one another, IMO.

I don't recall big pitchers of chocolate milk, but you'd have to check with the hotel to be sure. I do remember they had chocolate milk, plus you can make incredible hot cocoa using the espresso machine up there...

I hope this helps!

Thanks! So, none of the rooms are on the 6th floor at all? We didn't like the YC CL last summer because the food was always wiped out, tables were always dirty, no place to sit, etc. Thought the employees were rude too. Too much work to try to get food for all of us at one time and just not for us. We love the WL and have never had any bad experiences there. I want to try something new but I'm afraid that we won't like it again. Also thinking about the Poly, but can't make up my mind.

 

[VAfamily1998]

Dumb question but...

I see in the first post that you should email the IPO after getting your reservation confirmation...

I just booked our reservation for our September stay, so we are already less than 180 days out...
I'm still not 100% sure of what ADRs we would like, but at this point is there any benefit to having the concierge make them for me, as opposed to making them myself...I mean, do they have special access where they could get me in somewhere I couldn't myself?

If I do plan to just make all my own ADRs, is there still a point of emailing the IPO? Is it good to just "introduce myself" and if so, when should I do that?

I am traveling with my brother (he's 35 and his one and only previous trip was when he was 7!). I've been reading a few reviews of YC on other sites, and one mentioned that she requested a room with 2 Queen beds and only got 1!
I'm a little concerned that whoever assigns rooms might assume my brother and I are a couple and only give us one bed--even though we booked two!

I guess I was thinking that if I just "introduced myself" I could mention that the man traveling with me is my brother, so that wouldn't happen. Also, when I made the reservation I only gave them my phone number--but should they have his too? We will be flying in separately from different states so it's possible we will come in at very different times.

Thanks for any insight!

 

[MartyM]

I always use a TA and sometimes I hear from IPO, sometimes I don't. If they contact her, she always forwards me the link.

Since you have a reservation, feel free to contact IPO directly, using the WL IPO address. They will be able to help you with checking the Cali Grille ADR.

I wanted to let everyone know that I emailed the WL IPO, got the robo-email within about 10 miutes, and was called on the phone (which i missed) and emailed back by a real person within 1 hour to let me know that I'd have to put my CC info on file for resi's at CG and the like.

I called my CC info in at about 5 yesterday and by 10 am this morning I had an email confirming my 7:40 PM dinner at California Grill on 10/28. Color me grateful, pleased and surprised. I'd been trying to get a resi around that time for 3 weeks.

Of course, YMMV

 

[mmmears]

Thanks! So, none of the rooms are on the 6th floor at all? We didn't like the YC CL last summer because the food was always wiped out, tables were always dirty, no place to sit, etc. Thought the employees were rude too. Too much work to try to get food for all of us at one time and just not for us. We love the WL and have never had any bad experiences there. I want to try something new but I'm afraid that we won't like it again. Also thinking about the Poly, but can't make up my mind.

The only rooms that are on the 6th floor are now DVC villas.

The AKL lounge is much larger than the one at the YC -- we didn't have any trouble finding a place to sit during our previous stays.

The Poly lounge is quite large with a nice view of the castle. I prefer the food at AKL, but many people love the food at the Poly.

 

[bowbat]

Dumb question but...

I see in the first post that you should email the IPO after getting your reservation confirmation...

I just booked our reservation for our September stay, so we are already less than 180 days out...
I'm still not 100% sure of what ADRs we would like, but at this point is there any benefit to having the concierge make them for me, as opposed to making them myself...I mean, do they have special access where they could get me in somewhere I couldn't myself?

If I do plan to just make all my own ADRs, is there still a point of emailing the IPO? Is it good to just "introduce myself" and if so, when should I do that?

I am traveling with my brother (he's 35 and his one and only previous trip was when he was 7!). I've been reading a few reviews of YC on other sites, and one mentioned that she requested a room with 2 Queen beds and only got 1!
I'm a little concerned that whoever assigns rooms might assume my brother and I are a couple and only give us one bed--even though we booked two!

I guess I was thinking that if I just "introduced myself" I could mention that the man traveling with me is my brother, so that wouldn't happen. Also, when I made the reservation I only gave them my phone number--but should they have his too? We will be flying in separately from different states so it's possible we will come in at very different times.

Thanks for any insight!

If you just booked, you'll probably get an email from IPO within a week. Otherwise, even if you're doing your ADRs yourself, you can email them with your reservation number & let them know your approximate arrival time & method of travel, the people in your travel party (that's where you can mention that he's your brother), any celebrations during your stay, and any room requests ("two queen beds, please" and whatever else). You can also let them know what ADRs you've booked for yourself, so they can make a note of them.

The main reason to use IPO to make your ADRs is so you don't have to bother with it yourself. Just let them know what you want, and they'll take care of it for you. However, some people things themselves, and that's fine, too. If you have trouble getting an ADR you want on your own, though, you can always ask them to try for you. They don't really have "special access," but they do seem to be able to check more frequently, so if something is initially not available but opens up later, they'd probably have better luck getting it for you.

 

[VAfamily1998]

If you just booked, you'll probably get an email from IPO within a week. Otherwise, even if you're doing your ADRs yourself, you can email them with your reservation number & let them know your approximate arrival time & method of travel, the people in your travel party (that's where you can mention that he's your brother), any celebrations during your stay, and any room requests ("two queen beds, please" and whatever else). You can also let them know what ADRs you've booked for yourself, so they can make a note of them.

The main reason to use IPO to make your ADRs is so you don't have to bother with it yourself. Just let them know what you want, and they'll take care of it for you. However, some people things themselves, and that's fine, too. If you have trouble getting an ADR you want on your own, though, you can always ask them to try for you. They don't really have "special access," but they do seem to be able to check more frequently, so if something is initially not available but opens up later, they'd probably have better luck getting it for you.

Thanks!

yeah, as I look at my reservation online, it only lists the room type as CL standard view--no mention of what type of bed. Also, even though I gave the CM my brothers address, it only lists my address for both of us...so it probably looks like we live together (and thus, probably a "couple") I'm just waiting for my brother to give me his flight info and then I'll send the email with everything.

Thanks for the help!

 

[mmmears]

Yet another twist on the "should I do online check-in for my CL reservation" conversation...

In the past I was told not to, that there was no need, whenever I asked the IPO office.

Today I was told that it would be better to do it. The CM said it was a definite change in their recommendations (he is the one who advised me against it in the past).

So at the advice of the IPO CM, I did do the online check-in for our upcoming stays at the YC and AKL. Hopefully everything will go smoothly...

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Yet another twist on the "should I do online check-in for my CL reservation" conversation...

In the past I was told not to, that there was no need, whenever I asked the IPO office.

Today I was told that it would be better to do it. The CM said it was a definite change in their recommendations (he is the one who advised me against it in the past).

So at the advice of the IPO CM, I did do the online check-in for our upcoming stays at the YC and AKL. Hopefully everything will go smoothly...

That's good to hear!

 

[Sue M]

Yet another twist on the "should I do online check-in for my CL reservation" conversation...

In the past I was told not to, that there was no need, whenever I asked the IPO office.

Today I was told that it would be better to do it. The CM said it was a definite change in their recommendations (he is the one who advised me against it in the past).

So at the advice of the IPO CM, I did do the online check-in for our upcoming stays at the YC and AKL. Hopefully everything will go smoothly...

You'll have to post how it went. I've never done online check in. Nevere felt the need ESP if I have specific room requests.

 

[Sue M]

We are splitting our 12 night AKL stay 6 nights pool view & 6 nights CL. For convinence of room transfer I'd like my pool view room to be on 4th floor, then my CL Arusha sav room to also be on Zebra trail (not Kudu)
Is this something I can ask IPO to help arrange?

 

[Sue M]

Anyone have any opinions on new H2O products? Particularily the shampoo & conditioner ?

Are the CL AKL products any different?

 

[bluejasmine]

Yet another twist on the "should I do online check-in for my CL reservation" conversation...

In the past I was told not to, that there was no need, whenever I asked the IPO office.

Today I was told that it would be better to do it. The CM said it was a definite change in their recommendations (he is the one who advised me against it in the past).

So at the advice of the IPO CM, I did do the online check-in for our upcoming stays at the YC and AKL. Hopefully everything will go smoothly...

I know right! I was always told the same thing but this yr twice I was told by IPO to do it, BUT the reason they told me to do it is we are arriving early, like between 7 and 730 am which I will try and wait to 730 so that curbside can escort us to the GF SL building..

 

[chimo2u]

I'm a little worried to do online checkin--- especially staying club level, I like the personal touch of doing check in at the lounge desk, and I think I like the ability to talk to a person face to face in the event a room request may be able to be arranged if it was overlooked, etc.... I don't think I'll be using the online checkin for our POLY CL stay in Sept....I think I'll just be sticking to the old way and hoping it turns out well

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I'm a little worried to do online checkin--- especially staying club level, I like the personal touch of doing check in at the lounge desk, and I think I like the ability to talk to a person face to face in the event a room request may be able to be arranged if it was overlooked, etc.... I don't think I'll be using the online checkin for our POLY CL stay in Sept....I think I'll just be sticking to the old way and hoping it turns out well

We didn't do on-line check in for our upcoming trip either for the reasons you mentioned.